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GREGG COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — As East Texans look ahead to the 250th Independence Day anniversary, Gregg County and city officials have already started making preparations for the big day.

Earlier this month, a parade was held in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Longview is now planning to host a similar parade next summer to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihra said the city is seeking input from residents to help them begin preparing for the celebration. “We’re just starting to generate those ideas and those events, so we are looking to the community to help give us some ideas,” Ishihra said.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said the upcoming anniversary impacts him and residents on a personal level.

“Here in Gregg County, that journey is deeply personal from weathering hardships and wars…to discovering oil in the East Texas oil fields to the heartbreak of a president’s assassination in Dallas to the shared grief and courage that followed 9/11,” Stoudt said. “We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder through history-defining moments.”

So far, local celebrations, public art displays, educational initiatives, and exhibitions have been planned to celebrate the anniversary. Ishihra is encouraging everyone to get involved in the preparations, including schools, cultural groups, and civic organizations.

“If you’d like to volunteer, host an event, or just have an idea for an event, we’d love to hear from you,” Ishihra said. Anyone looking to get involved can visit the City of Longview’s website to submit event proposals or contact officials.