The Torch is coming, the Torch is coming…..

Greensboro Bicentennial Torch Relay

Participants Needed to Carry Torch through City

The Bicentennial Torch Relay is the kick-off event for the celebration of Greensboro’s Bicentennial. The Bicentennial is a year long celebration commemorating the 200th birthday of the City of Greensboro. The Torch Relay, a four day event, will commence on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from War Memorial Stadium. This date was established as “Founders Day” and commemorates the day the land was purchased leading way to the founding of Greensborough.

Each afternoon, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, a torch, previously carried through Greensboro for the 1996 Olympics, will once again be transported through four quadrants of the City of Greensboro. Torch relay routes have been established to include as many neighborhoods as possible. Each day’s relay will have an opening ceremony at 4:00 pm and will end at approximately 6:30 pm. The final closing ceremony will be on Friday, March 28th at First Horizon Park in downtown Greensboro.

The Torch Relay Committee is seeking nominations for participants as Torch Bearers. The committee is hoping to attract a diverse group of Greensboro residents to carry the torch. It is estimated that 80 to 100 people will be needed each day to relay the torch along its route. Each route is from 8 to 10 miles in length and has been broken down into smaller “legs” that vary in distance and terrain to allow for all residents, of all ages, to participate regardless of their physical abilities. The torch bearers will be accompanied by parade-type “marshals” who will provide assistance to the bearers as needed.

Individuals or community groups interested in participating in this event are encouraged to complete a nomination form and submit it to the committee. Nomination forms can be found at all Greensboro Public Libraries and the Parks and Recreation Department. Forms may also be downloaded from the City’s website – www.greensboro-nc.gov or the Bicentennial website – www.Greensboro200.com Nomination forms have also recently been sent to neighborhood community groups and associations. Nomination forms will be considered in the order they are received. Persons selected to be Torch Bearers will be contacted by the end of December. For more information, please feel free to contact the Bicentennial Commission office at 336-373-3630.