Pope County prepares for 2016 bicentennial

Pope County is preparing for its bicentennial celebration beginning Jan. 10.

At an early planning meeting Feb. 3 the Pope County Board designated the Pope County Historical Society and Museum as the official planning organization, according to a release from the Bicentennial Committee.

The committee will be planning events throughout the year and has discussed organizing a flat boat race and a community concert.

Committee members have the intention of bring in members from throughout the county to help in planning.

"This is a celebration for the entire county and we will strive to appoint a geographically diverse committee," Historical Society President Tim Trovillion said, in the prepared release.

Any person interested in serving as an officer on the committee, advisory committee member or individual events committees are welcome to participate. Interested parties should plan to attend the next meeting of the Historical Society 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Pope County Courthouse or nominations may be forwarded to Tony Eckert, co-chairman of the Bicentennial Committee, at 618-683-2196.