County Planning Big 250th Birthday Party for America

It’s a funny word and hard to pronounce, but organizers of Fayette County’s year-long American Semisesquicentennial celebration are hoping people locally become very familiar with it during 2026.

Or at least familiar with “America250,” as the official national organization has branded it. The festivities will be in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

“This is the official kickoff for planning our county’s participation,” County Judge Dan Mueller told a group gathered Wednesday in the District Courtroom. Originally scheduled for the Commissioners Courtroom, it had to be moved to the larger room to accommodate all those who gathered.

Still more will be invited to help plan and carry out projects ranging from coloring contests for children to honoring elderly military veterans.

“This is just a beginning,” Mueller said. “But we wanted to share some of the plans that have already begun.”

One of the first major events will be an original play commissioned by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter.

“We have engaged Mary Margaret Mann to write a play that will focus on the Marquis de Lafayette and his importance in the Revolution,” Sally Reynolds said. It will be staged in February at the Performing Arts Center by La Grange High School students and directed by the one-act play coach.

Another highlight will be a July Fourth celebration on the courthouse square on Saturday evening, July 4. Michael P. Schlabach will head up organizing the bands, performers and – hopefully – fireworks for the patriotic festivities.

A capstone activity will be planting 250 Liberty Trees all across Fayette County to commemorate 250 years of American independence. Although planning has already begun, planting won’t actually occur until fall of 2026, which arborists say is the best time for setting out trees.

Veterans organizations, historical groups, news media, county AgriLife agents, business people, and educators were among those gathered for the kickoff meeting.

“This is going to be an historic celebration,” County Attorney James Herbrich told the group. “What you are doing is important and very much appreciated.”

A calendar of events will be created to schedule and publicize activities by groups all across Fayette County.

Suggestions for the 2026 observances can be given to County Court Administrative Cassie Austin at the courthouse.

“Semiquincentennial,” by the way, means half (“semi”) of 500 years (“quincentennial”). Blame the Congress for making this the official name.