AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY BASH 

Join us as we celebrate 250 years of freedom, patriotism, and community at the Gary Cunningham Event Center!

 July 3, 2026
 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
 Gary Cunningham Event Center

 Event Highlights:
 Gary Cunningham Citizen of the Year Award
 Essay Winners Awards
 Art Entries Displays
 Flag Dedication
 Patriotic Sing Along
 Liberty Kids & Games
 FREE Flags for the First 50 Uncle Sam Costumes!

 Food & Treats:
 Frosted Flamingo Ice Cream Push Cart
 Rae's Home Cooking
• Pork Sandwiches
• Pulled Pork
• Walking Tacos

 Quilt Raffle benefiting the Community Fund!

 Featured Vendors:
 Happy Market – Jeana Curtis
 Marla Head – Tupperware
 India Hermann – T-Shirts
 Wendy Creed – Beaded Keychains, Ink Pens & Lights

Bring your family, friends, and your patriotic spirit for a day filled with food, fun, freedom, and community as we honor America's 250th Birthday!

#Americas250thBirthday#BirthdayBash2026#Patriotism#CommunityCelebration#LibertyKids#GaryCunninghamEventCenter#SupportLocalVendors#FamilyFun#CelebrateAmerica

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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

Gary Cunningham Citizen of the Year Award

Do you know someone who has made a lasting impact on our community?

The Gary Cunningham Citizen of the Year Award honors an outstanding local leader whose dedication, service, and commitment have helped improve the welfare and advancement of the community.

Whether through volunteer work, civic leadership, community involvement, religious service, or professional achievements, this award recognizes individuals who consistently make a difference beyond their regular job responsibilities.

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AWARD PRIZE

$500 CASH PRIZE for the award recipient

PLUS a $250 donation made to a selected charity

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WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

Nominees may come from any walk of life and are evaluated based on:

Volunteer service in the surrounding area

Accomplishments that improve the community

Outstanding character and citizenship

Civic leadership

Recognition is based on contributions made over a period of years and is not limited to accomplishments from the previous year.

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HOW TO NOMINATE

Submit a nomination essay (350 words or less) explaining why your nominee deserves this recognition.

All nominations will be kept confidential.

The award will not be given posthumously.

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 20, 2026

All nomination materials must be received by the Gary Cunningham Event Center no later than June 20, 2026.

Submit Your Nomination:

Mail or Drop Off

Gary Cunningham Event Center

202 E. Moore St.

La Plata, MO 63549

Email

manager@garycunninghameventcenter.com

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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

The recipient will be announced during America's 250th Birthday Bash at Gary Cunningham Event Center on July 3, 2026.

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Celebrate the people who make Northeast Missouri a better place.

Nominate an exceptional community leader today!