Hudson seals memories for 2076 at America250 community picnic

by Judy Stringer

Hudson wrapped up its summer of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, Sept. 6, with a good old-fashioned community picnic on the Clocktower and Gazebo greens. Beginning at 5 p.m., the evening brought residents together for a showcase of local nonprofits, family-friendly activities and a live performance by the Western Reserve Community Band.

Among the evening’s highlights was the collection of items for Hudson’s official America250 time capsule. Community members dropped off postcards, letters, photographs and small flat mementos to be sealed away for future generations. Scheduled to be reopened in 2076 during the nation’s tricentennial, the capsule captured a distinct snapshot of 21st-century Hudson life.

Beyond the time capsule, the picnic offered local food truck fare, hot dogs and sausages served by the Rotary Club of Hudson Clocktower, carnival games, inflatables, a pie-eating contest and a 360-photo booth. The celebration concluded down on the First & Main Green with an outdoor “Screen on the Green” showing of National Treasure.

Preston, 8, and Emerson Byas, 6, coax dad, William, into the cooling water provided by the Hudson Fire Department trucks. Photos by K. Garred.
Three-year-old Stella Barnes stays perfectly still while adding some colorful magic to her face.
Artie Morgan, 3, casts a line with his grandmother, Amy Hulver of Hudson, during the family-friendly festivities.
Hudson Mayor Jeffrey Anzevino reflects on the city’s rich history while addressing the crowd.
Colleen and Bill Kanady of Case-Barlow Farm showcase the farm’s fresh produce and other goodies.
Volunteers grill up hot dogs and sausages for hungry attendees during Hudson’s America250 community picnic on Sunday, Sept. 6.