Rachel Dahl
Community leaders and volunteers gathered at City Hall for the first meeting of the Mayor’s America 250 Commission, launching an effort to plan how Fallon will mark the nation’s 250th birthday.
Mayor Ken Tedford said the goal is to tie as many local events as possible into a unified “America 250” celebration, from the community Christmas tree lighting through the Fourth of July, with common flags, banners, and a logo signaling the anniversary.
The commission will be co-chaired by volunteer Michon Mackedon, who served on Tedford’s Millennial Commission in 1999, and Mike Berney, who will help coordinate events that connect with Maine Street and the Fallon Theatre.
“When Bob Erickson (City Chief of Staff) and I sat down with the list, we could tell you exactly why each of you is here,” Tedford told the group. “You all touch different parts of the community — schools, arts, business, events. We’re going to need every bit of that reach.”
Early work will focus on building a master calendar for 2025–26, identifying existing events that can be branded as America 250 activities and spotting gaps where new events might make sense, with city staff managing and coordinating the calendar.
The first visible step will be this year’s community Christmas tree lighting. City staff member Erik Fain has contacted the fireworks vendor about adding a special America 250 element to the tree-lighting show, and a custom “250” topper is being designed for the downtown tree.
Members also discussed encouraging businesses to decorate in red, white, and blue for both the holidays and the coming year, including window painting and historic-style flags along the Maine and Williams corridors.
An America 250-themed chalk art festival is planned for May 29–30 on and around Carson Street, with professional chalk artists and students working side by side in designated areas for artists, local adults, and kids. The festival will feature live music and food trucks and carry a red, white, and blue America 250 theme, while still allowing artists creative freedom.
The commission discussed reviving the PTA Day kids’ parade, which once brought elementary students downtown in costumes, and pairing it with old-fashioned children’s games that echo 18th-century activities —simple contests, races, and hands-on demonstrations — that could fit into a park celebration.
For the Fourth of July, plans center on a full-day event at the park featuring live music, food vendors, and kid-friendly contests. Some suggested incorporating historical reenactors and a “Paul Revere race” for younger children using hobby horses. The longstanding fireworks show would remain the evening anchor, with hopes of additional patriotic touches as budgets and logistics allow.
Rather than building everything from scratch, the commission plans to layer America 250 themes onto existing events. The Churchill Arts Council is planning a 1940s-style USO show in May with patriotic music, and the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show and ag mechanics contest could encourage projects and decorations tied to 1776, American innovation, and rural traditions.
Beyond the year of events, city officials are exploring a permanent legacy project tied to America 250. One concept involves a sculpture or art garden at the Oats Park Art Center, potentially featuring a work by artist John Mason and a redesigned public space where visitors can walk, sit, and reflect. Another idea is to recreate the historic courthouse fountain, the Draper Self Culture Club’s horse-watering fountain that once stood downtown at what is now the 3C Arena, and dedicate it in connection with the anniversary, working with the museum to get details right and, if possible, incorporate language from the original sign.
“These are the kinds of things people remember and take pictures in front of for years,” Tedford said. “If we’re going to mark 250 years, it would be good to leave something lasting.”
The commission plans to meet again in January with a draft master calendar and more details for each event. In the meantime, members will spread the word through their organizations and gather input. Community groups, service clubs, churches, and businesses interested in tying their events into the America 250 celebration will be invited to join the calendar and use the shared branding.
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