A large crowd of people gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate the city’s long-awaited Sesquicentennial. “May we never lose sight of what comes ahead,” Mayor Clint McBroom told the crowd as he addressed the city’s history. “Let’s remember to keep looking to what’s ahead.” Newton formed as a rail stop and cow town 11 years after Kansas became a state, only to grow into a location with a wild and rowdy reputation complete with saloons, bars, salacious entertainment establishments, and even a shoot-out that prompted the short-lived sobriquet of Bloody Newton. The city over the years has civilized but city leaders passed a proclamation at a city commission meeting held Tuesday to make 2022 a year to celebrate the city’s heritage. “Everyone is free to party and celebrate this entire year,” McBroom joked. The evening event had dancers, a symphony performance and other entertainment, which was the first course in planned celebrations.
Source: Harvey County Now
