August 10, 2021, will mark the 200th anniversary of Missouri’s entry as the 24th state to enter the United States.
Weston’s contribution to the Missouri Bicentennial will come in the form of a June 5 celebration known as The Return of Ben Holladay.
Ben Holladay, reportedly Missouri’s first millionaire (and later reportedly bankrupted by The Financial Panic of 1873) was a freighter to Santa Fe, New Mexico; Salt Lake City; California; lived in Weston and married a Weston girl. He lived in Weston for 21 years and headed both east and west, settling in Portland, Oregon, according to historical accounts. He is said to have rubbed elbows with President Abraham Lincoln and Samuel Clemens, among many others.
As for the June 5 celebration, there will be a Ben Holladay Parade at 10 a.m. starting at the Christian Church parking lot on Washington Street and ending at Weston City Hall. Period attire is welcome, as are walkers and Weston history.
There will be games, local food vendors, games, live bands and a dance. Also planned are a beard contest.
There is a “Bicentennial Fun Run” planned to support the food pantry efforts of Weston Rotary. Start time for the fun run is 8 a.m. from the area of City Hall at the bottom of Main Street.
A $25 fee to participate in the fun run comes with a Missouri Bicentennial t-shirt and a run/walk through the South Bluff Road and downtown.