Happy Birthday, Calvert City

By Cassie Johnson

At the north end of Kentucky Lake in Marshall County is the unique town of Calvert City. It’s got a big birthday coming up and now’s the time to plan your visit. With 150 events and a special weekend-long celebration, Calvert City celebrates its founding 150 years ago!

It would be hard to fit 150 years’ worth of fun into just one weekend. The City has planned a dynamic yearlong celebration that will embrace the city’s roots and focus on the great future ahead.

“150 Calvert City is an opportunity to highlight the community and businesses that are a huge part of our wonderful town,” said Blair Travis, Calvert City’s Director of Marketing, Communications, and Business Development. “Our businesses have collaborated to volunteer, plan events, and so much more.”

“We’re celebrating the sesquicentennial throughout 2021 with 150 events and projects. They will be the impetus to revitalize Calvert City and improve it for all residents. From planting trees to highlighting our local businesses, 150 Calvert City’s message sparks civic engagement and pride.”

Organizing 150 events to celebrate 150 years requires support from everyone. Due to the pandemic, many of the events are virtual and online. Activities such as free yoga in the park, history projects, a local author book reading, a free fishing day, a city-wide yard sale, and window gardening classes have filled the city’s calendar from February through the end of the year.

Throughout 2021 businesses and organizations are being encouraged to use their creativity and host events with community involvement in mind. Each event has been planned with safety as the number one priority and extra precautions have been taken. Rest assured, it’s safe to join the fun and you do not want to miss this party!

July 1–4 are jam-packed with fun ways to celebrate. The Sesquicentennial Ball will kick off the events on July 1. From July 2–4, Calvert City Memorial Park will host a carnival and food trucks, as well as arts and crafts. Many different live, local bands will perform at the Memorial Park Amphitheater. Nationally-known musicians Rhonda Vincent and The Rage will perform on the evening of July 3. On July 4, there will be an old-fashioned fiddler’s contest, a corn hole tournament, and an ice cream social. At 6pm the City Parade will take over 5th Avenue, and the night will wrap up with fireworks at 9pm. You can view the full schedule of events at 150calvertcity.com and click on the EVENTS tab.

Calvert City was founded as a station on the Paducah and Elizabethtown Railroad. The town was named after Potilla W. Calvert, who owned the land at the time. In 1871, it was officially incorporated as Calvert City. It has come a long way from the days as a railroad depot and is now a nationally recognized city for industrial plants, employing residents from all over western Kentucky and even southern Illinois. “This is an opportunity for residents to celebrate the pride and vision of our founder, Potilla Calvert, and to show admiration for those influential families that continue to keep Calvert City moving forward,” Travis said. “Calvert City is a great place to live, work, and visit. Our residents are full of grit, determination, and pride in our community. Our 150th celebration is a great time to celebrate the change-makers who shaped our city into what it is today.” Become a Sponsor or a Volunteer

150 Calvert City is supported by the City of Calvert City, Calvert Area Development Association, and generous contributions from Calvert City residents, businesses, and organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are still available to recognize those who are helping to present this once-in-a-lifetime event. Visit 150calvertcity.com and click on the sponsorships tab for more information. Many volunteers will also be needed to help make the celebration a success. Go to the volunteer tab on the website to see how you can lend a helping hand. Subscribe to the 150 Calvert City e-mail list for updates about events, opportunities, fundraising, and more. Follow them on social media and use #150CalvertCity to join in on the conversation. 