By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton is joining the nation in celebrating “America 250” in 2026--the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On Monday, August 11, Pat Rodabaugh addressed Village of Bluffton council members, presenting an overview of opportunities as well as plans for events and activities including a 4th of July parade.

Rodabaugh also requested and received funding. A community event fund of $5,800 has been inactive since 2016 according to Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel. Council approved a motion to grant the funds for America 250 use.

Some 16 people have responded to Rodabaugh’s call to form an organizing committee and a letter has gone out to prospective donors. Rodabaugh estimates that some $2,700 would be needed to fund the parade. She noted that the project should not compete with established events. For example, there is no plan to do fireworks, which are part of National Night Out festivities in August.

Brainstorming has included a 13 colonies cake contest, a 250 ft long banana split, a Revolutionary dress ball and a 1940s radio production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Private donors have begun making commitments to the project.

The ad hoc group has created an email at [email protected]