Elkins Seeks Ideas from the Public for the 250th Anniversary of the United States’ Independence

ELKINS, WV — February 24, 2026 — Mayor Jerry Marco announced today that the City of Elkins will begin planning its official celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, known as the Semiquincentennial, culminating on July 4, 2026. This historic milestone presents a unique opportunity for the community to reflect on the nation’s past and envision its future.

Event Details:

• What: Public Brainstorming Session for U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebration
• Who: Hosted by Mayor Jerry Marco. All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.
• When: Wednesday, March 4, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Phil Gainer Community Center, 142 Robert E Lee Ave Extension, Elkins, WV 26241

To build a celebration that truly represents Elkins, Mayor Marco is inviting all residents, community groups, and local organizations to a public brainstorming session. The goal is to gather creative ideas for events, activities, and tributes throughout the lead-up to and on the historic day itself.

“The 250th anniversary of our nation is more than a date; it’s a chance for Elkins to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and create new memories for future generations,” said Mayor Marco. “The best ideas come from our community, and I encourage everyone to bring their creativity and passion to this planning session. How can we, as a city, honor this monumental occasion in a way that is meaningful to us?”

The session will be an open forum for sharing concepts for parades, educational programs, historical displays, concerts, community service projects, and any other initiatives that would make Elkins’ celebration distinctive and memorable. Media representatives are welcome to attend the session.

For more information, please contact the Elkins Mayor’s Office at 304-636-1414, ext. 1110.

*This meeting was originally scheduled in early January. It was pushed to 7:00 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict.