MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Historical Society is inviting the community to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an evening of patriotism, history and family fun during the Great American Twilight Jubilee on June 27.
The event, hosted at the Reno County Museum, is designed to bring the community together while highlighting both the nation's history and Reno County's heritage.
Bronwyn Page, director of operations for the Reno County Historical Society, said organizers wanted to create a more intimate celebration leading up to the Fourth of July festivities.
"As everyone knows, it is the 250-year anniversary for America," Page said. "We wanted to do something that was just a little more intimate and really focused on what 250 years is."
The evening will begin with the Daughters of the American Revolution presenting a reading of the Declaration of Independence. That will be followed by a flag ceremony conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution.
In addition to the patriotic ceremonies, attendees can enjoy food trucks, carnival-style games, historical demonstrations and a community car show organized in partnership with Kansas for Vets. Members of the Honor Flight organization will also be on hand, along with tradespeople demonstrating traditional skills, including fly fishing.
Page said the event is intended to celebrate the people and traditions that have shaped the community.
"We'll have some different type of tradesmen... just a lot of stuff that brings our community and who we are all together," she said. "It's just a nice way to come out, see something either before or after your dinner. It's just a fun little small-town community pride event."
The Twilight Jubilee also reflects the Historical Society's broader effort to engage more families and younger residents with local history.
New Chief Curator Jenn Fine said one of her goals is to make the museum's collections more interactive and accessible while helping visitors develop a stronger connection to Reno County's past.
Historical Society leaders hope the event will not only commemorate America's semiquincentennial but also inspire residents to take pride in the stories that have shaped Reno County for generations.