|
|
|||||
| De Soto, Mo., celebrating its bicentennial this year | ||||||
| Twice selected as an All American City, De Soto is the epitome of small-town America, and this summer the Missouri community will show off its charm and hospitality during its 200th birthday. Originally founded in 1803, the town is celebrating its bicentennial this year with events every month. However, the biggest event of the year will be Sept. 26–28. The celebration was planned for the July 4th weekend, but it had to be postponed because severe spring storms and tornadoes damaged much of the town, which is located about 45 minutes south of St. Louis. Festivities will start on Friday, Sept. 26, with a variety of food booths, games and crafters opening up shop for the weekend. Then on Saturday, the day will kick off with a huge Bicentennial Parade through town. Throughout the rest of the weekend, a variety of events will be featured, including a soapbox derby, a tractor pull, rides, exhibits, military displays, contests, entertainment and more. Saturday’s events will be held in conjunction with the De Soto Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fall Festival. The day’s events will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display, which will begin at dusk. Other events during the rest of the year will help commemorate the anniversary, including historic train excursions in October and November, and a Christmas parade and other holiday festivities in December. The town can trace its roots to 1803 when Isaac Van Metre settled an area along Joachim Creek in what is now De Soto and built a log cabin. A marker now stands to commemorate the first log cabin built there. The town was named in honor of Hernando De Soto, who claimed for Spain the area that became the Louisiana Territory. For more information, call (636) 586-4092, or visit www.desoto200.com online. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 AAA Traveler Magazine | 12901 N. Forty Dr. | St. Louis, MO 63141 |
||||||
