Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the occasion, take a moment to remember our forefathers who sacrificed so much to make us an independent nation some 238 years ago. Also remember those people who through the years have made sacrifices to keep us free.

The city of Jackson will be having a big two-day celebration on Friday and Saturday as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of our founding.

While we were founded in February 1814 when 50 acres of land was purchased on which to build a seat of justice, we were actually named on July 4, 1814.

The minutes indicate that the people gathered for a public meeting on July 4 (strangely, no year was given) and voted to name the town Jackson in honor of then-Gen. Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson, a man they held in high esteem for his courage, executive ability and military leadership. To gather proof of the year of the naming, court records were found that show land being purchased in the "Township of Jackson" on Dec. 17, 1814. This record makes us the first town in the United States named Jackson.

Our activities for the Fourth of July celebration will start with a 5K walk/run at 7:04 a.m. starting and ending at HealthPoint Fitness. Activities in the city park include the mud volleyball tournament starting at 8 a.m., car show, Jackson Elks Beer Garden, helicopter rides and armored car transport display at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., food/vendor stands open. Other festivities include kiddie train rides and pony rides, golf and Little Miss and Mister Firecracker pageant at the Band Shell. Duck races in Hubble Creek will start at 11 a.m.

That evening there will be a free concert at the band shell. Pat Schwent's Saxy Jazz will perform at 7 p.m., followed by a patriotic concert by our municipal band. An expanded fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m.

The activities on July 5 will start at 9 a.m. in the city park with an antique tractor show, the armored car transport display, helicopter rides, kiddie train rides, and hot air balloon display.

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Wagon Trail Parade, a first-time event in honor of the city's bicentennial starting at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Washington and Union Streets, traveling along Washington Street into Uptown Jackson and back to the city park. Everyone is encouraged to wear period costumes on this day.

Following the parade, there will be stagecoach rides available at the park; the beer garden will be open; 9 Holes to Go Golf will be available; and the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization is having a Golf Ball Drop as a fundraiser. You do not have to be present to win for this event. Activities close at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Come join us for a few hours, all day, or both days for family fun in Jackson on July 4 and 5.

Also, save the date -- July 22 through 26 -- for our annual Jackson Homecomers event.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.