Marshfield is preparing for one of its biggest Independence Day celebrations in years, and organizers say this year's event carries even more meaning as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
The city's 147th annual Fourth of July celebration will serve as Webster County's official America 250 celebration, bringing together three days of events from July 3 through July 5.
Parade Chairman Nicholas Inman said planning has been underway for months. The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce has worked alongside Webster County's America 250 Committee to make this year's celebration one of the largest since the county's sesquicentennial in 2005.
"We're excited," Inman said. "This is the biggest Fourth of July celebration we've had in Marshfield since 2005."
The annual parade remains the centerpiece of the weekend. It steps off at 10 a.m. July 4 and follows the same route used in recent years.
Leading this year's parade will be Webster County's oldest residents, 100-year-olds Mitzi Hosmer and Rachel Straw, who will serve as grand marshals. Inman said honoring the county's oldest citizens is a fitting tribute during America's 250th celebration and follows a tradition used during Webster County's 150th anniversary.
Also, Linda Dickenson, with the Webster County Historical Society, has published two history books in celebration of the country's 250th birthday and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. These books will be available at local businesses as well as at the Webster County Museum.
They can also be found during the 4th of July weekend at the Historical Society's booth on the square. You will find lots of pictures and information about the county and the history of the Independence Day celebrations in one book, and the other contains pictures and information on Route 66 in Webster County.
The parade will feature veterans, marching bands, floats, community organizations, elected officials, and local businesses. Several groups are planning patriotic-themed entries recognizing the nation's birthday.
The festivities extend well beyond the parade.
Visitors can enjoy the Webster County Fair, a street dance on the evening of July 4, live performances by Deck of Hearts, gospel music, watermelon-eating contests, open houses at local attractions, and other family activities throughout the weekend.
Following the parade, one of Marshfield's longest-running traditions will continue with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Inman said the reading has always been an important part of the celebration, but this year it carries added significance as the country prepares to mark 250 years since the nation's founding.
Another addition visitors may notice is a new historical marker on the Webster County Courthouse lawn commemorating President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush's visit to Marshfield during the 1991 Fourth of July celebration.
The marker was unveiled during this year's Cherry Blossom Festival by Pierce Bush, grandson of President Bush, and Ashley Reagan, granddaughter of President Ronald Reagan. Organizers hope it will be permanently installed in time for this year's festivities.
Inman, who is serving as parade chairman for the 23rd time, said Marshfield's Independence Day celebration remains one of the community's proudest traditions.
"When people say there's nothing to do in Marshfield, I always think they aren't paying attention," he said. "There's something for everyone that weekend."
Those wishing to participate in the parade can pre-register through the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Event schedules, parade information, and updates are available on the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
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