Lisbon’s Sesquicentennial Committee has been honored as Committee of the Year by the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group, in recognition of its efforts toward this year’s milestone celebration of Lisbon’s 150th anniversary. The committee, formed over a year ago, was created to help celebrate the city’s history through community-focused planning and partnerships.
Made up almost entirely of volunteers, the group brought together residents and representatives from a range of local organizations who shared a common goal: to honor Lisbon’s past and engage the community in meaningful ways. The award highlights the dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit that drove their work.
City administrator Brandon Siggins helped organize the group by reaching out to individuals and organizations throughout Lisbon and encouraging open involvement. Committee meetings were announced at city council sessions to welcome new voices, and members donated their time to ensure the anniversary was marked in a way that reflects the community’s values and pride.
Siggins, who has deep roots in Lisbon, mentioned the committee’s work reflects a broader sense of pride and purpose.
“It was a big honor to be recognized, and it just shows the type of people Lisbon has. It reflects the character of the community, and that’s important because without that character, you don’t have the belief in Lisbon or the drive to be great,” said Siggins.
Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez, director of the Lisbon Public Library and a member of the committee, noted the award felt especially meaningful because of how visible the group’s work has been. The group’s strength stemmed from its diverse range of voices and dedication across various departments.
“It’s not just one or two people—it’s the entire community coming together. From the library to the city and the park and rec department, everyone’s been working on this from different angles,” said Hoover de Galvez.
The recognition reflects not only the efforts of the Sesquicentennial Committee but also the broader spirit of community involvement that defines Lisbon.
Organizing events for a milestone like a 150th anniversary requires months of planning, collaboration, and dedication. The committee’s work represents a commitment to honoring the city’s past, celebrating its present, and looking ahead to its future. Their contributions have helped set the tone for a meaningful celebration while showcasing the pride and unity that exists throughout the community.
What’s Ahead for Lisbon’s 150th Sesquicentennial Celebration & Sauerkraut Days
The upcoming celebrations will start earlier this year, as the annual Sauerkraut Days will be combined with Lisbon’s 150th anniversary celebration. The celebration will take place from August 10 to 17, with events happening daily throughout the town. Sauerkraut Days, the annual summer festival, will take place August 14–16 as part of the larger sesquicentennial celebration.
“It’s going to be an exciting time. We’ve got a lot of variety this year, some new ideas and some great traditions coming back,” said president of the Sauerkraut Days committee Jerry Dietsch.
New events planned for the sesquicentennial include a Community Breakfast, History Portrayal & Walks through downtown Lisbon, Golf Tournament, Take Down Wrestling Tournament, and much more. The library will also host special programming, including a historical portrayal of Laura Ingalls Wilder, special kids’ story time, and a “Why Save an Old Barn” presentation by Rich Tyler discussing the importance of preserving rural heritage.
Returning events taking place during Sauerkraut Days include the parade, the Kraut Route 5k walk/run, slow pitch softball tournament, and other crowd favorites to look forward to.
The week kicks off with a citywide breakfast and outdoor church service on August 10th and wraps up on August 17th with carnival rides, a final History Walk, and the official closing ceremony and time capsule burial.
“It’s important for people to see all the good things that Lisbon brings and what can be put together entirely by community volunteers. We just invite everyone to come out, try something new, and enjoy all the things Lisbon has to offer,” said Dietsch.
For the full event schedule and updates, visit https://www.sauerkrautdays.com/. Dates and times are subject to change.