Planning is really starting to pick up for the Gateway 250 celebration set for July 4 at Cunningham Field on the Montgomery County High School campus.
The committee overseeing the event is now beginning to fine tune specifics.
Judge-Executive Chris Haddix told the committee at a meeting May 8 he has contracted with Pyro Shows to put on a 15-minute fireworks show for $13,387.50.
Haddix said this is a discount from what was anticipated.
The committee voted at the meeting to purchase 300 challenge coins to be offered for sale commemorating the event. It also plans to sell T-shirts at the event.
Joey Bates, a military veteran, has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker.
The committee has made arrangements for two large screens to show videos of interviews with former service members.
Committee member and Tourism Director Tracy Pearce said she has arranged an Army band and the group Young at Heart to play at the event.
The JROTC at the high school will provide reenactors from each of the major U.S. military conflicts.
To provide a living history, Barry Frazier announced he will have several local residents portray prominent historical figures including ex-presidents.
Frazier told the committee he is hopeful of arranging a community choir.
There will be a children's area that will include eight inflatables that will be monitored by The Refinery Church, Pearce said.
Additional parking will be at First Baptist Church and First Church of God from which individuals will be shuttled to the football field.
Tim Welch, commander of American Legion Post 22, has asked that any veterans or family of a veterans interested in volunteering to contact him at 859-398-3744.
The committee is still collecting donations. They can be dropped off at the judge-executive's office in the Courthouse Annex or at any Community Trust Bank drive-through.
The next committee meeting will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, at the Clay Community Center.
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