Gibson County proclaims April 1 as Founding Day; gazebo exhibit approved for Fourth of July weekend

Commissioners voted on June 2 to adopt a resolution proclaiming April 1, 1813, as Gibson County Founding Day and to permit an Independence Day exhibit in the courthouse gazebo.

Mark Farbacher (transcript: “Port Branch”) asked the board to adopt a local Founding Day to mirror the state’s Indiana Statehood Day contest and to provide an additional local opportunity for schoolchildren to enter essay contests for cash prizes. Farbacher said the local observance would not obligate county funds and that details for any local contest or awards could be developed later; “it really doesn't obligate the county to do anything,” a commissioner said during discussion.

The board moved, seconded and approved Resolution 2026‑<number to be determined> recognizing April 1 as the county’s founding day. Commissioners also approved Farbacher’s request to display a four‑foot inflatable reproduction of the Declaration of Independence in the gazebo from July 3–5 and to coordinate sound system use with the mayor’s office.

Farbacher offered to donate historical items and a book about the county’s namesake for courthouse display. Commissioners said the resolution and exhibits would be brought into administrative follow‑up to determine event logistics.

What happens next: The county clerk will record the adopted resolution number and staff will coordinate logistics for any courthouse exhibits and gazebo audio arrangements before the July weekend.