In 1711, Handel premiered his opera "Rinaldo" in London, North Carolina was fighting Cary's Rebellion, and the township of Warminster, having separated from Southampton, was officially born.

Three hundred years later, Warminster Township is pulling out all the stops to properly celebrate its milestone Tricentennial.

After more than a year of planning, the Tricentennial Committee, led by district judge Daniel Finello, has put together a year-long program events that the members hope will entertain and educate Warminster residents.

"I hope everyone realizes what a great place this town is," said board member Mark McGee. "I've lived here for 12 years, and I love it."

The Tricentennial festivities begin Jan. 15 with a kick-off reception at the VE German Club on Davisville Road from 7 to 10 p.m.  For $30 a ticket, attendees can enjoy an open bar with hors d'oeuvres accompanied by live piano entertainment.

The committee aims to have a special event every month. In February there will be a musical review with a local string band at Ann's Choice. The Ben Wilson Senior Center in March will host A Taste of Warminster, where area restaurants will offer samples off their menus. There are also plans to conduct a re-enactment of the Battle of Crooked Billet in April, a children's magic show and costume party in October and a lavish closing gala in December.

The township's budget woes have prevented the committee from nailing down the specifics of the Warminster Day celebration in June, but the members believe their efforts to remain budget neutral will work in their favor. 

The sales of the "Warminster Township" historic book, published by Arcadia Publishing, and the township cookbook combined with ticket sales for the opening and closing galas, are expected to bring in enough revenue to offset its expenses.

Information about Tricentennial events can be found at http://www.warminstertownship.org/tricentennial/events.htm.