Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration is Officially Underway

For those old enough to remember the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976, you'll recall the bicentennial logo, "Bicentennial Minutes," bicentennial coins, bicentennial license plates, etc. So, what kind of stuff can we expect to see over the next year here in the Land of Lincoln now that we've begun the countdown to 2018's Illinois Bicentennial?

For those wondering what a "Bicentennial Minute" was:

As far as the Illinois celebration and countdown goes, it started yesterday with the cast of Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago officially began the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration by unveiling the Bicentennial Flag from the stage.

Alexander Gemignani, who plays King George III, declared, “Today marks the birthdate and the kick off to the Illinois Bicentennial. We are honored to reveal to you the new bicentennial flag and celebrate 200 years of history with the Governor and all the people of Illinois.”
In attendance were 100 Illinois high school and college students whose videos were chosen as part of the 100 Day Countdown to the start of the Bicentennial. The videos theme was ‘Something to Learn about Illinois History’.
Gemignani gave a special shout out to the students who distinguished themselves with winning videos, highlighting the people, places and things that make Illinois so great. "We are all Illinoisans today!"

Illinois was recognized as a state on Dec. 3, 1818, and the official Illinois Bicentennial will be celebrated in 2018 with events planned across the state on Constitution Day, Aug. 26, 2018, and the grand birthday celebration at the United Center on Dec. 3, 2018. Municipalities and organizations that are planning Bicentennial activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement by the Illinois Bicentennial. Visit the Participate page at illinois200.com.