🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

America’s 250th Celebration Contest

Community Judges

In addition to the People's Choice Award, several special awards will be selected by community members with expertise in history, art, and horticulture.

🌸 Best Floral Display

Judged by Master Gardener, Diane Gerberich, member of the Wilbraham Garden Club.

A little-known fact: Diane and her family have planted and personally maintained the flower beds and shrubbery at Gazebo Park for many years. If you've admired the beautiful gardens there, you've likely benefited from the care and dedication they have given to one of Wilbraham Center's most cherished public spaces.

Recognizing the creative use of flowers and greenery in celebrating America's 250th.

🏛️ Best Historical Theme

Judged by David Bourcier, President of the Old Meeting House Museum, local historian, and author.

Recognizing a display that thoughtfully celebrates America's or Wilbraham’s history.

🎨 Most Creative • 🇺🇸 Most Patriotic • 🌹Garden 250 • ❤️ Most Welcoming • ⭐ Spirit of 1776 Award • 🏡 Rocker 250 •🖌️Children’s Group Creativity Award

Judged by Liz Pacosa-McEvoy, Holly Murray, and Michelle Stallworth & Lexie Burke (Co-owners Magnolia & Maple Pottery)

This panel of local artists will select displays that stand out for originality, artistic expression, patriotic spirit, and the creative celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

We are grateful to these community volunteers for sharing their time and expertise to help celebrate Wilbraham's creativity and community spirit.

🌿 Featured Prizes

We are grateful to the local businesses, authors, and community partners whose contributions have helped make this celebration possible.

• Garden Design Consultation and Hydrangea Installation ($600 value)
  Design doesn't stop at the doorway. For 27 years, Mura has been creating outdoor sanctuaries that nourish the soul and bring beauty, balance, and joy to everyday life. This professional garden design consultation and hydrangea installation is generously donated by Flying Dragon Garden Design.

• A signed copy of Wilbraham: A Journey Through History, the newest book by Wilbraham historian, author, and speaker David F. Bourcier. Through his books and Wilbraham Historical Tidbits series, people from over 34 countries around the world have discovered and enjoyed our rich history, landmarks, community stories, and traditions that make Wilbraham one of New England’s hidden treasures.

• The Sugar Chalet - A festive holiday-themed cupcake box. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, lunch, fresh baked treats, or a custom cake for a special celebration, The Two Grannies on the Road recently visited, and raved about Alison’s Avocado Toast! Sugar Chalet has become one of Wilbraham's favorite places to enjoy something sweet or savory.

• A signed copy of Marty’s Big Day on the Lake by local authors David and Kelley Bourcier. This heartwarming story follows Marty, a fun-loving dog who reminds us that the best part of any adventure is sharing it with the people and friends you love. Even better, 100% of the authors’ earnings from book sales are donated directly to local animal rescues.

• Cima Restaurant and Chop House. - Gift Card. Cima offers a warm and welcoming dining experience featuring freshly prepared Italian specialties, seafood, pasta dishes, and chop house favorites. Known for its gracious hospitality, authentic cuisine, and inviting atmosphere, Cima is a place where friends and families gather to enjoy good food and good company.

• The Scented Garden Gift Shoppe - Gift Basket including a $25 gift card and Patriotic Canvas. The Shoppe has won Best Gift Boutique in 2021 & 2026 Masslive’s Reader Raves. It is a treasured, local favorite for one-of-a-kind gifts for all occasions. They offer clothing, Jellycat Plush, jewelry, home decor, lotions, perfumes, and many more unique items with complementary gift wrapping.

• Neighborhood Pizza and Pasta House - $20 Gift Card. From specialty pizzas and calzones to grinders, pasta dinners, wings, seafood, specialty salads, and desserts, Neighborhood Pizza offers a menu with something for everyone. Their extensive menu, consistently good food, and convenient seven-day-a-week hours have made them a longtime favorite among Wilbraham residents.

• Rice Fruit Farm - $30 Gift Card.‍ ‍ Established in the late 1800s, Rice Fruit Farm has been part of the Wilbraham community for generations. Today, visitors travel from across New England to enjoy fresh local produce, famous breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakery muffin tops, freshly baked bagels, and, of course, homemade ice cream. Relax in Adirondack chairs, enjoy lawn games with the family, gather around the fire pit on cooler days, and yes—even visit the petting goats! Rice Fruit Farm was recognized as the People's Choice Winner for Best Ice Cream in MassLive's Best of Massachusetts competition.

• Rice Fruit Farm - Four Tickets to Rice’s Fall America 250 Celebration. America's 250th celebration doesn't end on July 4. Anthony is already envisioning a patriotic fall experience featuring America 250-themed apple picking and a special corn maze. This prize includes admission for four to continue the celebration this September or October at one of Wilbraham's most beloved destinations.

• Interskate 91 South. - 4 Skating Passes - Kids home for summer? Enjoy Rollerskating, Laser Blast and Arcade fun! They are running a kids skate free, a yearly program for kids 13 years and younger, $5.99 for 2 passes a week. This summer they are offering it for all afternoon skates. Interstate also offers private parties, birthdays and summer camp.

WilbrahamCenter.org ‍

Community – Connection – Living with History