Mason turns 200 in 2015, and a local committee is planning a celebration to make the occasion a memorable one.

The year will be “an exciting landmark in Mason’s rich history,” according to Councilwoman Char Pelfrey, chairwoman of the bicentennial committee.

“This benchmark in time is one we intend to celebrate with pride, enthusiasm, and inclusiveness, seeking to incorporate the many facets of Mason’s residential, school, sports, religious, veterans and current military and business communities … which is, when put together, what makes Mason the wonderful place it is to live, work and raise a family,” Pelfrey said.

Formed by Mayor David Nichols, the Bicentennial Committee also includes Councilman Rich Cox and Councilwoman Barbara Berry-Spaeth.

The committee will oversee the city’s participation and act as the liaison for information to council and the community, then make recommendations to city council for funding, sponsoring, initiating activities and other commemorations.

Community organizations Festivals of Mason and Mason Historical Society are “the natural selection for laying the foundation” when it comes to providing a yearlong bicentennial celebration, Pelfrey said

Festivals of Mason will provide a signature event commemorating the bicentennial, which could in part mirror the caliber of Mason’s Red, Rhythm and Boom celebrations, Pelfrey said.

Planning for the bicentennial event will kick off this month with a plan for community engagement and consensus, including a “face-to-face approach” with local residents, schools, businesses and government, according to Karen Kilgore, president of Festivals of Mason.

“We want to make sure everyone has input,” Kilgore said.

By August, the event committee will start sharing its findings with city council to present recommendations for the scope of the signature event and develop a master plan.

By January 2014, the committee will announce what the signature event will be, as well as themes surrounding the celebration.

A full schedule of celebrations and programs will be announced in January 2015, Kilgore said.

“We look forward to doing a well-rounded approach … working with all groups in the community,” she said. “This festival is a part of all of ours. We own it. It is the past, present and future of the city of Mason.”

Those invited should include not only area residents, but actors, entertainers, sports idols and public figures with a Mason connection, according to Judy Cox, president of Mason Historical Society.

“We are thinking big,” Cox said.

Ideas for marking the bicentennial include minting a commemorative coin and painting a quilt-style piece on the society’s Church Street museum, complete with a bicentennial logo for quilt-barn tourists, she said.

Mason Historical Society also recommended releasing a bicentennial re-issue of “Around Mason” with a new cover and gold lettering, plus organizing a walking tour of Mason, complete with a map-type brochure, Cox said.

Forms to volunteer will be available soon at www.festivalsofmason.com.