KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene City Councilor Molly Ellis was the featured guest Saturday on Saturday Morning Live on WKBK Radio, where she joined host Randy Filiault for an in-depth conversation about plans for Keene’s observance of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence.

Ellis, who is chairing the city’s planning committee for the celebration, discussed the scope of the event — branded locally as Monadnock 250 — and emphasized that the goal is to create a region-wide celebration involving communities across Cheshire County and the broader Monadnock region.

During the program, Ellis outlined a full weekend of events centered around July 4. Festivities are expected to begin on Independence Eve with a Keene Swamp Bats game and a fireworks display. On July 4 itself, the schedule will include the traditional Four on the Fourth road race in the morning, followed by a large parade and an afternoon street festival downtown.

The parade is planned to begin near Wyman Tavern, a site tied to local Revolutionary War history, and travel up Main Street to Railroad Square. Following the parade, organizers envision a street-festival atmosphere featuring food trucks, vendors, and performers, along with possible collaboration with the Keene Farmers Market, which already operates on Saturdays.

Ellis told Filiault that the parade is being designed as a regional event, with invitations extended to towns throughout Cheshire County. Potential participants could include civic organizations, service clubs, school groups, mascots, antique vehicles, fire departments, and marching bands. She acknowledged that coordinating such a large event will present logistical challenges, including parade staging, road construction considerations, and managing large crowds near Railroad Square.

Throughout the discussion, Filiault, co-hosts, and callers highlighted Keene’s strong parade tradition and deep connections to the American Revolution. Conversation touched on New Hampshire’s role as the first colony to declare independence, the gathering of local militias at Wyman Tavern, and the community’s history of large-scale civic celebrations, including the 1976 bicentennial.

Ellis also shared ideas for additional historical programming tied to the anniversary, including possible film screenings at the Colonial Theatre, live history panels, reenactments, and partnerships with historians, podcasters, and local cultural organizations. Callers suggested honoring veterans with a dedicated parade segment and exploring options such as flyovers or special tributes, ideas Ellis said she welcomed as planning continues.

Ellis said the planning effort will rely heavily on community involvement and delegation, noting that Monadnock 250 is intended to be more than a single event in Keene. Instead, organizers hope it will serve as a unifying, region-wide celebration that highlights local history, civic pride, and the shared heritage of the Monadnock region.

Listen to the full interview: