Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1376329
A cloudy Saturday morning quickly gave way, and the sun shone bright on Round Top Town Square. The town's sesquicentennial bash might have been delayed by a year due to the pandemic, but the change of date only added to the anticipation for locals and lovers of Round Top to convene and celebrate. Organized by the Round Top Chamber of Commerce, the day-to-eve fête commemorated the town's rich history (founded 1870; see page 62) and looked toward its bright future. The day began with a few words from Fayette County Judge Joe Weber, followed by the firing of a canon, and polka music — courtesy of Round Top Brass Band. The first couple, newlyweds Mayor Mark Massey and Kasey B. Massey, worked the crowd. The mayor proclaimed, "Today we're celebrating 150 years of Round Top and supporting local — local live music, the German heritage historic home tours, and showcasing local restaurants." For bibliophiles, the Round Top Family Library curated a book tent with sales benefiting the library. Of course, it's not a birthday party without a cake. Inside Town Hall, red- and blue-frosted cupcakes, 500 in number, had been whipped up by Bodega in La Grange. Music to Our Ears The afternoon belonged to Round Top Festival Institute, aka Festival Hill, which hosted an open house on its bucolic 200-acre campus, punctuated by historic buildings and a renowned hand-hewn concert hall. Marking their 51st year, the institute welcomed guests to a free concert with singer/ songwriter Julie Bouchard and the newly elected mayor of Fayetteville, Mike Stroup, on guitar alongside accomplished fiddler Robert Herridge. As the finale, Festival Hill's founder, pianist James Dick played classical works by Chopin, Debussy, and, in a grand flourish, an uplifting rendition of "Rhapsody in C Major" by Ernst von Dohnányi — perfect for this auspicious occasion. Round Top Revelers: Susan Massey; town historian Sally Reynolds, whose book Round Top: Next Stop is the definitive guide; Abby and Larry Birkelbach; Linda Plant; Joan and Jerry Herring; Susannah Mikulin; Lou Ann Phillips; Gloria Hickey; Amy Bone; Ashley Marburger; Julie Wantland; Sally and Dan Schumacher in a vintage 1950 GMC truck; Paula and Glenn Morris; and Brooke Michie with son Donovan, manning the Lollitop booth. 150 CANDLES FOR ROUND TOP Barbeque, a brass band, patriotic cupcakes, and Debussy make for an epic sesquicentennial day. By Gabriela Izquierdo. Photography Chris Pierre Bachman. Dan & Sally Schumacher Cupcake bliss Paula & Glenn Morris Mayor Mark Massey, Susannah Mikulin, Sally Reynolds Lou Ann Phillips, Gloria Hickey, Amy Bone Ashley Marburger, Julie Wantland Sadie Royer Linda Plant Joan & Jerry Herring Pearlie Wagner Maydelle Copeland Ronny Sacks, Dale Schultz of the Round Top Brass Band Sally Reynolds Chris Hallman, Don Jones, Pam Langford Tom Langford, Susan Massey James Dick, Julie Bouchard Mayor of Fayetteville Mike Stroup Larry & Abby Birkelbach 70