Much to celebrate for Wilbraham in 2013

WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Preparations were underway early Monday morning for a first-of-its-kind celebration. The town of Wilbraham will hold its first-ever “ First Night” celebration, to mark not only the beginning of a new year, but also a major historical milestone.

2013 marks 250 years since the founding of the town, which has grown from a farming village into a suburban community of more than 14,000.

Town residents told 22News that that they have been looking forward to this very special event for some time.

“I think it's amazing, because it's a chance for the community to come together, and for everybody to celebrate what we have,” Tyler Chateauvert of Wilbraham said. “It's just a great way for everybody to have fun.”

Festivities begin at 3:00 P.M.at the Wilbraham and Monson Academy campus, and they will continue on through 8:00 P.M., with a fireworks display at the Academy's Hugh Harrell field off of Main Street.

For a complete list of the events and times, visit wilbraham250.org .