Sesquicentennial Commission to grant money for celebrations

The Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission has announced guidelines for distributing funds that it has earmarked for groups wanting to celebrate the city’s 150th birthday.

The commission, which was established by the Lawrence City Commission, has set aside $20,000 of its funds for grants to individuals and groups planning their own events surrounding the sesquicentennial, which is Sept. 18, 2004.

The organizational events would be in addition to official events scheduled by the Sesquicentennial Commission, which include a parade and festival on Sept. 18, 2004 and the construction of a Sesquicentennial Plaza near the Clinton Lake dam.

Groups in Douglas County may apply for grants of up to $2,000 until Nov. 29. Grants awarded will be announced on Jan. 29, which is Kansas Day.

Grant money must go to “the expenses of creating or presenting a public work that is related to Lawrence to celebrate this special anniversary.” The results of the projects must be presented or displayed between May 30, 2004, and Sept. 18, 2004.

Application forms can be downloaded by visiting www.lawrence150.org or e-mailing Clenece Hills, Sesquicentennial Commission president, at fairplay@sunflower .com.