Licking celebrates America’s 250th

By Editor | July 1, 2026 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Senator Hudson and Rep. Cook presented Mayor Ogden, on behalf of the City of Licking, with a Senate Resolution and a banner recognizing America’s 250th year at Saturday’s celebration at Deer Lick Park.

Photo by Shari Harris
Fireworks lit up the sky over Deer Lick Park.

The community celebrated America’s 250th birthday Saturday with an evening of good food and live music in the park, followed by a fireworks display.

Everything from burgers to fish, cotton candy to ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and more could be found throughout Deer Lick Park, and vendors were kept busy filling orders.

The Hired Guns (Braden Vankirk, Jeff Potts and Andrew Stockard) performed a variety of classics and kept the crowd entertained, not just with some great vocals, but also some great guitar riffs.

The Licking Fire Department raffled a large collection of fireworks, and the Knights of Columbus wrapped up their gun raffle at the event.

Senator Brad Hudson (District 33) and Representative Bennie Cook (District 143) presented the City of Licking with a Senate Resolution marking the occasion, and Licking’s mayor, Scott Ogden, was on hand to accept it. Also given was a special Show-Me America 250 banner that can be displayed by the City.

A spectacular fireworks display wrapped up the evening, with plenty of red, white and blue to celebrate the special occasion.