By Mark Scott
Elma , NY – The Town of Elma is celebrating its sesquicentennial this week. The town, which was officially incorporated in April 1857, sits squarely in the middle of Erie County.
Town Supervisor Mike Nolan said Elma is the county's youngest town. He says it was split from Towns of Aurora and Lancaster.
Today, Elma has a population of just over 11,300 residents. And unlike other towns adjacent to it, Elma has retained its largely rural nature. There is a small retail plaza in the center of town. And there are a few restaurants scattered throughout.
But Nolan said it has kept out the big box stores that are so prevalent in neighboring communities.
Nolan said a number of activities were held this past weekend and there are more scheduled in the coming days to celebrate the sesquicentennial. It culminates with a parade at 6:00 PM Saturday, beginning at Rice and Girdle Roads, and continuing to Iroquois High School.
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