In less than three weeks, the Smithtown 350 Foundation will kick off the yearlong celebration commemorating Smithtown’s 350th anniversary, with the Bull Smythe Relay run. The highly anticipated Olympic-torch style relay follows the legendary bull ride along the borders of Smithtown, by town-founder Richard Smythe. The Bull Smythe Relay will commence at March 1, 2015 from Town Hall starting at 6 am and is expected to take over 9 hours to complete
Entrants will join together to run 36 consecutive one-mile legs through each of the town’s hamlets and villages, handing off a reproduction of Smithtown’s original patent, personifying a baton. A special proclamation will be read at the end of the relay, serving as the official opening of a year of events, in commendation of Smithtown’s 350th Birthday. Sponsors can pledge $250 for every mile of the relay, allowing for a maximum of ten participants per mile. All proceeds go to fund the calendar of Sesquarcentennial events.
Every Smithtown resident, history buff and community neighbors alike are invited to witness this historic moment. Get your posters ready, cheer on the runners or participate in the start of Smithtown’s 350th (Sesquarcentennial) birthday celebration.
The Smithtown 350 Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation that was created by residents of Smithtown, who volunteered their time and joined together to form an organization that would organize and coordinate the celebration of Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary, Smithtown’s Sesquarcentennial. The committee, formed by Town Historian Bradley Harris will actively promote, direct, and run activities and events on behalf of the Town of Smithtown. Events will include the Bull Smythe Run, the dedication of the Statue of Richard Smythe, a Sesquarcentennial Parade and a Fireworks Celebration. The foundation also promotes interest in Smithtown’s history through participation and involvement of Smithtown 350th events from residents, schools, other organizations, businesses, and corporations.
For more information or to participate in Smithtown’s 350th birthday events, visit Smithtown350Foundation.org online
To participate in the Bull Smythe Relay, contact Kiernan Lannon at (631) 265-6768 or kmlannon@smithtownhistorical.org or Pat Biancaniello at (63I) 921-4880 or Pat@smithtownmatters.com