Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED) Executive Director Ardie Kuhse is encouraging Monona businesses and community members to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Speaking at the April 20 Monona City Council meeting, Kuhse said she’s long been considering how the town could mark the milestone. Rather than add a new event that will take precious time and funding, she’s pushing incorporating “red, white and blue” into other community events.

MCED has applied for funding from a Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Civic Hub Grant, which was shared with all the counties the organization serves.

“Clayton County Foundation for the Future put out a memo that we could apply if we had something we wanted to do celebrating this event. They also said it could be done in conjunction with an event we are already having. Right away I was like, ‘Hay Days,’” Kuhse said. “And it could be done with Music in the Park. Anything we wanted to bring recognition to the theme of America this year.”

According to Kuhse, the Monona Hay Days Committee has selected the theme “Monona Hay Days celebrates America’s 250th birthday.” She hopes parade participants will decorate using red, white and blue. Some other activities that day will also play into the theme.

The July 2 Music in the Park will incorporate America’s birthday as well.

“I already decided I was going to do something a little bit extra since it’s close to the Fourth [of July],” Kuhse said.

As part of the grant funding, Kuhse said the only requirement will be setting up a table with a volunteer who will ask people “What holds our community together?”

“It’s kind of a look at the future, but also what’s holding us together today,” Kuhse noted.

Additionally, Monona’s downtown planters will include red, white and blue flowers this year, along with some 250th memorabilia. Others in Monona are welcome to decorate similarly and put out America flags, whether in business windows, yards or porches.

“It’s just a town-wide something we can incorporate,” Kuhse said. “By doing a little extra, I think that will say a lot about our community.”