Greene’s America 250 celebration included an “America the Beautiful Parade” featuring a flag from each of the 50 states and five territories as well as local business floats. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz).

GREENE – The town of Greene planned a full day of commemorations to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial. The day began with a community breakfast, followed by a parade that ended at the community Ball Flats where the day's festivities took place until fireworks launched at dusk.

One of the commemorative activities was when the organizers, dressed as founding fathers, read aloud the Declaration of Independence, the reason everyone was there to celebrate. After which the stage was filled with music and live entertainment throughout the day.

When walking into the Ball Flats attendees were greeted by a car show with rows of unique cars. both historical and contemporary. People could place their votes for people's choice and for most patriotic car, as some had decorated for the occasion.

At the Kids Zone, children participated in classic field games. Potato sack races seemed to be quite competitive. Other kids did their best to sink adults in the dunk tank.

In friendly competition the day also included a softball game, with a hot dog eating contest, something organizers planned for an Americana vibe.

Despite the heat, families continued to arrive throughout the afternoon filling the Ball Flats with what some called a “Hallmark movie” small town experience. Even for those who only stopped by for a few hours, the sense of community was unmistakable, exactly what organizers had hoped to create.

As the sun began to set more spectators gathered to witness the day's finale. The fireworks, funded by local sponsors and community donations, filled the sky over Greene in a grand display of the town's patriotism.

The America 250 celebration sponsored by the Greene Lion's Club, was designed to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it delivered. Whether people came for the parade, the cars, the food, the entertainment, or simply to be part of community event, the day offered a reminder of what small towns in the U.S. do best— show up.