Saxonburg is celebrating in 2017 the 185th anniversary of the founding of Saxonburg (1832) and the 175th anniversary of John Roebling being granted a U.S. patent for his wire rope process (July 16, 1842). A main activity will be a community celebration on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in recognition of both significant events in the borough’s history.

The July 15, 2017 celebration will include:
• A morning parade with a historical theme (honor guard, Knoch H.S. band and other musical performers, floats, fire equipment, historical cars, farm equipment, and much more)
• An afternoon street party including German music groups and food and other vendors.
• Saxonburg Museum open during the afternoon with a late afternoon reception, and
• A special dinner at Cooper Hall with keynote speaker Roebling historian Clifford Zink who will also sign books at the South Butler Community Library during the afternoon. (Tickets to be sold for the dinner with net proceeds to benefit the Saxonburg Museum)

On Sunday, July 16, churches in the area will include a special prayer for Saxonburg in their services.
Kristian Roebling, the great-great-great-grandson of John Roebling, has accepted an invitation to participate in the celebration weekend of July 15-16, 2017. He will bring his wife and two children. They will participate in the parade and other planned events that weekend.
A “Sister City” delegation from Mühlhausen, Germany, will participate in July 15, 2017, celebrations. John Roebling and his brother traveled from their native Mühlhausen to buy the land that they founded as Saxonburg.

Additional noteworthy anniversaries in 2017 are: John Roebling’s son, Col. Washington Roebling, was born in Saxonburg on May 26, 1837 (180 years) and Col. Washington Roebling last visited Saxonburg in 1867 (150 years); John Roebling’s brother, Carl, who immigrated to Saxonburg with him, died in 1837 and is buried in Saxonburg (180 years); and Hotel Saxonburg was established in 1832 (185 years).

There will be placement of banners on Main Street and print and social media communications to promote the borough’s 185th anniversary throughout the year including special events.
The Saxonburg Area Business Association and Discover Saxonburg are assisting.

For information: Contact Fred Caesar at fcaesar@outlook.com.

Be sure to visit http://www.discoversaxonburg.com to learn more about this incredible small town.