The July 25 event at Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds will feature a YMCA 5k, reverse parade, veterans recognition and a drone light show while organizers seek $18,000
Holmes County will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary July 25 at Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds with a free family event honoring veterans and featuring a race, reverse parade, touch-a-truck, food, music, vendors, a Huey helicopter ride and a drone light show.File
In 1776 America’s founding fathers
devoted themselves to creating a nation built on
freedom, one worth fighting for.
Today, 250 years later, the United
States of America is set to celebrate a monumental moment in time, and Holmes
County is ready to be a part of that observance.
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“We have an American story, like
every other community throughout the U.S., and we are excited to celebrate with
everyone in the community by presenting a special day filled with a lot of
wonderful, special events,” said committee chair Melissa Patrick, who
spearheaded Holmes County’s bicentennial celebration last year.
Like many communities, small towns
and big cities throughout the nation, Holmes County will honor the country’s
250th anniversary with a special day.
On July 25 Holmes County will celebrate America’s 250th at the Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds.
The day is a family affair filled
with activities for all ages including a morning fundraising race benefiting
the new YMCA, a reverse parade, a touch-a-truck, live historical music, a drone
light show, food, music, vendors and more.
American Music Productions, which was spectacular during the Holmes County Bicentennial Celebration last summer, will present a 75-minute show of patriotic music during Holmes County's America250 celebration July 25. Before that happens, fundraising to help cover the cost of events must take place.Submitted
Guests also will have the
opportunity to take a ride in a UH-1 Huey helicopter.
Aside from purchasing food or buying
items from vendors, along with the fee for riding the Huey helicopter,
everything is free.
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“We’ve put together some really
unique and inspiring activities that people won’t find just anywhere,” Patrick
said. “With everything going on, it’s neat to see the way our community comes
together to show its support to create something special like this.”
The America250 Committee has partnered with Holmes County Veterans
Services to create a day that honors all veterans, with special recognition for
veterans from Holmes County.
“There’s no better reason to celebrate the
nation’s 250th anniversary than our veterans,” Patrick said. “After all, without our veterans and their service to fighting
for our freedom, there wouldn’t be a 250th celebration.”
Flags for Freedom
will set the tone by placing myriad flags across the grounds. At 8:30 a.m.
registration will take place for the YMCA 5k, which will kick off at NewPointe Church
and end at Harvest Ridge.
A flag-raising ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., and between noon and 2:30 p.m., a
bevy of local and state officials will offer speeches. The list
includes local mayors and commissioners, state representatives, congressmen and
more.
Holmes County will join the rest of America in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The local production will take place July 25 at the Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds.File
The reverse parade
will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost for businesses
and organizations to participate in the reverse parade, but there is a form
that accompanies this story or can be found online to apply for a spot in the
reverse parade.
“The reverse
parade is fun because it presents an opportunity of a lot more interaction for
families with the community members while it maintains the fun of a parade with
all the candy, freebies and more,” Patrick said.
Area historical
actor Ken Hammondtree will present a short act at 2:30 p.m., and there will be
lots of food, craft vendors and music throughout the afternoon and early
evening. The touch-a-truck also will provide plenty of opportunities
for kids.
Beginning at 8:45
p.m., American Music Productions, which wowed the public at the Holmes County
Bicentennial Celebration last summer, will present a 75-minute show of patriotic music, with the final 15 minutes of their composition
coinciding with a drone show that will dazzle the night sky.
“For those who
haven’t seen a drone light show in person, it is amazing,” Patrick said.
“Because it doesn’t present the loud noises of a fireworks show, it is
kid-friendly and veteran-friendly, yet it still has all of the wonder of a
fireworks show and more.”
Patrick said the
day will be packed with plenty of lunch, offering everyone a grand time and presenting a chance to celebrate the nation’s 250th
anniversary in style as the country presents unifying parties like this all
around the 50 states.
One of the focal points of the Holmes County 250th event will be to honor veterans who have served the country faithfully and paved the way to reach such an important milestone.File
One necessity to
make Holmes County’s celebration a reality is funding. Patrick said the committee
still needs to raise close to $18,000 in funds to support the effort, and
community involvement — no matter how much an individual, family or business
donates — will be greatly appreciated.
“Any generous donation will help
make this community celebration possible as we come together to honor our
nation’s 250th birthday,” Patrick said. “We are incredibly grateful for the
continued support of our community and look forward to creating a memorable
event for all to enjoy.”
To donate to the
cause through United Way online, visit secure.givelively.org/donate/united-way-of-wayne-and-holmes-counties-inc/holmes-county-celebration-of-america-s-250.
For updates as the
date approaches, visit www.facebook.com/HolmesCountyAmerica250.
