The city of Tallapoosa’s 150th anniversary may not be until Labor Day weekend, but residents have already begun putting their heads together in the form of committees to solidify plans for the highly anticipated event.

After their first meeting of committee chairs, organizers have set a calendar of events for the weekend and set many plans in motion to ensure the event is a great success.

While some the committees for planning the sesquicentennial event are full, co-organizer Jonathan James says the Finance and Fundraising Committee and a few other committees could use some additional members.

“Whoever wants to help, we can use them,” James said.

What James said the city really needs is participants in all of the planned weekend activities, and those planning to participate in the beard contest or the fashion show will want to get started immediately.

“We need men to grow their beards for the longest beard contest,” James said, “just like we’ve had in the past. There will be prizes for longest beard, fullest beard and best-groomed beard.”

In fact, James says all men participating in any festivities in town that weekend – or who even plan to show their face, for that matter – should also plan on sporting a beard, a goatee, or at least some scruff or they will risk being thrown in “the clink.”

“The Tallapoosa Clink is for those without at least some facial hair caught in town that weekend. We just thought it would make things a little interesting,” James laughed.

Of course, those found guilty of being clean shaven can always make bail. Those who want to participate in the weekend’s events but aren’t allowed to grow beards by their employers will also be allowed to purchase a permit before the activities begin to allow them free passage throughout the town despite their lack of facial hair.

As well as those aiming to grow a beard for the contest, anyone wishing to make their own dress for the fashion show should get started straight away.

“Fashion Show participants need to dress in period fashion,” James said. “They can purchase, rent or make their clothes themselves.”

James said there are several shops in Atlanta that sell and rent period costumes; however, he said Suzy Q’s on Head Avenue has also ordered some dresses that would be appropriate for the show, which will feature fashion from 1860 to present.

“We will do four categories for best dressed man, woman, child and family,” said organizer Jacqueline Roberts. Roberts and Velma Mize “would like to see families take part and share in this fun and educational experience with their children. It is important to share history with our children and for us to reflect back on times past.”

Currently, the fashion show and the beauty pageant are scheduled to be held in the old Tallapoosa High School auditorium, which is currently under construction.

However, according to James, “I have been promised that it will be ready in time for the events.”

James says the parade planned for the weekend, like the fashion show, will also be subject to some boundaries.

“We’re going to offer politicians and businesses the opportunity to participate in the parade; however, they must ride either on a float or in a horse-drawn carriage.”

Historical themes are strongly encouraged by event organizers, and floats are mandatory unless riding in a horse-drawn carriage, a classic car or on a horse.

“We don’t want to see people sitting on the bed of a truck, on a trailer or a four-wheeler,” James said. “We want extravagant. We want this to be the best parade ever seen in the history of Tallapoosa.”

Participants in the parade must also pay an entry fee and their float design is subject to approval.

Meanwhile, the Souvenir and Merchandise Committee will be putting together a special publication that will feature advertisements from local businesses, a schedule of events, historical photos and memoirs of residents. The booklet will be available for purchase by August.

“We will have people who aren’t from Tallapoosa and people who are visiting who haven’t been here in years, and we want to let those people know what’s here.”

The Souvenir and Merchandise Committee are also working on ideas for hats, fans and T-shirts, all of which will be available for purchase during the festivities.

As part of the beautification efforts that will be ongoing throughout the event, James says the organizers are asking all residents to keep their yards tidy and for local businesses to fix up their store fronts and arrange a window display – including downtown buildings that are currently empty.

“If the businesses or the owners don’t want to do a window display themselves,” James said, “we would like them to allow us to come in and fix up a window display for them.”

Plans for the weekend itself is well under way as details for the church service, dinner on the grounds, and class reunion – otherwise known as “The Great Gathering” – are being solidified.

While the location for the service and dinner on the grounds is still wavering, the class reunion plans are coming together. All those participating in the class reunion are asked to check in at the old Tallapoosa High School under the covered walkway at 10 a.m. to register and sign in. All attendees and graduates of the Tallapoosa school system, Carver High School, West Haralson High School and Haralson County High School are invited.

“We want to welcome everyone back,” James said. “We’re bringing back all the classes all the way back to the 1930s.”

According to James, a representative from each graduating class will be getting in touch with class mates and planning activities for their group. Former graduates can begin expecting letters from their class representatives in May and June.

Anyone interested in participating in any activity, planning events or any additional information about the sesquicentennial celebration are encouraged to call Jonathan James at 678-787-2778 or e-mail him at jjames@highlands.edu or contact Tallapoosa Better Hometown Manager/Leisure Coordinator Kate Gardner at Tallapoosa City Hall, 770-574-2345.