Casey Prepares for ‘America 250’ and Founders Day Parade

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026

Article Summary: Local organizers presented ambitious plans for the upcoming Founders Day and America 250 celebrations, including a parade, essay contests, and historical tributes.

Founders Day & America 250 Key Points:

• Parade Date: The Founders Day parade is scheduled for May 9, starting at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall.

• National Celebration: Casey is an official participating municipality in the “America 250” semi-quincentennial celebration.

• Unique Tribute: A birthday party is planned for Mary Katherine Goddard, the first person to print her name on the Declaration of Independence.

• Community Engagement: Plans include an essay contest with cash prizes and a “Big 250” banner campaign.

Organizers detailed plans for upcoming patriotic celebrations during the Casey City Council meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026. Resident Patty Richards addressed the board regarding the city’s participation in the “America 250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, as well as the annual Founders Day events.

Richards requested street closures for the Founders Day parade, scheduled for May 9. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall and end at the firehouse. Richards emphasized the importance of community participation, recalling the scale of the city’s 1976 Bicentennial parade.

“I think the parade is very, very important for this year,” Richards said. “I remember quite vividly 50 years ago… almost every store, business, church, any organization had a float.”

For the America 250 celebration, Casey has been designated as an official participating municipality. The local theme will incorporate the city’s brand, dubbed “The Big 250: Casey Celebrates America.”

Planned festivities include a “history fair” at the high school gym involving students from fifth grade through senior year, and a community-wide essay contest titled “What America Means to Me,” featuring $250 prizes.

Richards also highlighted a unique event scheduled for June 13: a birthday party for Mary Katherine Goddard. Richards noted that Goddard was the first person to print the Declaration of Independence with her name at the bottom, a historical detail the committee hopes to highlight.

Mayor Mike Nichols expressed his support for the committee’s efforts. “I put you in charge for that very reason. I have no doubt it’ll be a good one,” Nichols said.