Byron News: Our longtime Byron Days celebration continues

I was looking back over some information from old town council minutes and found an entry that states, “It was moved by Joseph H. NeVille that gas lights be erected on and around the public ground for the 24 of July under the direction of the Town of Byron.”

This was dated 1913.  

For over a hundred years, we have celebrated. In the early days, Lovell, Byron and Cowley celebrated together. Now we spread it out over the summer and share in each other’s unique parties.

We all have a parade because “everyone loves a parade.” In the past, people from businesses, clubs and families would plan and gather to decorate floats. I can remember poking napkins through holes in chicken wire frames to look like flowers. It was time consuming but also an excuse to gather and make noise and dance to music that might annoy the neighbors who went to sleep before the sun goes down.

It was worth the time and effort to have a beautiful design come to fruition and glide down Main Street.

Coming home is part of our celebrations as classes gather to honor their mates and graduating year. This year in Byron, the alumni are gathering. The Byron Eagles numbers are dwindling.  We have 65 coming this year to meet together and reminisce while meeting at Town Hall, which used to be the old school lunchroom for all of us. We share memories and some sorrow for the loss of our friends who have moved on.

The gathering begins on Saturday, July 13, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30. The museum will be open so we can all go look at our pictures and see how young we were once upon a time in Byron High.

There are a lot of activities happening over the weekend beginning with a family carnival and dance Friday night, July 12, at the city park. The food trucks will be up and running, so come enjoy a variety of delicious food you don’t have to cook yourself. Saturday begins with a fun run, so lace up your tennies and run or walk the course in clothing reflecting your favorite decade, or the one you want to have fun mocking.

It takes many willing hands to pull off a celebration, and we thank all who have stepped up to participate behind the scenes. Come and join us. We will end with a bang. Fireworks galore.