Red, white and LaFayette for America 250
BY KADIE TAYLOR
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — LaFayette Main Street Executive Director DeAnna Hand said she is excited to encourage locals and business owners to decorate with patriotic pride to celebrate America 250.
“We’re encouraging everyone — businesses, homeowners, churches and community organizations — to help make LaFayette shine red, white and blue this summer,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be elaborate. American flags, patriotic flags, wreaths, flower arrangements, window displays, lights and themed decorations all help create a festival atmosphere. When people drive through town and see our spirit, it creates excitement, pride and a sense that something special is happening here.”
Hand said she is excited to join LaFayette residents together to celebrate the America 250 milestone.
“America 250 is a once-in-a-generation milestone, and it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our nation’s history while also celebrating our town,” she said. “When residents and businesses join together, it sends a message that we’re proud of where we’re headed. It’s something everyone can participate in, regardless of age, and it brings people together in a positive way.”
With 250 years of growth, Hand said celebrating patriotism in LaFayette is a reflection of the hard work that it took to make America what it is today.
“To us, America 250 is about honoring the past while investing in the future,” she said. “As a Main Street organization, we spend a lot of time preserving history and supporting growth at the same time. This celebration allows us to reflect on the values like hard work, resilience, entrepreneurship and service, and celebrate the people who continue that tradition today.”
Through celebrating America 250 in LaFayette, Hand said patriotic decor reflects LaFayette Main Street’s goal of improving involvement and support downtown.
“Small businesses are so important here in LaFayette and throughout Chambers County. Many are family-owned-and-operated, and they represent the American dream in action. When you shop local, you’re supporting your neighbors, creating jobs and helping keep dollars circulating right here. During patriotic celebrations, it’s a great reminder that supporting local businesses is one of the best ways we can invest in America and in LaFayette.”
As locals reflect on America 250, Hand said she wants to encourage locals to support American businesses in their community by shopping small.
“Beyond shopping local, we encourage people to attend community events, eat at local restaurants, hire local service providers, visit downtown businesses and share local businesses on social media,” she said. “Sometimes something as simple as leaving a positive review, liking a business’s Facebook post or recommending them to a friend can make a big difference.”
Along with working to support local businesses, Hand said she also sees decorating LaFayette for America 250 as a way to honor the sacrifice of veterans and service members.
“Another important part of America 250 for our community is honoring our veterans,” she said. “LaFayette and Chambers County have a long history of military service, and we’re blessed to have so many veterans and military families who call this area home. Their sacrifice, courage and commitment to our country have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s also a time to thank those who have served and remember the generations of men and women who helped protect our nation. We hope this celebration inspires pride, not only in our country’s history, but also in the local heroes who have been part of that story. We hope everyone joins in celebrating not only America’s 250th birthday, but also the people and places that make LaFayette such a special place to call home.
Through decorating for America 250 and the fourth of July, Hand said she hopes visitors will see the inviting patriotism and remember to come back to LaFayette.
“First impressions matter,” she said. “When visitors come to town and see patriotic decorations, clean storefronts and community involvement, they see a town that cares. The pride is contagious. It creates a welcoming atmosphere and helps visitors connect with our community. The more positive experiences people have here, the more likely they are to return, support local businesses and speak positively about LaFayette to others… We want to make decorating fun and interactive. Community members can share photos of their patriotic decorations and tag LaFayette Main Street on social media to win a prize and award.”
