Pontiac marks America's 250th

Local artist Aaron Newsome sings hometown music during an America 250 event in downtown Pontiac.

Pontiac citizens gathered at Block 59 downtown Wednesday evening for an America 250 celebration.

The celebration kicked off with a Color Guard presentation and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by local resident Mark Osman on the courthouse square.

“It was really quite an experience – I loved it,” said Osman after he finished reading into the microphone.

He was thrilled to read the historical document for the nation’s 250^th birthday.

“My voice held out,” Osman joked.

Osman worked as an announcer on the original WPOK radio station in Pontiac and he is the voice of the Threshermen’s Parade each year on the Sunday before Labor Day.

Wednesday also featured an ice cream social with treats served up by Pontiac City Council members. Live music was provided by Aaron Newsome.

More events are planned in town Saturday with a block party at Humiston Riverside Park starting at 4 p.m. with a dunk tank, live music by Five Guys Named Moe, a competitive bags tournament, Emancipation Brewery’s beverage tent, ice cream from 66 Licks and more.

Mark Osman reads the Declaration of Independence during an event in downtown Pontiac Wednesday evening.