America 250 celebrations kick off!

The celebration of The United States of America’s 250th year has been underway since late last year, really, as the push to make the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 began to pick up steam.  Julie Ellsworth, Idaho’s current State Treasurer (since 2019) and former GOP Representative has been the biggest promoter statewide of the America 250 cause.  She is responsible for the appearance of the Revolutionary mascot “Spuddy Buddies” at a number of events around the state in the runup to the July 4th full national observance of the milestone.

While Ellsworth herself could not be in town last week to celebrate, her ambassadors were.  The Community Schools director Bonnie Speas was the principle organizer of an A250 celebration at Thirkill Elementary School on Thursday morning, and was then joined by the City of Soda Springs, state and county representatives, music students from SSHS and Tigert, Til Then Boutique, local veterans, and members of the public at an event later in the day at Soda Springs City Park.

Apologies for the sun - local veterans were central participants in Thursday's A250 events.

 The morning event at Thirkill gave Soda Springs students a chance to learn about the story of the founding from representatives of their state and local governments.  Mayor Paul Gritton, Rep. Mike Veile and Senator Mark Harris joined Thirkill’s Brock Andreason and Bonnie Speas, and Tigert’s Debbie Hansen for a musical and patriotic morning.  The morning started with a flag ceremony conducted by local veterans, the recitation of the pledge, and the singing of the anthem by a gym full of kids.

Members of the Soda Springs High School and Tigert Middle School Band and Orchestra under the direction of Debbie Hansen performed for the crowd, as did veteran David Torgesen.

Members of the SSHS drama department introduced the visiting “Spuddy Buddies” and explained their historical counterparts.  

Harris, Veile, and Gritton then spoke individually about their thoughts on America and what has been responsible for its success. 

Afterwards, large rolled sheets of “signer paper” were taken around to the classrooms so that local kids could sign their names to the Declarations that will be hung from the Capitol rotunda.

Later in the day, activities moved downtown.  The courthouse was the scene for a raising of the flag in honor of the celebration, again featuring local veterans.

Many of the speakers and musicians from earlier in the day returned, with the addition of former Senator Bob Geddes, who spoke alongside Mark Harris, Paul Gritton, Brock Andreason, and Bonnie Speas.

The afternoon event had a different energy, as it was attended by kids, adults, families, and many  who were not able to be at the morning assembly.  The sun crept lower against the horizon as the band and orchestra once again played, but this time in the warmth of a pleasant evening.  Dave Torgesen again played the song “Forever Idaho,” which had been specially written for the occasion of America’s 250 year celebration (semiquincentennial, as Mike Veile explained to students earlier in the day).

At Thirkill, SSHS students helped introduce the Spuddy Buddies.

 The event was held at the same time as an Open House at “Til Then Boutique” just down the street, which featured caramel apples, and old-time picture booth, and more.

Throughout the evening, the speakers again reflected on what America has meant to them over the years, and what they expected in the future.  

“I expect at least another 250 years,” Senator Harris said.

Senator Geddes spoke about the importance of understanding and being there for one another, no matter what else changes in the world.

As the summer looms ever closer, celebrations of America 250 will escalate to the national 4th of July celebration, and if these events are good indicators, it should be a fantastic year!