FAYETTE MAYOR … Mayor Dave Borer agreed to share for a few moments during the party which was held at the Museum of Fulton County to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the town he leads. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Rebecca Miller
With a snowstorm blowing in during the week of January 27, 2023, and a level 2 called for the county on the night of the party, it was great to have 40 people turn out to celebrate the opening of the Fayette Exhibit and the 150th anniversary of Fayette, Ohio.
The party which was given by the Museum of Fulton County, located on St. Rt. 108, across from the Fulton County Fairgrounds, was a success, according to Kate Huiskens, Marketing and Events Manager.
WTOL was present for the fete and interviewed Colleen Rufenacht, a Fayette Historian. They recorded her speaking about the history of Fayette for about five minutes and then asked for her take on the new exhibit.
“That was the 20 second line that went on the news that night,” Rufenacht said with a chuckle in a phone interview, adding, “I said it is a beautiful display sharing Fayette’s rich history of 150 years and it is well worth the time to go and see it with your family, and it is!”
Fayette Mayor Dave Borer took the microphone for a few minutes to share a speech as well, was interviewed by WTOL and greeted guests who stopped by for the party.
“Guests enjoyed being the first to view the Fayette exhibit and learned a lot about the history of the village,” Huiskens said.
The sumptuous celebration table was set with cheese, wine, cake, and pie with the popcorn machine adding its deliciousness to that evening.
The next day for the open house, which was held from 10-4 along with the new exhibit dedicated to Fayette, the table held a platter of cookies with bowls of frosting so everyone could decorate their own cookie.
The popcorn machine was again busy filling the area with a delightful smell that could not be resisted. There was a good turnout on Saturday for the open house, Huiskens said, with a mixture of families, young couples and seniors spending time during their weekend to enjoy some local history.
The exhibit will be ongoing and prices are very affordable for a great outing with friends or family. Adults – 16 and over – $8; Seniors – 60 and over – $7; Children – ages 6-15 $3 and Children under 6 are free.
Rufenacht, who was there at the party on Friday night representing the Bean Creek Valley History Center in Fayette is also a member of Fayette Community Development Corporation (CDC) and is the committee head for another 150th party she said will be held in August in Fayette.
She hopes that many will turn out on August 12th as they hold that party on the second Saturday in August. It will be separate from the well-known Bull Thistle Festival, which is always held on the first weekend of August.
The party will be at the school from 10-3, with dignitaries there to speak, and a big birthday cake to eat.
There will be a free will donation meal, historical displays, games for kids, an old-time photo booth and more.
Rufenacht added that in Fayette, they “celebrate Fayette’s history every day at the Bean Creek Valley History Center, located at 118 S. Main St.”
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com