Holmes County’s 250th celebration gains a valued partner

When Melissa Patrick met with the Holmes County Commissioners recently to discuss her ongoing effort to put together the county’s 250th celebration docket for next year, she was not looking for money, but simply their support to take what could be a monumental step in the planning process.

As communities around the nation prepare to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Patrick has taken on the mantle of doing so for Holmes County, and recently, she gained a valued partner in Holmes County Veterans Services Director Dan Stackhouse.

“We wouldn’t even be having our 250th anniversary celebration as a nation without our veterans and the service they’ve given to our country,” Patrick said. “This is a terrific addition to the entire process, and I’m excited to be able to piggyback together with Dan on this celebration.”

Patrick recently had Stackhouse in for an interview at WKLM Radio concerning Veterans Suicide Prevention Month in September, and following their discussion, talk centered around how Stackhouse desired to reach more veterans, especially younger ones.

Patrick suggested having a day dedicated to patriotic concerts and food trucks that included offering informational tables with input about veterans services in Holmes County.

Stackhouse asked Patrick if she could help him plan such an event, and she said in planning for her event, she could send them his way.

That’s when things started to click.

“Dan said, ‘Why don’t we just piggyback together?’ I said that was a glorious idea,” Patrick said.

The lights went on in Patick’s head, and the wheels began to turn.

She had already been planning some special moments for the 250th celebration on July 25, 2026, at Harvest Ridge including a drone light show grand finale, a reverse parade with floats and displays, food trucks, and a performance from American Musical Productions, the professional group that dazzled the crowd during its performance at the county’s bicentennial celebration this summer.

The thought of including the veterans and bringing in even more musical groups to perform was something she felt was ideal.

“I’d like to add other bands throughout the day to go along with everything and make it a full-day event while blending in the veterans,” Patrick said to the commissioners. “It’s a perfect matchup that opens up a whole lot of other opportunities and gives us a chance to show our veterans that we appreciate and support them.”

She said she and Stackhouse would meet to iron out more details, noting she should have enough funding left over from the bicentennial event to cover the cost of some of the 250th celebration and also will do some local fundraising throughout the year to cover other expenses.

As for the cost for patrons who participate in the celebration, Patrick said aside from paying for food, it will all be free.

She said the process is still in its infant stages of preparation, and she is working to secure visits from many of the state’s elected officials, but she said she feels everything is on the right track, especially since the idea of honoring the veterans came into view.

Commissioner Joe Miller expressed his gratitude to Patrick for having the charisma and passion to put such an enormous celebration together.

“Getting our veterans together and involved with this event is going to be special,” Patrick said. “Nobody understands the price they paid more than they themselves do, and it will be exciting to have them as a big part of the celebration.”

Communities throughout the country are preparing their own version of what they believe is the most important part of 250 years as a nation. Holmes County’s celebration will take on a service member flair that shows appreciation for the many veterans who chose to faithfully serve their country.