07/04/2026
Shew, what an event!
America 250!
Where do I even begin!
I approached my office staff several months ago about an America 250 Celebration and they quickly jumped onboard with the idea! We decided to put some feelers out, just seeing if there’d be any interest, and boy was there! Several jumped on board with sponsorship and the plans began to take off.
Last night went above and FAR beyond any of my expectations! Henry County you showed up in a big way! We estimate around 2000 showed up thru out the evening!!! I was a little worried at 4pm with the heat and small crowd, but by 7 we had traffic pouring in, and a steady line kept coming in up till 10pm.
I am so humbled by all the overwhelming support !
Where do I even start with showing my appreciation:
To my Fiscal Court, thank you for giving us the go ahead and trusting us to pull off this event !
To my office staff, you guys outdid yourselves! You threw yourselves into this with all your whole hearts! Special thanks to Travis, Amanda, Denise and Ed Frederick! I couldnt have done this without your help! You guys worked countless hours on this event and it all went off perfectly! Thank you!
To my parks staff, the heat was brutal this week, but y’all worked everyday getting things ready. Mowing, trimming, putting up banners, signs, I could go on and on but I’d still miss something you guys took care of!! You guys went above and beyond and I truly appreciate all of you!
To all the food vendors, stage hands, sound technicians, parking attendants and all the volunteers THANK YOU!
To each group of singers and musicians that came, THANK YOU. You all did great! I received so many compliments on the entertainment!
Angels Envy..the fireworks!! Wow!
It was amazing, Thank you!
Lastly, to all our wonderful sponsors, this would have never been possible without your help! THANK YOU !!
We are truly blessed here in our little county and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it!!
So today, July 4th, 2026, I end this all by saying :
Happy 250th Birthday AMERICA!
God bless Henry County and God bless America!!
Scott Bates
Henry County Judge Executive
