Bicentennial provides cause for celebration
Maybe it’s strange to imagine a birthday party for a state – with trappings like a cake, ice cream confetti or a piñata – but the upcoming Alabama Bicentennial is certainly a reason to celebrate.
Our state will “turn 200” in 2019, marking two centuries of statehood. That alone would be reason to put on our party hats – but there are yet two other milestones to celebrate. Franklin County will turn 200 Feb. 6, 2018, and the City of Russellville will turn 200 Nov. 22, 2019.
Plenty of celebrations and commemoratives are either already taking place or are being planned to highlight these special occasions, and we hope you will join in the efforts.
The bicentennial has already been big news for more than a year, with efforts gathering momentum as the time draws near. Several news items have contributed to excitement, like when Russellville Public Library announced the free use of Ancestry Library Edition for library patrons, courtesy of the Alabama Public Library Service; when Russellville teacher Carol Raney was named a master teacher with the Alabama Bicentennial Commission; and when the county received a $5K grant to help fund local observances of the momentous occasion.
The Franklin County Bicentennial Committee has had numerous meetings to make plans for formal celebrations – the first coming up in less than a month.
Feb. 6 will start the birthday celebrations off with the unveiling of a historical marker noting the Franklin County Bicentennial at the Franklin County Archives. The marker will highlight the county’s notoriety as being older than the state.
May 12, 2018 will bring a special birthday celebration for Franklin County and the City of Russellville, Pioneer Day. The event is planned for Sloss Lake, which is the original site of Russellville – then called Russell’s Valley. Pioneer Day will offer living history demonstrations, music, storytelling, War of 1812 re-enactors, Native American dancers, Andrew Jackson and Maj. William Russell portrayals, Civil War camp, covered wagon rides and more.
Franklin County’s grand finale will be Nov. 22, 2019, with the unveiling of the historical marker dedicated to the City of Russellville.
The bicentennial should be meaningful to all of us, the anniversary of a moment in history that provided the seed for everything we are today. We should celebrate our heritage.
So make plans to attend a celebratory event in Franklin County. After all, our country and our state will only turn 200 once.
To learn more about the Alabama Bicentennial – as well as observances planned across the state – visit www.alabama200.org.
