About the initiative

Our Story in America’s Story

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Cleveland and White County are coming together to celebrate what makes our community special—our people, our values, and the pride we share in calling this place home.

Cleveland-White 250 is a local initiative designed to honor America’s semiquincentennial in a way that is meaningful to our community. While this milestone reflects our country’s history, our focus is on celebrating who we are today and the connections that bring us together.

A Community Celebration

This initiative is built around a simple idea:
celebrating our country and celebrating our community.

Throughout the year, residents and visitors will have opportunities to participate in events, share stories, and take part in activities that highlight the spirit of White County.

From patriotic gatherings and community events to storytelling and local highlights, Cleveland-White 250 is about creating moments that bring people together.

What to Expect

Cleveland-White 250 will feature a variety of initiatives and events, including:

  • Community celebrations and patriotic events

  • A signature Independence Day celebration

  • A community 5K and family-friendly activities

  • Opportunities to share stories and local pride

  • Partnerships with local organizations, churches, and businesses

Each effort is designed to reflect the values that define our community—service, faith, family, and connection.

Rooted in Community

White County is shaped by the people who live, work, and serve here. Cleveland-White 250 is an opportunity to recognize those contributions and celebrate the shared experiences that connect us.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just passing through, this initiative invites everyone to take part in something bigger—a celebration of both our nation and the community we are proud to call home.

Get Involved

Cleveland-White 250 is a community-driven effort, and there are many ways to be part of it:

  • Attend upcoming events

  • Share your story or photos

  • Partner with us as a local organization or business

  • Follow along and engage on social media using #ClevelandWhite250

Together, we can make this a celebration that reflects the very best of Cleveland and White County.

Our Story Continues

As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, we also look ahead—to the future of our community and the generations to come.

Our story is still being written.

Cleveland Celebrates America’s 250 Committee

The Cleveland-White 250 initiative is led by the Cleveland Celebrates America’s 250 Committee, established by proclamation of the Mayor and City Council of Cleveland in January 2026.

Created to guide the City’s participation in the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the committee brings together leaders and community members committed to honoring our country while celebrating the spirit of Cleveland and White County.

Leadership

The committee is chaired by First Lady of Cleveland, Lacy Turner, with Councilmember Nan Bowen, Councilmember Annie Sutton, Ansley McClure, and Haley McDonald serving as Co-Chairs.

Supporting the committee’s work:

  • Kevin Harris, City Manager – Administrative Director and City point of contact

  • Lisa Ritchie, City Clerk – Secretary and official record keeper

  • John Solmon, Finance Director – Treasurer

This leadership team reflects a strong foundation in public service, education, public safety, faith leadership, and community engagement.

Subcommittees

To support planning and programming, several subcommittees have been established:

  • Fireworks Show Committee

  • Entertainment Committee

  • Public Safety Committee

  • Public Relations and Communications Committee

  • Sponsorships Committee

  • Education and History Committee

  • “Run for Freedom” 5K Committee

  • America Prays Committee

Additional subcommittees may be formed as new ideas and opportunities emerge.