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Waterloo to host America 250 parade, sell commemorative coins to fund scholarships
Summary
City staff announced plans for an America 250 parade and festival in Waterloo, including $10 commemorative coins to be sold at government buildings with proceeds funding countywide youth scholarships and a local contest for K–12 students.
Staff member announced the city will accept entries for a one‑time America 250 parade and festival in Waterloo and is opening participation to local groups and businesses at no charge for parade entries, with a requirement that entries be decorated patriotically.
The city will also sell commemorative America 250 coins for $10 each at government buildings; "the proceeds then, the entire committee agreed would go towards a scholarship," the staff member said. Organizers plan a countywide youth contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and will offer two $1,000 scholarships for high‑school winners. Winners in non‑coloring categories will also be entered into the national contest and receive field‑trip prizes, staff said.
Staff described festival programming under consideration for the Waterloo event, including historical reenactors, military vehicles and on‑site chainsaw wood‑carving demonstrations. The carving team would create a commemorative piece tied to the America 250 celebration that the city would retain on display.
Organizers said they will open a Google form to accept parade and festival registrations, aim to have coins available by mid‑March, and encourage local businesses—many of which are closed on July 4—to consider staying open during the event to serve the expected crowd. The staff member asked council members and residents to share ideas and volunteer as needed.
The announcement included related promotions: a spring/summer tourism ad with a Waterloo/America 250 theme was proposed and the city’s banner programs are being renewed, with about 190 banner spaces available and roughly 40 names currently on a waitlist.
Next steps: staff will finalize parade and festival entry details, place the commemorative coin order, and return to council with logistics and timing.
