Parson Begins Bicentennial Tour in Clay County

Governor Mike Parson made Clay County the first stop on his state-wide Bicentennial Tour that began on Thursday, July 8. The Bicentennial Tour has planned stops at historical sites and in communities across Missouri from July to Missouri Statehood Day on August 10, 2021.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and really to capitalize on the importance of Missouri and who we are as Missourians - Governor Mike Parson

The first location of the Governor’s tour was the Clay County Administration building on the Courthouse Square in Liberty.

The program at the Administration building began with remarks from Tony Reinhart of Ford Motor Company who acted as emcee. Also speaking at the ceremony was Liberty Mayor Lyndell Brenton, Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte, and former State Representative Katie Steele Danner who is Clay County’s Bicentennial Committee Chairperson.

Parson talked about what a landmark event the bicentennial is for all Missourians. “For all of you here today, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and really to capitalize on the importance of Missouri and who we are as Missourians,” said Parson. “I can’t help every time I talk about Missourians, I think of good, good people; hard working people, neighborly people, people with great values who want to live the American dream.”

The Governor also promoted bicentennial activities in September highlighting the parade, the evening ball, bicentennial quilt, and the display of championship trophies from the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues.

He concluded his speech by calling on the audience to remember who they are as Missourians, and why it is so important to hand down the American dream from generation to generation.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts and Mike Davis contributed to this story