Wilson Kicks Off Its 150th Birthday Celebration

They started lining up early for the celebration. This sesquicentennial birthday is a big deal in Wilson.

"Community pride is always important in Wilson. We are a very community oriented city. Everybody that lives here seems to love Wilson, even the people who just moved in recently," said Ed Gauss, celebration chairman.

Dr. Arthur Hanson agrees. He is part of a human birthday cake at the celebration with his daughter Laura.

"I've been in Wilson for about six years now, and we originally came from New England. This is a nice, warm, summer day for us here in the middle of January," said Hanson.

Fleming Stadium is full of balloons and lights. All of them are tied somehow to the number 150.

"The people in Wilson are real nice. I think it is a good opportunity for kids," said participant Abby Aldrich.

Wilson also has its share of celebrities. Author Louise Shivers has written three books about her hometown since she moved away 30 years ago.

Coming back, she is surprised at what she has seen.

"I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would be coming back home and getting lost trying to find my way coming out to the stadium. It's really grown. It is just fabulous," said Shivers.

There are numerous anniversary events going on throughout the year in Wilson.