Although you could argue that 250 years is a long time to prepare, it’s nevertheless starting to feel like the planned America 250 celebration – generally scheduled to coincide with the July 4 signing of the Declaration of Independence across the county – is coming quickly.

All around town, signs of the impending patriotic milestone are blanketing the landscape.

A recent delegation of visitors from the offices of Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, and Mike Simpson stopped to speak with members of the county government and the hospital.

One of the highlight stops of the trip was to discuss the upcoming America 250 celebrations with local officials.

“We have been to a lot of towns around Idaho, and what you’ve got here is really impressive,” said Renee Richardson from Jim Risch’s office.  She was joined by Farhana Hibbert, Henry Dahl, and Sally Symons, representing the state’s national legislators.

One of the purposes of the visit was to convey to the county a flag that had been flown over the capitol in Boise for use during the America 250 celebrations.

A letter accompanying the flag read, in part “It is my privilege, as your Representative in Congress, to share this flown flag with you as a token of appreciation for your dedication to public service and community.  I encourage you to display it proudly at your county courthouse, in public ceremonies, or during events commemorating America 250, so that it may inspire all who see it.  A certificate authenticating the flight accompanies the flag.

This sealed letter is to be placed in the time capsule with the hope that, when opened in 50 years, it will remind future generations of our shared commitment to Idaho’s values and the role we played in preserving and strengthening our communities during this pivotal anniversary.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Oneida County and to the principles that make  America exceptional.  Please accept my best wishes for a meaningful celebration of this historic anniversary.”

FFA has even started work on their parade float already!

 The flag was then presented to the county by Henry Dahl from Representative Simpson’s office, and will be flown accordingly.

Following the presentation, the delegation spoke with county officials about issues of concern to the county, and provided information about the “Downwinder” bill that provides compensation for those affected by fallout from nuclear testing in the 1950s in the west (see story elsewhere in this edition).

Other events being planned and underway include the painting of a three panel mural behind the Veterans Memorial downtown.  The murals are being painted by art students from MHS, recruited by Krystal Fonnesbeck.

This year’s parade theme is “America 250,” and members of the FFA were spotted working on their float already, if you can believe that!

You can read in this edition about other events planned for the 4th and in honor of America 250, and we will be bringing you more details as the date approaches.