De Soto community members celebrated America’s 250th birthday with several activities over the course of four days.
The celebration began July 2 with a dedication ceremony of a Liberty Tree. About 15 members of the community attended as Mayor Kathy Smith read a proclamation recognizing that Liberty Trees were vital gathering places during the American Revolution era and are now enduring symbols of liberty, unity and constitutional values.
The sycamore tree was planted at 1100 N. Main St. near GraceLife Chapel. Brothers Jude Fenton, Finn Hahn and Malachi Hahn of Boy Scout Troop 561 presented a Bennington flag.
De Soto City Council members Matt Franken, Randi Scharf, Mayor Kathy Smith and Autumn Blanchard with De Soto City Manager Todd Melkus following the Liberty Tree dedication near GraceLife Chapel.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, said about 250 people attended the Semiquincentennial Celebration Launch ceremony at the Arlington Event Center to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Smith read the Liberty Tree proclamation, and Beverly Wilson, president of the De Soto Board of Education, read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence. Also participating were the De Soto High School Choir, American Heritage Girls and Boy Scout Troop 561.
“Lots of awards were given out to community members,” Greenlee said.
World War II veteran Walter Burke, 101, was recognized as a Living History Hero after getting a police escort from StoneBridge Senior Living to the Arlington Event Center.
“He’s the oldest Navy veteran in Jefferson County,” said Smith, who presented him with the award.
Robert E. Lee presented a Living History Award to Pastor Gene Moses for his “steadfast faith, compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to God and our community.”
John and Dorothy “Dot” Tessmer, who live at 114 S. Second St., received an award for having the most patriotic yard. The couple decorate their home, inside and out, for all the holidays.
Former Councilman Jim Akers and his wife, Mary Lou, were honored as the grand marshals of the parade.
Smith said a huge, wooden, three-tier cake was rolled out and the Statue of Liberty jumped out after the awards. Greenlee said Alex Belfield of First State Community Bank was the Statue of Liberty in the cake. Those attending were treated to real cake.
After the ceremony, the Drama Party band performed, and a car cruise was held on Main Street.
Greenlee estimates about 3,500 people attended the 98th annual De Soto Chamber of Commerce parade at 10 a.m. July 4. The theme was “American 250th Birthday Brigade.”
She said the weather was scorching hot, but the parade lineup ran smoothly. She said the chamber had more than 150 entries and more than 300 walkers. Because of the heat, the De Soto High School band did not perform.
“We had so many creative entries,” Greenlee said. “The chamber was pleased with the turnout.”
The First Baptist Church of De Soto received the award for being the most patriotic.
Greenlee was pleased with how the chamber-organized fireworks display went that evening.
“The weather turned out perfect with a small breeze,” she said. “The fireworks display was phenomenal. It’s hard to say the number of people watching since there were so many great locations to view the display.
“But at the high school, there were about 2,500.”
The celebration continued July 5 with a De Soto VFW Picnic that included a bounce house, water balloon and water gun fight, cornhole tournament, craft fair, barbecue and closing ceremony.
“Events of this scale are only possible because of dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, city officials, first responders, community organizations, local businesses and residents who work together for the benefit of our community,” Greenlee said. “The De Soto Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, talents and support.
“We are proud of what our community accomplished together and look forward to continuing our partnerships.”
Click here to see more photos from the parade:
