Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

JACKSON – The United States of America will be celebrating its 250th anniversary next year, and celebrations to mark the occasion are already underway.

In North Carolina, each county is being asked to plan some sort of celebration event, and state funds have been set aside to be used.

Shannon Godwin from Northampton County’s Economic Development Department spoke before the Board of Commissioners at their meeting on Feb. 17 for permission to start putting together an “America 250” planning committee for the county.

“It will not cost the county anything,” she emphasized.

Godwin also noted that serving on the committee will be a volunteer position, and there will not be any monetary compensation for participating.

She mentioned that potential celebrations could include a parade or festive decorations across the county, as just a few examples of what they can do next year.

With the commissioners’ permission to move forward, she said she’ll start recruiting members for the committee and she’ll request the county’s portion of the state funds.

Other neighboring counties such as Halifax, she added, have already gotten a head start.

Commissioner Keedra Whitaker motioned to approve, and Keith Edwards provided the second. The vote was unanimously in favor.

“Thank you so much,” Godwin said. “Stay tuned!”