LOWELL — Lowell is turning 200 years old, and everybody is invited to celebrate the milestone.
City Manager Tom Golden told the City Council during its Feb. 10 meeting, that a 30-second commercial, “One Tank Away,” will air throughout the state until the opening day of the annual WinterFest held in the heart of Downtown Lowell.
“Got a full tank and a free Saturday?” the teaser opening to the spot said. “Head to Lowell for WinterFest on Feb. 28, as the city officially kicks off its bicentennial year. This cold-weather classic is the perfect way to shake off the winter blues.”
This year’s all-ages, family-friendly WinterFest launches a yearlong bicentennial celebration with a special-guest appearance by celebrity baker Buddy Valastro, who is giving the city a custom-made cake and will also host a showcase of local bakeries.
In addition to the well-loved WinterFest traditions like the soup competition, Nordic jam sessions and a chocolate festival, the event footprint has been expanded to include fire and ice sculptures, selfie stations, curling, air hockey, a “Fold-A-Bear” workshop, live music, local artists, LED swings and food trucks.
Golden said Lowell’s bicentennial celebrations aren’t going to be “just one and done,” reflecting the historical date of the city’s March 1 founding. The manager’s office has been working closely with the Bicentennial Sponsorship Committee, composed of local leaders, to host events from May through October that will showcase the “very best that Lowell has to offer.”
Bicentennial-themed events are embedded within existing festivals and events, but some standalone special events are also planned, such as a March 26 concert with Grammy award-winning country artist Lee Brice and friends at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. The biggest fireworks Lowell has ever seen will light up the summer night sky on July 4. And a free October street festival will round out the celebrations.
The city is also crowdsourcing bicentennial events and activities such as artwork, photos and stories from Lowell residents.
From March 2-31, 200 public submissions of Lowell photos will be on display at Lowell City Hall.
Lowell-practicing artists were invited to submit original line art illustrations for a special community coloring book.
And the public is being encouraged to help celebrate the bicentennial by sharing stories and memories of Lowell. Submissions could include a family story, a moment from growing up in the city, time working or serving in the community, or a meaningful Lowell connection. Golden encouraged residents and businesses to share their bicentennial ideas.
“We’re inviting businesses, nonprofits and art galleries to join us,” Golden said. “Please send us your ideas and proposals to the team.”
The city will roll out a bicentennial website featuring many of these curated local submissions and exhibits.
“In just two to three weeks, we’re going to launch a dedicated website with a full calendar of events that will grow throughout the year,” Golden said.
Paying for this once-in-a-lifetime event and media bonanza is the once-in-a-lifetime American Rescue Plan Act money, which was a series of financial packages rolled out by the federal government to mitigate the economic impact from the 2020 pandemic. It was by far the largest infusion of resources to the state, and Lowell’s portion totaled $75.9 million, which the council accepted in October 2022.
The City Council approved a $250,000 bicentennial fund from free cash in 2025, and allocated additional funds for branding and promotional services.
To highlight the city’s journey from a farm town to a bustling industrial city to a modern city, the city is also building an economic development component into the bicentennial celebration with a $250,000 investment in festivals and small business support.
The grant funding is made possible through ARPA funds, and is intended to revitalize Lowell’s cultural economy, which was disproportionality impacted by COVID-19 related disruptions.
The maximum award per applicant is $50,000, and eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions and event producers operating with the city. The program will be administered through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.
It’s not too late to volunteer for the annual WinterFest. Volunteers are needed to staff various positions, including the soup bowl competition, merchandising store, cake tent and informational guides. For information, visit bit.ly/volunteerwf26.
“Let’s make this bicentennial unforgettable,” Golden said. “Together, let’s make Lowell’s next 200 years even greater than the first.”
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