Between its businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations and individuals, Mineola is making one giant plan to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary – the Semiquincentennial – on July 4.

While plans and exact timelines are not finalized, some elements of the plan are being formed into definite shapes. For instance, there should be several laser light shows at the Lake Country Playhouse and the Historic Select Theater on Friday, July 3. There will also be – insurance permitting – parachutists landing in the Mineola ISD football field. The Mineola Civic Center, which will be hosting the majority of the events after several morning/early afternoon events at the football field, will have tons to do: vendors, water activities, fireworks and more.

The Mineola League of the Arts also hopes to host an Art Exhibit, as well as “Freedom Flash Water Pistol Painting” for younger kids. They are also designing an activity for older kids that involves throwing darts at a giant canvas covered in paint-filled water balloons.

Mineola Wisener Field will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the airport from 8 to 11 a.m. Plates are by donation, and no pre-registration is necessary. If the weather cooperates, there will also be a flyover at the airport between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

There will also be several prominent contests, such as the City of Mineola Downtown Window Decorating contest and the Mineola Kiwanis Club’s Best-Decorated Residence Contest, which is free to enter.