Nassau County kicked off a year-long celebration of its 200th year Saturday with a bicentennial celebration with music, food and several organizations that set up to share information and seek input from the community. The event was cohosted by the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The day-long celebration included a tent for Vision 2050, a plan for Nassau County’s future for the next 25 years. Brandy Carvalho, Nassau County director of Strategic Advancement and Economic Resources, said that while there were no estimates of attendance at the event, at least 300 people interacted at the Vision 2025 booth, where they gave feedback that will help shape the plan. Arts & Culture Nassau and Arts Alive participated in the vision tent, providing hands-on activities for youth.
“I want to thank all the folks that stopped by and participated in the Vision 2050 planning exercises during the county’s bicentennial kickoff event,” County Manager Taco Pope said. “The public participation in the 2050 Vision program was outstanding. This is a great indicator of the involvement we will receive from the community throughout 2024 during the vision process. The input received will help shape Nassau County over the coming decades, so continued engagement is critical.”
To give input into the county’s Vision 2050 plan, visit https://www.nassaufl2050.com/bicentennial.
The event also featured food trucks, cornhole, a kids zone and music all day, which was hosted by local band flipturn. Attendees danced to The Band Be Easy, Honey Hounds and Firewater Tent Revival before flipturn took the stage to finish the evening’s entertainment.
Participants in the event include Theodore H. Hernandez; American Legion Post 54 members, who provided significant volunteer support and a salute to veterans; Barnabas, which provided a bicentennial-themed photo booth, featuring the official Train Conductor Mascot; Fernandina Pirates Club and St. Marys Pirates Club. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office and Nassau County Fire Rescue participated in months of planning work, ensuring all visitors were safe.
“Kudos to Gil Langley and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Brandy Carvalho and the county staff for executing an excellent event,” Nassau County Board of County Commissioner John Martin said. “Thank you to Congressman Aaron Bean, Senator Clay Yarborough and Representative Dean Black for their remarks and support of Nassau County’s bicentennial and Commissioner Justin Taylor for being the emcee. We are looking forward to 2024, and celebrating Nassau County’s 200th birthday.”