by Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
The village of Plainfield has joined with other cities and towns across the state in the effort to prepare for Illinois’ 200th birthday bash.
On Dec. 4, Mayor Mike Collins read a proclamation, acknowledging that the village will take part in the state’s Bicentennial Celebration.
“The Illinois Bicentennial will remind us all that, every day in Illinois, amazing things are happening,” Collins said. “The Illinois Bicentennial will honor the many ways that Illinois has influenced American history, achievement, culture, innovation, and more… The Illinois Bicentennial is an opportunity to celebrate Illinois.”
Dec. 3 marked Illinois’ 199th year since it achieved statehood, kicking off the year-long celebration of the state’s bicentennial year.
The proclamation encourages residents to come together to inspire pride in the state, and show off what makes Illinois great.
“Our community should encourage citizens, organizations, businesses, congregations, and cultural and educational institutions to participate in the yearlong celebration,” Collins read from the proclamation. “The Village of Plainfield supports the efforts of the Illinois Bicentennial and encourages all citizens to participate and celebrate in the Bicentennial during the upcoming year.”
The Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial were created through an Executive Order signed Sept. 20, 2016, to lead the planning for the celebration of the state’s 200th anniversary.
Illinois became the 21st state in the Union on Dec. 3, 1818.
The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration, which will include activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018.
Over the past weekend, Gov. Bruce Rauner kicked off the official state festivities with a celebration at Navy Pier in Chicago.
Events leading up to the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party on Dec. 3, 2018, will continue throughout the year.
Rauner encouraged residents to get involved by visiting illinois200.com, and to use the hashtag #IllinoisProud on social media posts.
The Illinois Press Association is commemorating the bicentennial with a series of columns on the history of Illinois.