Schuylkill County will celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a massive parade, fireworks and an all-day party.

To make it possible, each of the county’s 67 is invited to participate — along with fire companies, civic groups and other organizations.

“Here in Schuylkill County, we’re going to celebrate it in a way that’s worthy of our history, our communities and our people,” said Savas Logothetides, executive director of Pottsville Area Development Corporation.

Logothetides announced the plans Thursday during the America250PA Schuylkill County kickoff event held at the county courthouse in Pottsville.

The event brought representatives from America250PA, the group organization events to mark the birthday of the United States, along with elected officials and community members.

The June 27 parade in Pottsville, Logothetides said, will be a “once-in-a-generation” affair.

“We’re inviting all 67 municipalities, our fire companies, our school districts and civic organizations to be part of this historic moment,” he said.

The 11 a.m. parade will tell the story of Schuylkill County in a powerful and symbolic way, Logothetides said.

“The parade just isn’t about celebration, it’s about honoring where we came from and showcasing the strength and diversity of our county today,” he said.

Municipalities and organizations are encouraged to enter floats that celebrate the county’s heritage, American history or their community’s unique story.

“Our goal is simple but ambitious. We want to make this parade historic — something people will talk about for decades to come,” Logothetides said.

A 250th birthday party with music, historic reenactors, food, games and fireworks will be held June 25 from Alvernia University in Pottsville.

“This is a county-wide effort and will only be as strong as the participation from our community,” Logothetides said, noting that questionnaires will be sent to municipalities, school districts, fire companies and civic organizations. “This is our moment to honor 250 years of American independence and show the commonwealth and the country what Schuylkill County is all about. Happy birthday, America, and we will see you in Pottsville.”

Attendees were encouraged to pick up signs, flags and other America250PA memorabilia before being welcomed to the event by Leo Malsky, director of operations for America250PA.

“Schuylkill County’s anthracite coal fields tell a story of hard work, tight knit communities and a long fight for fairness on the job,” Malsky said. “That legacy continues today in the county’s strength, distribution and logistics, helping to keep Pennsylvania’s modern economy moving.”

He spoke about Mary Harris Jones, known as “Mother Jones,” who led a 1900 march from McAdoo to Coaldale to support a strike organized by the United Mine Workers of America.

“Places like the No. 8 Colliery remain as a physical reminder of generations of miners whose labor powered Pennsylvania and the nation,” Malsky said.

He spoke about several recent America250PA events, including the planting of a Liberty Tree at Liberty Park in Tamaqua. A bell designed by students in Kim Woodward’s class at the Tamaqua Area Middle School will find a home there, too.

“These efforts connect Schuylkill County’s past to the people shaping its future, reflecting its creativity, resilience and civic pride that define this community,” Malsky said.

State Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) spoke of the nation’s beginnings.

“Our country, which was just being formed was suffering from taxation without representation,” he said. “It was being ruled by a country across the sea and it didn’t seem like that was fair.”

Early settlers fought for their freedom.

“We continue to celebrate that today, this year and all the time,” Barton said.

Schuylkill County commissioners’ Chairman Larry Padora serves as the county’s America250PA adviser.

“Pennsylvania was pivotal in the creation of this country,” Padora said. “At one time, the United States capitol was here.”

He said he is proud of the state and the country.

“God has blessed Schuylkill County. God has blessed Pennsylvania and God has blessed the United States of America,” Padora said.

Commissioner Gary Hess called the event “a great day.”

“Schuylkill County is very patriotic. You know over the Fourth of July, Veterans Day and Memorial Day there are parades all over the place,” Hess said.

He said patriotism shines through the county’s veterans, and asked that all stand for recognition.

“This wouldn’t be possible without our community partners. We are 67 strong, 67 municipalities all working to take care of the resident to make sure the quality of life stands right here in the county but in their individual homes,” Hess said.

America250PA events are planned throughout the state, including Liberty Bell installations, concerts, scholarships, lectures, a state park health initiative and a memorial flag program.

“America250PA is and always has been committed to one mission — reaching every Pennsylvanian,” Malsky said.

For more information on Schuylkill County events, visit www.facebook.com/America250PASchuylkill. Those hosting an America250 event are encouraged to send information to schuylkill250th@gmail.com.

Information about America250PA and statewide semiquincentennial activities can be found at America250PA.org.