America 250
Marion County officials outline their plans for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tart speaks during a meeting in Ocala on Nov. 17, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Marion County government officials discussed during the March 17 county commission meeting their evolving plans for marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tart told commissioners the America 250 effort is designed to be far more than a single‑day observance.
“This plan is designed to do more than just commemorate a historic milestone. It will educate our community about the significance of the 250th anniversary, energize our local economy by spotlighting businesses and vendors, showcase the talents of our artists and performers, and attract visitors to experience all that Marion County has to offer,” Tart said.
She noted that the county’s proposed reach for residents and visitors between now and July 4 is “well over 500,000 people.”
“Since my last update to the board, our executive steering committee has been meeting monthly to review plans, share ideas and work together toward our mission of making this year’s celebration truly extraordinary,” Tart said, adding that the effort will “help strengthen our county’s civic pride, community awareness and democratic engagement, ensuring that celebration leads a lasting impact well beyond July 4.”
Early Events: Veterans Hall of Fame and “One Nation, Many Stories”
One of the first major America 250 events is the Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame, presented by Vets Helping Vets, scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion auditorium.
“I am proud to share that this event has reached maximum capacity and is now sold out with an expected 350 attendees,” Tart said.
The county library’s “One Nation Many Stories” initiative will preserve veterans’ stories through recorded interviews.
“This project preserves and honors the story of our veterans for generations to come,” Tart explained. “Patrons of the library will be able to view these video interviews through Biblio board software… The first video is set to be released shortly after Marion County Day (March 28).”
Faith‑based programming is also part of the lineup. The “America Praises” series features two local faith leaders each week, leading prayer on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
“Each week, we have seen participation in this initiative continue to grow,” Tart said, offering “a special shout out to Mr. Chad Wicker, our director of municipal services, who has ensured that this program runs smoothly each week.”
Marion County Day: Bigger than ever
The county’s annual Marion County Day celebration, set for March 28, is expected to draw nearly 15,000 people and feature more than 200 vendors.
“It is shaping up to be the biggest Marion County Day celebration we have ever hosted,” Tart told the board. “Attendees will enjoy a wide variety of activities, including numerous food trucks, bounce houses and displays from our departments and our first responders, such as the Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and other emergency vehicles.”
A live drum line from Marion County Public Schools and an art contest will highlight local student talent.
Patriotic public art and a plaque for Francis Marion
The county is also planning permanent tributes linked to America 250.
“We are currently working with the Marion County Cultural Alliance to acquire a Horse Fever horse that will be painted in a patriotic theme and be named Liberty,” Tart said. “This display will commemorate our America 250 celebration [and] serve as a lasting symbol of our community’s tribute to this historic milestone.”
She added that they will “return to the board at a future meeting to provide several options for locations where this horse can be prominently displayed for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
In partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Veteran Services and Parks and Recreation, the county also plans a commemorative plaque honoring Sir Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War figure for whom the county is named.
July 4: Parade and fireworks at four sites
Festivities will peak on July 4 with a Patriot Parade followed by synchronized fireworks shows at four locations across Marion County.
“The Patriot parade led by none other than Sue Moseley, will kick off the events on the fourth at the Ocala Marion Veterans Memorial Park,” Tart said. “The parade will start at 7 p.m. A variety of veterans groups, local businesses and community organizations will participate in the parade, which will travel down Fort King and continue on to State Road 40, celebrating our community and honoring our nation in a vibrant and festive way.”
Fireworks will be launched simultaneously from four venues:
Ocala Marion Veterans Memorial Park
Wrigley Field in Citra
Dunnellon High School
Belleview Sports Complex
“Each venue will feature food trucks and vendors with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. and the fireworks show starting promptly at 9 p.m.,” Tart said. “This coordinated celebration will allow residents and visitors across the county and beyond to enjoy the spectacle and spirit of America 250 wherever they are.”
Sponsorships, cost and fundraising goals
Tart reported that the county has already secured major corporate backing and is moving toward fully funding the celebration through sponsorships.
“Our title sponsor, AdventHealth, kicked things off in an incredible way with a $75,000 sponsorship,” she said. “In fact, we are approaching the $125,000 mark, which is a tremendous milestone.”
Commissioners also discussed a broader fundraising target for the full slate of America 250 events and initiatives. Commissioner Michelle Stone asked what the funding goal for festivities was and Commission Chair Carl Zalak answered, $300,000 was “the working goal, with a significant portion expected to come from a formal fundraising event.”
Americana Ball
To help close the funding gap, the county is planning an Americana Ball, a formal fundraiser in partnership with The Club at Iron Lake.
In February, Oculus R Golf Partners announced its acquisition of the former Adena property north of Ocala. The community has been renamed IronCrest and includes The Club at Iron Lake luxury golf and country club.
“This ball will serve as a fundraiser to help raise the funds needed to carry out all these initiatives,” Tart explained. “We have attentively scheduled this formal event for June and we’re planning to host it in collaboration with Iron Lake Golf Club. Guests will enjoy exceptional food and entertainment, and they will even have the chance to get a preview of our July 4 celebration, as our firework vendor Alpha Fireworks will put on a mini show that evening over Iron Lake.”
The commission chair told colleagues they are positioning the event as a high‑dollar fundraiser, with corporate‑level table sponsorships:
Zalak encouraged the other commissioners to help sell tables, “we’re thinking right around $5,000 a table, and so like that, we’d like to try to promote that and get company sponsorships to help drive that home so that we can raise enough money,” the chair said.
Professional event management and community partnerships
To ensure the growing calendar of events runs smoothly, the county has hired Making It Matthews, a professional event planning firm.
“Their expertise will help coordinate logistics, manage vendor operations, and provide onsite support, ensuring that every aspect of our celebrations, from setup to break down, goes off without a hitch,” Tart said.
For events after Marion County Day, the firm will also handle vendor vetting, maps, layouts and other operational tasks.
Tart said the county is also partnering with Ocala Main Street on exhibits and events planned for June 28 through July 3, ahead of the July 4 festivities.
To learn more, go to marioncelebrates250.org
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