(KAIR)--Now that the July 4th holiday is a wrap for 2025, Atchison area leaders begin to look ahead at 2026 in planning for local celebrations in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States.

The topic was discussed among business of the Atchison County Commission during the Tuesday, July 8 regular, weekly meeting, with Second District Commissioner Eric Noll having recently attended a meeting held for preliminary planning purposes for next year's holiday.

A website has been established as part of the planning, with the site explaining that an America 250 in Atchison Fund has been established and is managed by the Atchison Community Foundation.

According to the website, the fund, through which they "hope to inspire civic pride and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement," will be used "for local events and initiatives that will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States...in Atchison—highlighting [Atchison's] rich history, vibrant community, and enduring patriotic spirit."

A preliminary lineup of events for the local July 4, 2026 holiday is posted to the website, including a community pancake breakfast, an open house at the Center for Constitutional Liberty at Benedictine College, a community hot dog lunch, a downtown patriotic parade, and inflatables and music at the Atchison Riverfront, followed by the launching of fireworks.