Hartford is proud to kick-off its 375th Anniversary Celebration--- a year-long salute to one of Connecticut’s --- and America’s--- original cities. This ceremony at Connecticut’s Old State House marked the unveiling of the “Hartford 375” logo--- something City residents, workers, and visitors alike will see more and more of in the coming months.
Starting with a procession, complete with Police Honor Guard and Mounted Patrol, banners, and representatives of the three original river towns of Wethersfield, Windsor, and Hartford--- the Artists Collective African Connection and Peter “P-Boogie” Reynolds performed a drum call to order.
The Reverend Thomas Hooker (portrayed by Kyle Brand from the University of Hartford) welcomed the crowd on the East Lawn of the Old State House that was decorated with banners and balloons and then introduced Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez.
Mayor Perez said, “Hartford is proud of its historic past and its promising future. It is symbolized by our Thomas Hooker and Saint Joseph’s College Blue Jay (portrayed by Gianna Gurga). St. Joe’s is opening its pharmacy school at Hartford 21. We can look forward to a series of events that will bring people together and bring people to Hartford.”
Events will be announced throughout the year but marquee ones to look for already are Riverfront Recaptures Fireworks Celebration on July 10th and the Hooker Day Parade on October 23rd. Hartford 375 events will coincide with other major organizations that are celebrating milestones this year and complement the State of Connecticut’s 375th Celebration.
The ceremony was topped off with 375 miniature free donuts from Tastease, a local Hartford bakery, as well as t-shirts and buttons for the crowd. Folks were also invited to rediscover more about Hartford’s history by touring the Connecticut Old State House.
