BRISTOL - The Town of Bristol will turn 325 years old this September, and town officials have planned a weekend-long birthday bash to celebrate more than three centuries of history.

Last month, Bristol Town Councilor Halsey Herreshoff suggested planning an anniversary party in recognition of the town's founding in September 1680. Last week, the council approved of the proposal and voted to spend up to $10,000 on the celebration. The anniversary festival will take place Friday through Sunday, September 16 to 18.

"We wanted to plan a modest but fitting ceremony to highlight what Bristol is and was," said Bristol Town Administrator Diane Mederos.

While town officials are still working on the details, the event is scheduled for the duration of the weekend. According to Ms. Mederos, much of it will focus on the spirit of volunteerism which thrives here.

"We have a tremendous volunteer service in this town and we thought it would be great to honor that," she said. "We would hate to see the anniversary going by without recognition."

The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 with guest speaker and local historian Dr. Patrick Conley highlighting Bristol's transformation from a colonial frontier town to a prosperous sea port. Following, there will be a reception at Linden Place on Hope Street. On Saturday, Sept. 17, downtown tours will be led with the help of Mosaico Community Development Corporation on High Street. Wrapping up on Sunday, a family day is planned from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the Bristol Town Common. In conjunction with the Department of Parks and Recreation, games, music and refreshments will be served. A flag pole re-dedication ceremony will also take place that day.

"We're kind of scrambling here," said Ms. Mederos. "We're still sort of flushing out lots of things."

BY STEPHEN V. MARTINO

smartino@eastbaynewspapers.com