America's 250th Birthday local event in the works

BEATRICE – It appears Gage County will be in celebration-mode for the 250th birthday of America, on July 4th, this year.

The Gage County Board has given an informal go-ahead for events planned by a volunteer committee that organizes and raises money for the annual Winter Lights Festival in Beatrice.

"We had a meeting and we would like the board's blessing. This is something new and they have the funds. They'd like to do something special for the Semiquincentennial this year. That would be turning on the winter lights on the building. This would happen during Homestead Days through the Fourth of July....decorate the big tree....we call it the J.T. tree, red white and blue....possibly rent the tree that is usually down at Charles Park during the winter time and have that one red, white and blue on the west side (of the courthouse grounds).

Gage County Building and Grounds Supervisor Dave Jones says discussions are being held with a local garden center owner about a red, white and blue flower bed on the south side of the courthouse and perhaps a display highlighting a cannon located on the south grounds.

"These would be from Homestead Days and then run through the Fourth of July."

American flags would be placed on the courthouse grounds from July 1st through July 6th.