275th Anniversary events for City of Reading to begin week of March 12th
In March the first celebrations for Reading’s 275th Anniversary kickoff. Reading was founded in 1748 and officially incorporated as a city on March 16, 1847. The birthday week will be marked with free and ticketed events and a livestream of the proclamation ceremony from City Hall.
March 12th-17th- Sister Cities Visits
Delegations from Sister Cities in Reading, England and Reutlingen,Germany including Reutlingen Lord Mayor Thomas Keck will be in Reading to visit area businesses and colleges and will attend the gala and proclamation at City Hall.
Wednesday March 15th- 275th Anniversary Gala at the Reading Public Museum 6pm-9pm
Presented by Customers Bank and organized by the Community Knights service club of Reading High School the 275th Anniversary Gala at the Reading Public Museum will be a night to remember. Guests will have a unique opportunity to discover pieces in the museum’s permanent collection with significance to Reading and to meet dignitaries from our Sister Cities in Germany and England. Entertainment by Reading High School String Ensemble and the Hot Club of Reading. Catering by Devour Events, desserts from Sweet Street Desserts and local libations including Reading Distilling Guild cocktails, Oakbrook Brewing Company and Chatty Monk’s beer. Tickets are $100 and available for purchase on the Berks County Community Foundation website.https://bccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1990
Thursday March 16th- Proclamation at City Hall -10am
275th Anniversary Steering Committee and Mayor Eddie Moran will proclaim the anniversary in a ceremony at City Hall. They will be joined by visiting officials from Sister Cities Reading, England and Reutlingen, Germany. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook. https://readingpa.zoom.us/j/81919856495?pwd=SkloWWlZZStmTkJRSHRVQTE2U29DUT09
Thursday March 16th- Fireworks 8:50pm
A fireworks display sponsored by Berks Festivals will take place Wednesday evening weather permitting from the Pagoda.
Thursday March 16th- Community Birthday Parties
A dozen community organizations and centers across the city will be marking the birthday by hosting a birthday party on March 16th. Participating locations include Reading Public Libraries, local churches, Reading Rec and LGBT Center of Reading. These parties are made possible by the support of Redner’s Markets. Find a location near you on the 275th Event calendar. https://www.readingpa.gov/visitors/275
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Reading was founded in 1748 and incorporated as a city March 16, 1847. Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn, mapped out the first city streets (now the downtown). Reading’s geographical growth continued through the early 20th Century. The city, established as an industrial powerhouse in the mid-19th Century, was home to the Reading Railroad, once the largest corporation in the world, and remains home to Carpenter Technology Corp., a Fortune 500 company. The century-old Pagoda on Mt. Penn serves as the area’s landmark. The city has been home to a number of literary and cultural figures, as well as two minor leagues sports franchises and the 109-year-old Reading Symphony Orchestra. With a population of 95,112 (Census of 2020), Reading is now the Commonwealth’s fourth largest city and is a shining example of the nation’s melting pot, with more than 45 nationalities represented.
Throughout 2023, in observation of Reading’s 275th anniversary, we will be celebrating its amazing history and its wonderful diversity. You can visit https://www.readingpa.gov/visitors/275 to learn more, donate, and stay up to date with events.