Nassau County was established Dec. 29, 1824. To commemorate the county’s upcoming 200th birthday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners will hold a series of events throughout the year.
The yearlong bicentennial celebration begins with a kickoff event Saturday, Jan. 13, from 1-9 p.m. at Wildlight (Tinker Street). This free event will include activities for all ages and interests, including live music, a kids zone, vendors, food trucks, a chili cookoff and a cornhole tournament.
Featured on the music stage are Firewater Tent Revival from 1-2:30 p.m., The Band Be Easy from 3-4 p.m. and Honey Hounds from 5:15-6:30 p.m. Nassau County’s very own flipturn, an indie-rock band originating from Fernandina Beach, takes the stage from 7:30-9 p.m.
“We are exceptionally excited to present the bicentennial kickoff, on behalf of the board of county commissioners. Thanks to the hard work of staff, our event committee (thank you, News-Leader!), the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and our sponsors, this will be a true celebration of not only Nassau County’s 200th birthday, but of what makes Nassau so special — our community,” said Brandy Carvalho, county director of Strategic Advancement and Economic Resources.
While the county may be celebrating its past during 2024, input from the community on its future is requested by participating in the Nassau Vision 2050 program. This vision program is the chance for the community to provide input that will help shape Nassau County’s future for the next 25 years. The Nassau Vision 2050 tent will be showcased at the Jan. 13 kickoff event and throughout the year at a variety of bicentennial events.
“You'll be able to share your thoughts and big ideas on the future of Nassau County at the Nassau Vision 2050 tent,” said Carvalho. “We'll have activities for all ages and backgrounds including postcard murals, priority sticker boards, custom coloring sheets, a shark teeth guessing game and more! While you're there, don't forget to take the community survey for the opportunity to win some cool Nassau Vision 2050 swag.”
“Nassau, Florida, is our collective home. It is incumbent on those of us here now to take proactive steps to protect the quality of life and unique character of Nassau Florida so generations will come to know the place we have all grown to love. The Nassau Florida Vision exercise provides a meaningful opportunity to help chart the course for the next 200 years,” said Taco Pope, Nassau County manager.
According to the Nassau Vision 2050 website, www.nassaufl2050.com, other bicentennial events include an Opening of the Beaches celebration in partnership with the city of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. This summer kickoff event will feature beach- and nature-themed activities.
Other events include a July 4 fireworks display for the town of Hilliard and Callahan in partnership with Nassau County and the unveiling of the draft to the Vision 2050 plan at the annual Christmas tree lighting, held at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center in December.
To learn more about the celebrations and vision exercise, visit the Nassau Vision 2050 website at www.nassaufl2050.com. You can also find information on the Bicentennial Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/nassaucountyfl.
tdishman@fbnewsleader.com