St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman wants the city to host a parade for the 250th anniversary of the country. (T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – As the 250th anniversary of the country is underway, St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman is asking not only city council but residents for ideas of how the city should honor and celebrate the country.

Thalman said that she recently spoke with recreation director Eric Gay about incorporating the celebration into the annual community days which will be on June 27.

She said that her goal is to have a parade in town.

“It’s an opportunity to have a parade without snow, sleet, ice and everything else, but people in classic cars are going to be more likely to bring about the summer parade,” Thalman said. “We’d like to get veterans from the [American] Legion to ride in the cars to acknowledge them. I’m working on a couple of sponsors to get buntings to hang on the flag poles and make it look like a really old fashioned, beautiful, little Americana town.”

She added that she plans to speak to the Belmont County Board of Commissioners to see if it would be willing to decorate the front of the courthouse.

Thalman said that St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Kindler suggested charging $25 per float or car and donating a portion to the ‘Wall That Heals” which will be coming to the Belmont County Fairgrounds on Oct. 1 through 4.

“The Wall That Heals” is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile education center which will be available 24 hours during the days it is being displayed at the fairgrounds.

Thalman suggested that after the parade, a hot dog or apple pie eating contest be held on Main Street. She said that she spoke with service director Scott Harvey about a project that would see speakers being implemented around Main Street similar to what Bellaire, Moundsville and Cambridge have.

The speakers would allow music to be played throughout the day but especially during events like the 250th anniversary.

“Eric [Gay] had given us a quote of $20,000 for the total project. We’re still looking for grant work, but if we could put up four of them and get it started so at least on that day, we would be able to show off what we’re doing for America,” Thalman said.

Council member Lucien Murzyn added that it may be interesting to hire actors who dress like the founding fathers and read iconic speeches given by them.

Thalman said that she bought costumes for high school kids to wear like Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and George Washington and is willing to give the kids who volunteer three hours of school credit.

“Nothing’s too corny to me,” Thalman said.