Plans Underway for 250th Anniversary Bash

Just two months remain before the biggest birthday bash since 1976.

Nationwide, plans are underway to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, with many events set for July 4, including along the Manatee River in Bradenton and Palmetto.

The national goal this year is “350 for 250” — “the engagement of all 350 million Americans by the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to America250.org, the main source for semiquincentennial plans and education.

Bradenton and Palmetto traditionally partner to observe Independence Day with festivals and fireworks, but this Fourth coordinators plan bigger events, with bigger fireworks.

United at the Manatee River involves the cities and Manatee County in presenting family fun, food and drinks, live music and what Palmetto calls “the region’s most spectacular fireworks show.”

The events take place on the riverfront, concentrated at Palmetto Riverside Park, the Bradenton Riverwalk and Old Main Street.

“We call this a signature event,” said Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione.

In late April, the tourist development council, meeting at the county administration building in Bradenton, voted to recommend that Manatee County contribute $50,000 in tourist development tax revenues to the money Bradenton and Palmetto already are investing in July 4 revelry.

“I think I think my whole career here, both cities — Palmetto and Bradenton — have always budgeted for fireworks for the community,” said Falcione, adding that because of the uniqueness of the country’s 250th birthday, the cities requested county tourist tax dollars.

“And it really makes sense,” Falcione observed.

From the tourism-building perspective, he said, the July 4 celebration presents an opportunity to stimulate business “in the dead of summer.”

Falcione added, “And it’s icing on the cake for … the residents to enjoy a more robust fireworks presentation.”

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, a member of the TDC, said the city expects a mini-regatta-type event, referring to Bradenton’s annual boat races that draw tens of thousands to the riverfront.

“Palmetto is having events. We’re having events all day, starting at Rossi Park and the Riverwalk down to Main Street,” Brown said. “So, basically that whole area will be energized.”

The mayor said a committee is working on plans for the holiday.

Meanwhile, some America 250 local observances already are taking place.

The Manatee County Public Library System, for example, is hosting activities, recommending books and displaying themed exhibits for the semiquincentennial.

This month, patrons can attend a lecture about John Adams at the Rocky Bluff Branch, learn about women in the military at a lecture at the Lakewood Ranch branch, watch the film “A Face in the Crowd” at the South Manatee library and learn about Florida in the American Revolution during a program at the Island Library.

Through September, patrons are invited to write a letter capturing their story or reflections on the nation’s past for the library system’s “Letters to the Future” collection.

The most visible observance is the public-private partnership to fly 22 U.S. flags and an America 250 flag on the Green Bridge.

According to the city of Bradenton, Shannon Glasgow of USA Fence donated the flags in honor of her father, a veteran, while the cities worked with the Florida Department of Transportation to approve the display.

“We hope it brings a sense of pride each time you cross,” read a post on Bradenton’s Facebook page, @bradentongov, with the hashtag #America250.

For more information

For more information about the 250th anniversary observances at the national level, go to America250.org.

For more information about the state observances, go to America250fl.com.

For more information about local plans, go to mymanatee.org, cityofbradenton.com, palmettofl.org and bradentongulfislands.com.