A huge community event is in the works to mark the nation’s major upcoming birthday milestone.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
A committee has already selected a logo “Gateway 250” (pictured above). However, the committee is asking for the public’s help in coming up with a name/slogan for Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County’s event, which will be held at Montgomery County High School.
The winner will receive a “Made in Mt. Sterling” basket with Ruth Hunt Candy, Townsend Sorghum, Lighthouse Candles and much more. The winner will also receive a special plaque and be recognized in the Advocate as well as at the event!
The naming/slogan contest begins Thursday, Feb. 12, and ends Friday, Feb. 27.
Need some examples? Music City—Nashville, Tenn.— hosts “Let Freedom Sing” annually and in the San Diego Bay area there is the “Big Bay Boom.” A little more close to home Fort Knox hosts a Freedom Fest and Elizabethtown a “Founders’ Day Fireworks over Etown” event.
Look for a post on the Advocate’s Facebook page Feb. 12. Slogan entries may be submitted in the comment section there, dropped off to the Advocate office (42 S. Bank St.), mailed to the Advocate or emailed to news@msadvocate.com.
Entries will be provided to the Gateway 250 committee to review prior to its next committee meeting at 1 p.m. Friday, March 6.
The local celebration is being planned for Saturday, July 4, from 5 p.m. until the fireworks show at the campus of MCHS and will feature an evening filled with fun for the entire family. It will include, according a release, live performances, food, games, historical and patriotic presentations and fireworks at dark.
The weekend kicks off with the First Friday Market Friday, July 3, in downtown Mt. Sterling from 6-9 p.m. followed by the American Legion Post 22 “Breakfast with the Post” Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m.. Breakfast is free for veterans and $5 for the public.
Donations are being accepted now by the Montgomery County Fiscal Court to cover the cost of the event. When making a donation, please include “Gateway 250” in the envelope with the donation.
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