Yates County prepares for bicentennial celebration

YATES COUNTY--A handful of Yates County leaders are in full planning mode. Yates County will be 200 years old in 2023, and the community plans to celebrate.
Led by Yates County Historian Len Kataskas, the high-profile committee includes Kristen Burch, from St. Mike's School; Kathy Waye, from Keuka College; Alex Andrasik, from the Penn Yan Library; Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike; Yates County Legislator Carlie Chilson; Jessica Bacher, from the Yates County Chamber of Commerce; Marsha Devine, Yates County Treasurer; and Tricia Noel, from the Yates County History Center.
The team has been working for 18 months to prepare a year-long celebration, which kicks off in February with a Chamber Business After Hours held at the Yates County Office Building. Also in February, the Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit will be unveiled. The committee anticipates a county resolution and various events throughout the year. The Wagener family is credited with founding Penn Yan. A formal ball is expected in May, which will be followed by a parade in August, and an 1823 dinner in October.
"A bicentennial doesn't happen all that often," said Kataskas. "We are hoping for county-wide participation and are open to lots of ways for groups to participate. For example, our four villages could put a float in the parade, and anyone can request to host the traveling exhibit that offers highlights of the county's first 200 years."
Currently, the Bicentennial Exhibit will spend time at the Penn Yan Library, Keuka College, and the town halls.
"We haven't decided on the menu for the 1823 dinner yet," said Kataskas. "Our plan is to have foods that would have been available and favorites for the dinner table in 1823."
According to Kataskas, Yates County was originally part of Ontario County. It split in 1823 and was named Yates County after the current governor, Joseph Yates.
"In 200 years, the population has remained relatively stable," said Kataskas. "In 1823, Yates County had approximately 20,000 residents. Today, we have about 24,000. While a lot of the state seems to be losing residents, we're holding our own. Perhaps this speaks to the relaxed and inclusive personality of our residents!"