Okaloosa County is rolling out a year of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, with a grand parade, an elegant gala dinner, a 1776 reenactment and a patriotic drone show all on the calendar.
The Patriots Day America 250 Grand Parade and Celebration is scheduled for May 9 at 4 p.m. along Main Street in Crestview.
Then on June 12, a gala dinner will run from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring a 1776 reenactment and a patriotic drone show at the Rigdon Center, located at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach.
- The gala includes VIP seating for the drone show, a social hour, a formal dinner, the reenactment and a celebration with music and dancing.
The commission is inviting individuals and businesses to take part in what it calls a tribute to “The 56,” a reference to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The letter describes those signers as representing a cross-section of early American society, including leaders, merchants, physicians, lawyers, surveyors, scientists, printers, farmers, landowners, musicians, military leaders and ministers.
The events are being organized by the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, established by the Board of County Commissioners. The commission includes 18 appointed commissioners and more than 50 volunteers and held its organizational meeting on Feb. 5 in Shalimar.
- Its mission includes honoring the Founding Fathers and their principles, recognizing patriotic ancestors, commemorating the Revolutionary War era and promoting education and community awareness across Okaloosa County.
The commission is chaired by Hon. Graham W. Fountain, a former Okaloosa County commissioner, retired state police colonel and undersheriff, and president of the Sons of the American Revolution Emerald Coast of Florida chapter. Vice Chair Mitzie Henley, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and owner/operator of Sport Clips, will be handling outreach to potential supporters.
A full schedule of events is available at www.getthecoast.com/america250. The commission can also be followed on the Okaloosa County America 250 Facebook page.
