Clio will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a two-day Quasquicentennial Celebration on July 10 and 11 and everyone is invited to be a part of this historic event.

Mary P. Williams, secretary of Clio’s Historical and Preservation Society (Chaps) said the society’s activities committee has been meeting since early March to plan all the anniversary activities.

“In recognition of our commitment to permanency, adherence to civil government and sense of community pride, Chaps has planned two days of celebration activities,” Williams said. “On Friday night, July 10, we’ll present a musical program at the pavilion at the Clio Fairgrounds, that many people will remember as the old Chitlin’ Jamboree site. Local entertainers will provide a mixed selection of music.”

The musical celebration will be from 6 until 10 p.m. and admission will be free.

“We’ll kick off Saturday’s events with a parade downtown at 9 a.m. and all of those who are interested in joining our queens and local units in the parade are welcome to do so,” Williams said. “We invite public officials, organizations and individuals to join the parade.

“Following the parade, the day’s events will be moved to the Clio Fairgrounds where vendors will have a variety of arts, crafts, food and novelties. Entertainment will be throughout the day and craftsmen will be on site with demonstrations of their work.”

Admission to the fairgrounds will be free. Vendor booths are available for $30. Contact Williams via email, chaps9.11.2014@gmail.com, for booth reservation information.

The climax of the Clio Quasquicentennial Celebration will be the unveiling of a historic marker honoring the 1890 settlers and the longevity of their dreams at 2 p.m. Friday, July 17.

“This date was chosen specifically to correspond with the month and day of Clio’s official incorporation,” Williams said.

The unveiling will be held next to the town mural and near the Governor’s Trail Marker in the downtown area.

“A Founder’s Day tea sponsored by Chaps will follow the unveiling of the historic marker,” Williams said. “A commemorative program booklet will be on sale the day of the unveiling. The booklet will include the history of Clio, its mayors and photographs of the town through the years. It will also include ads from the many supporters of Chaps.”

The Clio Historical and Preservation Society was organized as a non-profit corporation and works for renewed interest in preserving and enriching the Clio area.

“Membership is open to anyone who is interested in working with others to investigate the history of the Clio area and in preserving Clio’s heritage,” Williams said. “Annual membership in Chaps is $10.”

For more information about the Clio Quasquicentennial Celebration, email chaps9.11.2014@gmail.com or contact any member of the Chaps activities committee, the Rev. Randy Adams, Jeffery Baxter, Reba Ivey Brock, Kristy Ivey Garcia, Dana Jettton, Brenda Kelly, Jane Ivey Langford and Mary P. Williams.