"100 Years Of Progress" Ridge Spring Centennial |
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 Mildred C. Bomar 1982 Ridge Spring Centennial Chairperson |
We recall a great sense of joy and enthusiasm as Mildred Bomar, the first festival chairperson, took hold of the reins to guide the wagon of the pioneer committee to the celebration of one hundred years of incorporation. This group had a vision not only to celebrate, but to form a central tie which would pull the people of the community together. She was honored to serve in this capacity. -- Family of Mildred C. Bomar |
The town of Ridge Spring was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly on December 23, 1882. Mr. Robert Briggs Watson was the first mayor after incorporation.
In 1980, under direction of Mayor Lamar Powell, the Town Hall was moved from the tiny cement block building on the square to the newly remodeled present facility. Surely, it was under the direction of a Supreme Hand which allowed the town clerk, Florence Householder, to find the Town Charter down in a box while packing to move. She realized the 100th anniversary was about to roll around and the mayor agreed that it would be a good time to celebrate the event in some manner.
On September 1, 1981, Mr. B. Wade Nobles became the mayor and he appointed a committee consisting of Jennie Boatwright, Mrs. Sigrid Ceips and Mrs. Edna Watson to organize and develop plans for a centennial celebration the next year.
On April 5th, 1982, the council voted to carry forth the idea with a centennial event. With great foresight, Mayor Nobles expressed his wishes to celebrate the event on a grand scale..."something to bring the town together." He then appointed a steering committee consisting of Mattie Lee Bonnette, Thelma Coleman and David Sawyer, Jr., with Mildred C. Bomar and Walter Davis as co-chairpersons.
The day was a tremendous success with 4500 attending! The groundwork was laid for the years to come. The day included a parade, activities on the Square, historical window displays, a BBQ lunch, a brochure with a map, two road races, hot air balloon rides, a craft fair, children's entertainment, and even T-shirt and cookbook sales.
Funds from this centennial celebration were used to purchase and erect street signs in the town.