America’s 250th: Got Time & Two Hands? Come Help Us Set Up the Square Now!

America’s 250th birthday is finally here, and our historic celebration right here in Alton is just a couple of hours away! It is Sunday morning, July 5th, and the Alton 250 Community Potluck kicks off right at 1:00 p.m. on the court square ^[1]. If you have some free time this morning and want to get in on the fun early, we would love your help down at the square to get things set up for this wonderful community event.

A Big Celebration Means a Big Setup

We are preparing for a fantastic turnout today. This potluck event is completely free and open to anyone who wants to come ^[2]. Because folks do not even need to live in Oregon County to attend, we are expecting a very large crowd ^[3]. Right now, volunteers are getting the physical space ready on the square. That means setting up the main areas for the food lines, the free snow cones, and the staging for the live patriotic and gospel music ^[4]. If you’re handy with a folding table, we could certainly use you!

If you have some free time this morning and want to get in on the fun early, we would love your help down at the square.

Setting the Stage For Our Veterans

We’re keeping a close eye on the clock this morning. Our local veterans are meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the Alton Assembly of God Church ^[5]. They will march in a special foot parade down to the square, and we want to make sure the area is picture-perfect for their arrival. We’re excited to honor them properly before the eating begins and before speakers like Representative Keith Elliott and the Oregon County Patriotic Pageant winners take the stage ^[6].

The beauty of a potluck is everyone chipping in. People across the county are bringing main dishes, sides, breads, and desserts ^[7]. Whether you’re bringing your favorite family recipe or just bringing your energy to help set up chairs, every little bit makes a difference. Many hands make light work, and it’s a great way to visit with neighbors before the event gets busy.

Many Hands Make Light Work

You might be thinking you will just head down at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate, assuming there are plenty of folks already hard at work setting up. While we do have some wonderful volunteers down there now, an event of this magnitude is a big job.

With an event this size, we can always use more help to make sure our early-bird volunteers don’t get too worn out before the party even starts!

With an event this size, we can always use more help to make sure our early-bird volunteers don’t get too worn out before the party even starts! It takes a community to throw a great party.

The Alton 250 Community Potluck is going to be a blast, and getting the square ready together is half the fun. Grab your family, put on your comfortable shoes, and come on down to the Alton court square this morning. Ask the organizers where you can jump in and lend a hand. Let’s enjoy the morning together and make America’s 250th birthday celebration one to remember!