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LEDYARD - This little town of about 150 is prepared to pull out all the stops for its 125th anniversary this weekend.

The committee planning the three-day celebration started working on the party nearly two years ago.

"Most of our money was raised by doing fund-raisers," said Lloyd Eichenberger. "We were pretty successful."

Many of their ideas for activities came from the 1984 centennial celebration, but don't expect a repeat of the same celebration.

"We did concentrate on a lot of the history for the centennial," said Jerry Clark, president of the committee. "But this time, it's all about fun."

Instead of looking toward the past, the people of Ledyard are looking at the present and how the community is still standing strong today.

"We're known as friendly and a community that sticks together," said Pam Karels. "It's a place you can't go down the street without someone smiling and waving hello to you."

The town still accomplishes quite a bit through the Farmers Business Association, which has a role in the 125th anniversary.

"We donate time and money for community projects whenever it's needed," said Justin Ellsworth of the FBA.

The biggest concentration in pulling off a successful 125th anniversary? According to the townspeople, it's bringing back former residents and school alumni.

"We are hosting an all-school reunion, and we're expecting a big crowd with that," Eichenberger said.

There will be dances both Friday and Saturday evenings. A street dance will be Friday on Main Street, while the Johnny Holm Band will perform Saturday at the band shell.

"We had some private donations that helped bring the Johnny Holm Band here," Eichenberger said.

To pull off this party of 125 years, Ledyard also is receiving volunteer support from neighboring communities.

"People say, 'It's only a few weeks until the 125th for Ledyard? It will get done,'" Eichenberger said.

Along with volunteers, supplies and advice, some communities are helping in other ways.

"The town of Elmore actually canceled their festival this summer because it was falling at the same time as the anniversary - not just postponed, but canceled to help us out," Clark said.

And neighboring communities are planning to join in the Ledyard fun.

"Bancroft is bringing in some of their residents from the rest home," Eichenberger said.

So that everyone can get around, some volunteers will be running golf carts to help with transportation.

"Fun will be had by all," Clark said. "We're concentrating on good times for all.

"If they can't have a good time here, then they aren't capable of having a good time," he added with a laugh.

LEDYARD 125th

ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE

Friday, July 17

o Tractor tour at 7:30 a.m.,

o Rosary breakfast at Sacred Heart,

o Ledyard Historical Display - Ledyard Community Building,

o Volleyball/Kickball tournaments at school park,

o Kiddie Parade, 6 p.m. on Main Street,

o Time capsule opening from centennial celebration at 6:30 p.m.

o "Ledyard's Got Talent" talent show, 7 p.m. band shell,

o Main Street street dance at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 18

o Fun run at 7 a.m.,

o Ledyard Historical Display at Ledyard community building,

o Volleyball/Kickball tournaments at school park,

o Parade at 10 a.m.,

o Kiddie games available after parade,

o Stamp cancellation at 1 p.m.,

o BINGO at Ledyard Community Building,

o Sisters' silent auction at 2 p.m.,

o Kiddie tractor pull at 3 p.m.,

o Bull ride,

o Music in the band shell,

o Johnny Holm Band - 9 p.m. at band shell,

o Fireworks - 10 p.m. at school park,

Sunday, July 19

o Ecumenical Service - 10 a.m. at band shell,

o All-school reunion - noon at Ledyard Community Building,

o Tractor Pull at school park.

Souvenirs will be available at Ledyard Community Building.