Mineola’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration is three-quarters in the books.

Still on tap for the final quarter of 2023 are the enhanced events for the Christmas celebration Dec. 1-2 and the year-end gala to put a wrap on the year Saturday, Dec. 9.

In recapping the Sabine Stomp, the concert at the Mineola Nature Preserve Saturday, Sept. 2, City Manager Mercy Rushing said though the attendance fell short of the break-even point for ticket sales, the sponsorships covered the cost of the event.

Final ticket sale numbers are pending, but the city’s contract for phone tracking software estimated there were just under 1,400 at the event, not including workers.

Break-even was 2,000.

There were 104 volunteers assisting that day.

She acknowledged that any future event should not be held on Labor Day weekend, but later in the season.

That date was necessitated by scheduling of the performers.

The gala is planned at the Mineola Civic Center and is aimed primarily at those who volunteered throughout the year, sponsors and stockholder $150 donors.

The Tuxedo Cats and Jennifer Pisarcik are scheduled to perform along with a special guest.

Added to the downtown Christmas events this year will be a snow hill along W. Commerce St. the evening of Friday, Dec. 1. The annual Christmas parade is Saturday, Dec. 2 and the holiday tour of homes is Sunday, Dec. 3.

There will also be a window decorating contest for downtown merchants with a sesquicentennial theme.

Putting a new time capsule in the cornerstone of the Mineola Historical Museum is tentatively set for November. It will be opened July 1, 2073.

The 1936 time capsule placed when the building was dedicated as a new post office was opened on July 1.