New Meadows Preps For America250 Festivities
As the 250th celebration of the founding of the United States quickly approaches, Meadows Valley organizations, the city of New Meadows and the Adams County Historical Society are preparing some extra special events. Through the state of Idaho’s America250 Fund, the city applied for and received a grant in the amount of $2,500 for this year’s milestone celebrations. The grant, split between the city and ACHS will be used for a “Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights BBQ” and music in the park event on Friday, July 3 at Dorsey Warr Memorial Park as well as a special exhibit at the Historic P. & I.N. Depot throughout the summer.
New Meadows Community Events Coordinator Stepheny Becker said the city partnered with ACHS on the grant and split the funds with $1,000 going toward the historical exhibit at the Depot and the remaining $1,500 going toward the city’s July 3 event. Becker said the city’s portion will cover music, decorations, games and other related activities and that various vendors and local community members have generously added items and attractions for the event.
“One thing I’m especially excited about is that the community has really stepped up to help,” said Becker. “The BBQ is being completely donated by community members, so there is no cost to the city associated with that portion of the event.” She also described the raffle-style fundraiser that will take place during the event to help raise money for future Parks & Rec activities and community events. The city rep said they were excited to already receive donations from C&M Lumber, Adventure Rafting and Mountain Glow Esthetics.
ACHS will open their America250 exhibit on July 3 at 3:00 p.m. and remain open until 7:00 p.m. The group has put together new panels featuring the history of America and invites guests to “stroll through our country’s history including moments that “made us” in Idaho and Meadows Valley.” The exhibit will be open through Labor Day weekend with regular viewing hours Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Special Saturday hours will be hosted in July and August from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and they will also open on Sunday, July 19 and Friday, Aug. 7.
The Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights BBQ on July 3 in the city park will feature live music from Landon Vance at 5:30 p.m. and Lucky Tongue at 7:45 p.m. Featured activities planned include a bounce house, bubble machines, face painting, snow cones, kiddie train rides provided by Pumpkin Patch Adventures in Weiser, yard games, local vendors and a sparkler finale. The free community BBQ will include hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, iced tea, lemonade and of course a giant 250th birthday cake.
The America250 in Idaho Celebration Fund offered grant funding to cities and counties throughout the state for local celebrations like parades, public art exhibits and festivals. The project encouraged communities to put on events “commemorating the ideals of the American Revolution - equality, liberty, and justice.” Through the program, the Idaho Secretary of State’s office offered $250,000 in grants across the gem state. Each entity could receive up to $2,500 for their celebrations.
In other parts of Meadows Valley, patriotic and festive plans are in the works for the July 4 holiday and area calendars are chock full of fun including the Meadows Valley Fire S.A.V.E.S. The Day Dinner & Auction, a pancake breakfast at the MV Community Center and special Farmer’s Market events.
S.A.V.E.S. stands for Support All Volunteer Emergency Services and this is the MV Fire Department’s main fundraising event each year. Fire fighters seek out large and small donations and sell event dinner tickets. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the night includes dinner, a live auction, raffles and plenty of family fun at the fire station. Dinner tickets are $20 each or new this year, guests can purchase a special table including the 911 Elite or Volunteer Hero options for eight guests. The event is advertised to be all about supporting, honoring and celebrating those who are always there to save the day.
On the morning of July 4, check out the MV Community Center Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Donations for MVCC events are always appreciated. The meal is set to include pancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuits, eggs, coffee and juice. The MVCC also has upcoming BINGO and potluck nights. Monday lunches are on a break until Fall.
After breakfast, head over to the city park for an extra special Saturday Farmer’s Market from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Regular markets begin Saturday, June 27. On July 4, the market encourages kids and adults to wear their patriotic red, white and blue. Kids can also bring a decorated bike, stroller, wagon or walk in a special parade. Games and contests will be available along with hot dogs and popcorn on top of regular market items.
