Clark County promises night of fun, history with bicentennial bash

Clark County Commissioner John Detrick portrays his anscestor Daniel Detrick - a circa 1700s farmer - during Emmanual Christian School's fourth-annual government day. Staff photo by Marshall Gorby

Credit: Marshall Gorby

Credit: Marshall Gorby

Clark County Commissioner John Detrick portrays his anscestor Daniel Detrick - a circa 1700s farmer - during Emmanual Christian School's fourth-annual government day. Staff photo by Marshall Gorby

Clark County is gearing up to celebrate its bicentennial anniversary with a blast from the past.

The county will celebrate its 200th birthday with a themed party, slated to take place on April 27 at the Clark County Fairgrounds, starting at 6 p.m.

“We’re so proud of this,” Executive Director Dean Blair said. “This is going to be the event of the season.”

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Blair said the party will sport a historic theme and costumes are encouraged but not required. Plans originally intended for partygoers to take their inspiration from the 1800s, but the Bicentennial Committee, headed by John Detrick, decided to expand the time span to allow people to dress from the 1900s as well.

“I know one of the county commissioners is going to do something from the 1950s,” Blair said. “But I also know of an ex-commissioner who’s doing something from 1818.”

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There will also be special appearances from several notable figures from the 1800s, including President Abraham Lincoln, Gen. George Custer and Ohio frontiersman Simon Kenton, he said.

The celebration is sponsored by several local companies, including the Simon Kenton Inn, which will provide dinner for the party. The Heritage Center of Clark County will also have a special booth at the bash to explain more about Clark County’s history.

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Tickets for the event are $20 each or $35 for couples. Tables, which can seat up to eight people, can also be reserved. Ticket purchases and reservations can be made at the Clark County Fairgrounds Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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