BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON -- There's going to be a BIG party in Boone County this summer which will be the highlight of a continuing party to celebrate the county's 200th birthday.
On June 20, the main streets in Burlington will be closed to traffic as the town hosts a daylong celebration to mark 200 years since the state legislature formed Boone County. The county actually opened for business in 1799.
Ted Bushelman is planning the party, and he should know how to throw a shindig -- he puts together the Florence Y'All Festival each year and was behind Boone County's celebration of the 1992 Kentucky bicentennial that attracted 10,000 people.
"We're going to sell food and drinks for 25 cents," Mr. Bushelman said. "We'll have hot dogs, barbecue, and bean soup. We'll have cans of soft drink and cupcakes for 25 cents.
"We expect to lose money by volume. It's going to be fun."
The party will feature 10 entertainment stages, special activities for the kids, and a fireworks display by the Rozzi family at 9 p.m. TKR Cable will sponsor a group of sky divers who will parachute into Burlington holding a 30-by-40-foot American flag. TKR also is sponsoring a 4-by-8-foot cake in the shape of the county made by Emerson Bakery in Florence.
And that's just one day of the county bicentennial bash, which will include events from the end of May through the end of June.
"City governments in Florence and Walton are taking an active role in the celebration," said Susan Cabot, a member of the Boone County Bicentennial Committee.
"Government departments in Florence will be involved in various events during Florence Week (June 7-14). And Walton Mayor Phil Trzop will kick off Walton-Verona - Southern Boone County Week (June 1-6)."
The bicentennial will officially begin May 29-31 with a banner run throughout the county and an opening event May 31 in Burlington. There will be a community service - volunteer appreciation reception at the Boone County agricultural extension center June 11, where county Judge-executive Ken Lucas and county commissioners will serve refreshments.
Then there's the Western Boone County Week, June 21-27, including a celebration at Big Bone Lick State Park, riverboat cruises at Rabbit Hash and Petersburg, and celebrations at both those river towns.
There are many more one-day events scheduled throughout the summer. Information: Call Ms. Cabot at 334-2111.
