Supervisors to form celebration committee for U.S.’s 250th birthday in 2026

Jasper County wants to throw a party.

But not just any kind of run-of-the-mill celebration will do. No, no. Supervisors want to make sure the United States of America’s 250th birthday is a real treat for Jasper County citizens, which is why they reached consensus about creating a steering committee for the 2026 Fourth of July festivities.

Within the next week or so, the board of supervisors will vote on the creation of this celebration committee to solicit donations and fundraise for the big event. Volunteers in subcommittees will also be needed to develop the idea itself as well as activities for an Independence Day that is only just two years away.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma discussed the idea during a Dec. 3 work session. To his knowledge the county did a lot of decorating and other activities in celebration of America’s bicentennial in 1976. Talsma thought it would be fun if the county took the initiative to form a committee of county officials for the park.

For instance, Talsma said maintenance director Adam Sparks — who regularly prepares the courthouse for holiday celebrations — showed interest in being part of the committee, as did county conservation director Keri Van Zante, who is well-versed in fundraising and organizing fun events in Jasper County.Of course, the celebrations would not have to be reserved for only the Fourth of July. In fact, Talsma suggested activities could be planned a month or so before.

“Two years is not that far out,” Talsma said. “Ideally, this committee would do some fundraising and try to get decorations done, maybe some events throughout the course of June leading up to the Fourth of July … It’ll be another 50 years before we hit another big milestone like this.”

All of the money that would go toward this celebration would only comprise of donations. Talsma stressed no tax dollars would be used.

“It would be privately fundraised,” he said during the work session. “If this is something we’d like to do I’d like to get the ball rolling on this because obviously we’re talking about a year or so for fundraising alone … It’s not a four-man job. It’s going to be a pretty big process. Thoughts?”

Supervisors Thad Nearmyer and Doug Cupples were both receptive to the idea. Nearmyer asked if the county would collaborate with the City of Newton or other entities since the celebrations would likely take place in the county seat. Talsma said it depends on what the county’s committee decides to do.

“If we want to do something with the Fourth of July Parade or, hey, we got a bunch of fundraising done and want to help with the fireworks display, then yes,” Talsma said. “But if it’s just activities that are taking place on the courthouse lawn, (then no) that’s 100 percent underneath our jurisdiction.”

The board of supervisors is expected to formally create the steering committee — at the earliest — by the Dec. 10 meeting.