Athens is joining communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission and American Village named Athens one of the state’s America 250 cities.
“America 250 Alabama is more than just a celebration - it’s a chance to reflect on our past and share how Alabama’s history helped shape the nation,” said Natalie Steed, Executive Officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission. “We are excited to work with local committees across the state. I’m proud to see Athens taking the lead in planning meaningful events to mark this historic occasion.”
The local 250th committee is leading the community's planning and programming in celebration of the nation’s Semiquincentennial. Community leaders, educators, veterans, historians and civic volunteers comprise the Athens-America250AL committee.
“The committee’s goal is to facilitate a coordinated effort to celebrate and educate,” said Committee Co-Chair Holly Hollman. “Our history is America’s history and a part of America’s 250th celebration. We will work in conjunction with State of Alabama initiatives to promote events and programs not only for our citizens, but also tourists who visit our city.”
Athens-Limestone Tourism Association will serve as the communication hub for activities and programs. Any local entity that has a 250th celebration planned will submit information to Tourism for inclusion on a designated 250th celebration page on its website. To submit a 250th event to Tourism, use this link: Google Form
Committee Co-Chair Pammie Jimmar, who is Athens-Limestone County Chamber/Tourism President and CEO, said she is incredibly honored Athens is one of the America250Alabama Semiquincentennial Cities.
“This recognition is not just about marking 250 years of our nation’s history,” Jimmar said. “It’s also about celebrating the generations of citizens whose vision, sacrifice and determination built the community we are blessed to call home.”
Jimmar said Athens has “always been a place where heritage and hope walk hand in hand.”
“Our local celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today and boldly step into the future together,” she said.
The committee is working with the Sons of the American Revolution on a possible monument in the historic Athens City Cemetery near the burial place of John Wade Keyes, recognized by the State of Alabama as the state's first veteran. Extensive research indicates Keyes was the only person who had an association with Alabama who enlisted in the first 10 rifle companies of the Continental Army created June 1775.
Records indicate Keyes enlisted in the Continental Army almost 13 months prior to the issuance of the Declaration of Independence.
A 2023 State of Alabama proclamation reads, “A recent assessment of other Revolutionary War veterans indicated that no other Continental Army veteran with an association to Alabama had prior service. Be it resolved by the legislature of Alabama, both houses thereof concurring, that John Wade Keyes of Limestone County is highly honored and recognized as Alabama’s first veteran of the armed forces of the United States of America.”
The committee is also working with Tourism on the July 3-4 Red, White and Boom celebration, which will be a local 250th celebration on Independence Day weekend.
“By partnering with the City, County and Athens Arts League, we are bringing a high-energy, community-wide celebration for families, businesses and neighbors who can enjoy a patriotic party in unity and with pride,” Jimmar said. “This is more than an event. It is a symbol of the spirit that defines Athens: resilient, patriotic, forward-moving and strong.”
Red, White and Boom activities include:
- April to May – Athens Arts League will accept submissions for the July 3 – Athens Arts League and Tourism will host Art After Hours from 7-9 p.m. on Marion Street on The Square with JED-Eye performing rock classics and more. The Rocket City Starlets will participate, and there will be an art station where children can make a patriotic craft. Volunteers will distribute American flags and pocket size copies of the Constitution while supplies last.
- July 4 – Tourism will host the inaugural Red, White and Boom 5K and the traditional Red, White and Boom Festival at the Sportsplex with live music, games, food trucks, art winners, vendors and fireworks.
The celebration will not end with these weekend festivities. Athens State University plans to host a 250th program on July 7 at 2 p.m. called “John Adams: Architect of our Democracy.” Brian “Fox” Ellis, an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist, will present the program. You can read more about him and the John Adams program here: https://ilhumanities.org/speakers/brian-fox-ellis.
More 250th activities will be announced as they are submitted to Tourism.
“The best chapters of our story are still ahead, and I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with a community that continues to lead with heart,” Jimmar said.
About America250AL
The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission (America250AL) is Alabama’s official commission to lead the state’s planning for the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. Learn more at www.america250al.org.