The 200th birthday of Marion County and Salem is just over a year away on January 24th,2023 and local historians hoped the Bicentennial can be marked by several special events.
Salem Historical Commission Chair Luke Purcell says they are already making plans for a big event tied to the July 4th celebration in 2023. He says it would be added to the fireworks display and musical entertainment in the park.
“We plan on expanding that with activities throughout the day. Maybe some sports events in the early morning, possibly a 5k run and a disc golf competition. We are looking at getting some reenactors…a few years ago we had some Civil War reenactors. Along with an art collection from Dr. Murfin. He has an expensive collection of lithographs from the Civil War.”
The Marion County Board at its Tuesday night meeting was asked what activities they would like to see on behalf of the county.
The President of the Marion County Genealogical Society Wyatt Colclasure says the first step is deciding the goals of the celebration.
“It makes a difference if you are having it to have people come out to have a good time, whether you want to build some community or solidarity, someone wants to raise funds for some cause, those are all valid things. It does help to know for sure what your goal is. Is it money, community spirit, history and there can be a combination to that.”
Mark Decker, who headed the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration in Marion County, says they might want to do some type of celebration on the actual date of the bicentennial and follow with other activities throughout the year. He notes the state’s Bicentennial was marked by the planting of the Johnny Appleseed apple tree on the courthouse lawn, a flag raising, a birthday party celebration, and a collectors event held at the Bryan Bennett Library.
Decker also suggested the creation of a calendar for all of 2023 marking significant historical events and prominent birthdays.
The county board’s building and historical commission will have further discussion on what the Bicentennial Celebration should look like in the coming months.
