Prattsville celebrating America’s 250th with a note to the future

PRATTSVILLE―A different sort of history could be made when the residents of Prattsville gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America on Saturday, August 29, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Town Green.

The birthday bash features the dedication of a Note to the Future time capsule, kickoff parade and a Prattsville Hose Company “Touch a Truck” event and more.

Citizens are, “invited to write letters, share memories, a drawing, a photo… preserve today’s stories for future generations to discover,” says Town Clerk Theresa Whitworth, the co-organizer with Tax Collector Carole Cangelosi.

Items will be secured in the time capsule and placed beneath a very noticeable rock behind the Town Green gazebo, topped by a plaque extending the invitation to future residents for a 2076 reopening.

“I’m betting I won’t be here for that but this is an important occasion for our country and festive day for Prattsville,” says Town Supervisor Greg Cross.

There are going to be speeches, including one from Cross which, “will be short,” Whitworth vows. It’s a promise that, if fulfilled, will be similarly historic.

Cross would not offer a hint on what his speech will entail but had words of commiseration for whoever is present 50 years from now, saying, “God Bless them when they open this and have to see my mug.”

A respectful flag folding will be performed by Virgil E. Deyo American Legion Post #1327 with Commander Chris Tompkins enclosing Old Glory in the capsule.

Firefighters have created a Kids Fire Academy, an idea stirred by Matthew Cangelosi, the son of Carole Cangelosi and local fire Commissioner Frank Cangelosi.

Matthew Cangelosi grew up in Prattsville and is currently a professional fireman in the city of Albany. The Kids Fire Academy will feature make-believe rescues and an in-the-field obstacle course.

Matthew Cangelosi also serve as musical DJ for what will be a day-long sequence of festivities in addition to the parade, starting at 1 p.m.

There will be as many as 20 vendors, a chance auction/basket raffle, crafts for kids, a balloon folder, a K9 presentation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and more.

Note to the Future is a free event, but any donations will go toward the continuing preservation of Pratt Rock Park.

“We are inviting all residents to be part of our time capsule,” Whitworth says. “Let’s create something today that will inspire tomorrow.”