Officials announce Ice Jam Bluegrass Festival, America250 PA county kickoff and a short grant window

Speaker 2 told the meeting about two upcoming public items: the annual Ice Jam Bluegrass Festival on Friday and Saturday at Vermont and Beaver Falls, and the America250 PA county kickoff scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 from 4:15 to 6 p.m. in the same meeting room. "It's a free event ... supporting Bluegrass Relief Fund," Speaker 2 said, adding that Vermont is sold out and organizers expect a couple hundred attendees.

Speaker 2 also advised that the America250 program will visit counties starting Jan. 16 and that the state committee should provide an agenda this week that will clarify roles for local officials. The speaker said the office's grant opportunity connected to America250 is open through Jan. 31 and that roughly 15–16 applications have been received so far; more inquiries were expected with the new year.

Speaker 2 said the state would provide swag bags and refreshments and that the Liberty Bell artifact is with an artist and expected to be delivered by the end of the month. The announcements were delivered as informational items; no board vote or action was recorded on these event topics.