ATHENS-Athens is joining communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250 th birthday.
The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission and American Village named Athens one of the state’s
America 250 cities.
“America 250 Alabama is more than just a celebration – it’s a chance to reflect on our past and share how
Alabama’s history helped shape the nation,” said Natalie Steed, Executive Officer of the Alabama USA
Semiquincentennial Commission. “We are excited to work with local committees across the state. I’m proud to
see Athens taking the lead in planning meaningful events to mark this historic occasion.”
The local 250th committee is leading the community's planning and programming in celebration of the nation’s
Semiquincentennial. Community leaders, educators, veterans, historians and civic volunteers comprise the
Athens-America250AL committee.
“The committee’s goal is to facilitate a coordinated effort to celebrate and educate,” said Committee Co-Chair
Holly Hollman. “Our history is America’s history and a part of America’s 250 th celebration. We will work in
conjunction with State of Alabama initiatives to promote events and programs not only for our citizens, but also
tourists who visit our city.”
Athens-Limestone Tourism Association will serve as the communication hub for activities and programs. Any
local entity that has a 250 th celebration planned will submit information to Tourism for inclusion on a designated
250 th celebration page on its website. Tourism is developing a submission form and will share that in the near
future.
Committee Co-Chair Pammie Jimmar, who is Athens-Limestone County Chamber/Tourism President and CEO,
said she is incredibly honored Athens is one of the America250Alabama Semiquincentennial Cities.
“This recognition is not just about marking 250 years of our nation’s history,” Jimmar said. “It’s also about
celebrating the generations of citizens whose vision, sacrifice and determination built the community we are
blessed to call home.”
Jimmar said Athens has “always been a place where heritage and hope walk hand in hand.”
“Our local celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today and
boldly step into the future together,” she said.
The committee is working with the Sons of the American Revolution on a possible monument in the historic
Athens City Cemetery near the burial place of John Wade Keyes, recognized by the State of Alabama as the
state’s first veteran. Extensive research indicates Keyes was the only person who had an association with
Alabama who enlisted in the first 10 rifle companies of the Continental Army created June 1775.
Records indicate Keyes enlisted in the Continental Army almost 13 months prior to the issuance of the
Declaration of Independence.
A 2023 State of Alabama proclamation reads, “A recent assessment of other Revolutionary War veterans
indicated that no other Continental Army veteran with an association to Alabama had prior service. Be it
resolved by the legislature of Alabama, both houses thereof concurring, that John Wade Keyes of Limestone
County is highly honored and recognized as Alabama’s first veteran of the armed forces of the United States of
America.”
The committee is also working with Tourism on the July 3-4 Red, White and Boom celebration, which will be a
local 250 th celebration on Independence Day weekend
“By partnering with the City, County and Athens Arts League, we are bringing a high-energy, community-wide
celebration for families, businesses and neighbors who can enjoy a patriotic party in unity and with pride,”
Jimmar said. “This is more than an event. It is a symbol of the spirit that defines Athens: resilient, patriotic,
forward-moving and strong.
Red, White and Boom activities include:
April to May – Athens Arts League will accept submissions for the My American Inspiration Art Contest
for students in our local schools (including colleges). Entries will be displayed at Tourism, City Hall,
Scout House and Athens State. There will be 250 th celebration certificates and cash prizes for winners.
Those will be announced during the Red, White and Boom event.
July 3 – Athens Arts League and Tourism will host Art After Hours from 7-9 p.m. on Marion Street on
The Square with JED-Eye performing rock classics and more. The Rocket City Starlets will participate,
and there will be an art station where children can make a patriotic craft. Volunteers will distribute
American flags and pocket size copies of the Constitution while supplies last.
July 4 – Tourism will host the inaugural Red, White and Boom 5K and the traditional Red, White and
Boom Festival at the Sportsplex with live music, games, food trucks, art winners, vendors and fireworks.
The celebration will not end with these weekend festivities. Athens State University plans to host a 250 th
program on July 7 at 2 p.m. called “John Adams: Architect of our Democracy.” Brian “Fox” Ellis, an
internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist, will present the program. You can read
more about him and the John Adams program here: https://ilhumanities.org/speakers/brian-fox-ellis .
More 250 th activities will be announced as they are submitted to Tourism.
“The best chapters of our story are still ahead, and I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with a community that
continues to lead with heart,” Jimmar said.
About America250AL
The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission (America250AL) is Alabama’s official commission to lead
the state’s planning for the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. Learn more at www.america250al.org.
