A “very tentative” schedule for a year-long celebration ofBrookhaven’s 150th anniversary in 2008 was established Thursdayduring a meeting of the city’s Sesquicentennial Committee.

Early plans under discussion to use the months of 2008 to fastforward Brookhaven through the years were scrapped in order toallow for a schedule that was more convenient for others toparticipate.

Committee members had originally discussed beginning thecelebrations in January with Brookhaven’s roots and ending inDecember in the present day, but such a schedule would provide toomany limits on what types of events could be held when.

Instead, committee members decided to dedicate each month to asegment of Brookhaven’s history.

“I think we have a good skeleton to work with here,” said KayBurton, a member of the committee.

Chairwoman Rita Rich agreed, but stressed the schedule was “verytentative” at this point in the planning.

Celebration events will begin in January with the kickoff event.Although much has yet to be determined on how the kickoff will beaccomplished, committee members hope school children across thecounty will release balloons simultaneously as churches ring bellsand firefighters and other emergency services sound sirens. Thepublic will also be encouraged to make as much noise as possible atthe time by honking horns or shouting.

February is forecast to honor the city’s black history and CivilWar heritage. Events to do so remain sketchy, but battlereenactments are a possibility.

The city’s transportation history will be celebrated in March.The railroad played a key role in the city’s growth and that willbe honored in March. Also, a vehicle display showcasingtransportation from the eras of horse and buggy to the modern willbe held.

April’s Pioneer Days will tie into the existing Lincoln CountyFair. A beard contest begun in January will also end in April witha beard shaving event.

May will honor the city’s war veterans. Events are still beingdetermined, but will likely involve the Military Memorial Museum,committee members said.

Brookhaven’s rich agriculture history will be celebrated in Junewith events recognizing the contributions of the dairy, beef,forestry, timber and other agribusiness to the city’s growth. A hatand bonnet day, with everyone wearing one of the accessories, isalso planned for June.

July will celebrate independence with a special Fourth of Julyevent.

The contribution of the city’s manufacturing and industrial basewill be recognized in August. Committee members hope to involve thelocal industries by asking them to provide tours of theirfacilities during the month.

The sweet notes of bluegrass, blues, gospel and othertraditional music will introduce the Ole Brook Festival to thesesquicentennial celebrations as the city honors its musicalinfluences.

October will honor the city’s educational milestones with theBrookhaven High School Homecoming activities. School art displayswill be presented and alumni achievements will be recognized.

Sesquicentennial celebrations will tie into Founder’s Day inNovember.

December will recognize the Victorian Era of Brookhaven’shistory and the annual Christmas Parade and Tour of Homes willreflect that era.

Committee members were also excited about bringing abouttraditional events no longer held.

“We’re trying to remember some events of years past that bringback fond memories,” Burton said.

A suggestion to revive box lunch dinner auctions drewconsiderable praise by the members.

“You’re reaching way back for that – way back,” said committeemember Bobby J. Watts.

Watts said he thought the box lunch dinner auctions ended in theearly 1950s. It was a popular way to raise money and court girlsback then, he said.

Traditionally, young girls would make a box lunch supper andhold an auction. The boy or relative who bid the most for the lunchwould then get to eat it with the cook.

The committee could not decide when the best time for theauction would be.

Rich suggested reviving the May Day celebrations as well.

“It was so much fun,” she said.

May Day, on May 1, was celebrated in the schools by childrenwrapping and playing around the maypole set in the yard.

The committee said they are also looking for ideas for otherevents and a name to encompass the year-long festivities. Ideas maybe submitted to the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber ofCommerce.