Lincklaen statue project nearing fundraising goal

225th Caz anniversary celebration planning underway

The Lincklaen Statue Project Committee has announced that it has reached 60 percent of its fundraising goal for the creation and placement of a bronze statue of John Lincklaen in Lakeland Park in celebration of the 225th anniversary of the founding of the Cazenovia community.

The overall project goal of $44,000 will provide for the creation and placement of the sculpture by renowned sculptor Dexter Benedict of Penn Yan (dexterbenedictsculptor.com). Local artist Paul Parpard will assist the sculptor with art direction.

Entitled “Lincklaen’s Vision,” the statue will depict Lincklaen sitting on a large boulder with a sketch board and stylus looking into the distance and pondering the layout of the community now known as Cazenovia.

Project costs will also include the layout and construction of the base and placement of memorial bronze plaques relating the story of the founding of Cazenovia and to recognize the major contributors to the creation of the memorial.

The Village of Cazenovia will provide in-kind services for the preparation of the statue site. The location of the statue will be in the lower middle portion of Lakeland Park.

The view of the Lakeland Park location for the John Lincklaen statue. (submitted photo)

The committee is planning for the statue installation to be part of a year-long celebration of the 225th anniversary of the founding of the community with a series of events culminating with the Lincklaen statue placement ceremony.

Celebration activities will involve community organizations and members, including the Cazenovia Central School District and the Cazenovia Public Library, with other organizations anticipated to add special activities to the year-long celebration.

Community members and organizations wishing to be involved in event planning should contact the Lincklaen Statue Project Committee chairman Paul Brooks at 315-882-4709 or [email protected]

The Cazenovia Lions Club Foundation Inc. is supporting this project by accepting tax-deductible donations to the Statue Project Fund. Donations can be sent to Lincklaen Statue Project, Cazenovia Lions Club Foundation, P.O. Box 618, Cazenovia, NY 13035. In addition, a GoFundMe page is being created to accept contributions and a Facebook page will be used to promote the events and statue fundraising. Visit the GoFundMe page online at gofundme.com/lincklaen-statue-project.