The Bicentennial activities are scheduled to begin at 3 pm and many downtown merchants have planned special sales and events prior to the kickoff.

A “Spring Thyme Market” will be held in the Arcade from 9am – 4 pm featuring arts and crafts, garden items, and entertainment.

Trinity AME at 64 East Church Street will be hosting a chicken and rib barbecue from 9am – 6pm, open to the public. Many downtown restaurants will be open for lunch and/or dinner.

Over 25 downtown merchants have donated to a drawing to be held that day. Entry blanks will be in the Advocate on May 2nd, additional entries will be available at participating downtown merchants on the 4th. No purchase is necessary. Each entry must be validated by three participating downtown merchants on the 4th to be eligible for prizes. Must be 18 or over to win.

America Antiques - $50 Gift Certificate

Art & Clay on Second – 1.5 hours of studio time, $18 value

Aunt Sue’s - Dinner for four, $30 value

Christy’s Pizza – Dinner for four – Lg. Pepperoni pizza and four side salads

Cornell Clothing – Two Newark Shirts, XLG

Cottage Café – 12” pizza

DiNovo’s Market Café – Two combo-meals

Forever Flowers – red, white, and blue silk arrangement

Goumas, Downtown – 1 lb. Box of Asst. Chocolates

Haircare Center – Haircut and hair care products, $25 value

HL Arts – 14k gold bracelet

Hall and Sons – 8x10 framed photo of Courthouse and an 8x10 framed from your favorite negative/photo

Humble Beginnings - $25 Gift Certificate

Irwin’s Hallmark - $25 Gift Certificate

John Edward Price Flowers – Planter with fresh flowers

LaPaloma, Downtown – Two $20 Gift Certificates

Maybold Shoes – Redwing sock pack, 6 pairs, $24 value

Myers & Pugh Jewelers – Ladies Antique Style Diamond Filigree Ring

Nancy’s Flowers - Silk arrangement, $50 value

Natoma - $25 Gift Certificate

Newark’s Bicentennial Commission – Pair of Commemorative Wine Glasses

Newark Family Shoes - $25 Gift Certificate

Park National Bank – Parky Bank

Park Place Coffee Roasters – Village candle, 26 oz Blueberry Cobbler, $19.95value

R & Cole’s Fashions – Designer scarf or belt

Sam Alban’s Furniture – Mantel Clock

Southwest Tans – 10 session tanning package The Frame-Up - $25 Gift Certificate

The knowledge works - Hand blown glass bowl by Erin Bucholtz, Iris blue with dichromic glass design.

The Manna – $25 Gift Certificate

The Newark Alliance – Newark Coverlet

The School House – 3’x5’ American Flag

Trading Zone – a CD and two movies or a DVD