A public event on Missouri Statehood Day, marking the state’s bicentennial, will be held at the Missouri State Capitol at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10. The public is invited to attend a formal ceremony on the South Lawn of the Missouri Capitol. Governor Mike Parson, past governors and other dignitaries will recognize the 200 years of statehood. The public is invited to attend the ceremony in person. In addition, it will be live-streamed on missouri2021.org for those who wish to attend virtually or view it later.

According to a press release, the Governor’s Proclamation and the U.S. Postal Service will unveil the Missouri Statehood stamp.

Remarks will be made by Governor Parson, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri, Judge Paul C. Wilson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Missouri, Carrie Tergin, mayor of the City of Jefferson and co-chair of the Missouri Bicentennial Commission.

Missouri’s Poet Laureate Maryfrances Wagner will read a poem for the bicentennial and music will be performed by Missouri Choral Directors Association All-State Festival Choir and the Missouri National Guard 135 Army Band.

Following the formal ceremony, the public is invited to a Naturalization ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. in the first floor Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol. Special bicentennial-themed exhibits will be on display inside the Capitol, including the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, the Missouri Bicentennial Mural, My Missouri 2021 Photo exhibit, and a Missouri Timeline display.

The Missouri Bicentennial Commission is planning the State Capitol event, including an invite to communities to celebrate Missouri’s birthday on Tuesday, August 10 with an ice cream social. The commission is asking communities to sign up for the statewide ice cream social at missouri2021.org.

Officials say there are more than 150 registered events in 87 counties for the ice cream social.

Missouri Statehood Day, August 10 marks an important milestone of 200 years since the Missouri Territory became the 24 state to enter the Union. More than 200 bicentennial events are taking place this year, statewide, with major public events scheduled in August. Events are being developed with COVID-19 safety measures during the pandemic and in-person activities will adhere to local and state health guidelines at the time of the event.