HILLSBORO, Ohio — Highland County’s America 250 celebration will go on rain or shine Saturday, with organizers ready to move key events indoors if storms arrive, the Highland County Emergency Management Agency said.
The daylong celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. If rain moves in, several activities will shift to the Masonic Lodge at 134 N. High St. in Hillsboro, the agency said.
Under the rain plan, opening ceremonies would begin at 9 a.m. on the lodge’s third-floor stage, followed by the unveiling of the Highland County Revolutionary War Memorial at 6 p.m. and a military band concert at 7 p.m., according to the agency.
On the second floor, a Kids Zone and pioneer exhibits would run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with character presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Masonic Temple tours, courthouse tours and the farmers market will take place as scheduled regardless of the weather, and food trucks will try to remain open, the agency said.
The centerpiece of the day is the unveiling of the Highland County Revolutionary War Memorial, which honors Revolutionary War patriots who lived, died or are buried in the county. If the weather cooperates, the monument is to be dedicated at 6 p.m. on the south lawn of the historic Highland County Courthouse in Hillsboro, recognized as the oldest continuously used courthouse in Ohio.
Many Revolutionary War veterans received land grants in the Northwest Territory after the war and settled in what became Highland County, according to historical accounts.
The emergency management agency urged residents to watch its social media pages for an official announcement Saturday morning on any weather-related changes.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Highland County Emergency Management Agency.
