Think You Could Pass for Thomas Jefferson? Cannon Township Wants to See It
Declaration of Independence reading and inaugural look-alike contest planned for July 8
Powdered wigs are welcome, but historical accuracy is definitely not required.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Cannon Township is inviting residents and visitors to mark the occasion with a community reading of the Declaration of Independence and an inaugural Thomas Jefferson Look-Alike Contest on Wednesday, July 8, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The free to guests celebration will begin at the Cannon Township Historical Museum, 8045 Cannonsburg Road NE. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and overflow parking will be available across the street at Cannonsburg Elementary School.
The evening will start with local residents, students, educators, business owners and public servants taking turns reading portions of the Declaration of Independence. The reading is part of a statewide effort to bring Michiganders together to reflect on the words that launched a nation and the ideals that continue to shape our communities 250 years later.
“This event puts a modern twist on history to engage more people,” said Cannon Township Trustee Jessica Slaydon. “This history is too important to lose, and we hope this celebration gives more people a fun and meaningful way to connect with it while honoring our Founding Fathers.”
Then comes the part that may require a little more creativity.
Following the reading, participants will compete in Cannon Township’s first Thomas Jefferson Look-Alike Contest. Contestants can go all-out with a powdered wig and colonial coat, keep it simple with a white shirt, or create their own modern interpretation of a Founding Father. Enthusiasm and originality may be more valuable than historical accuracy.
A total of $400 in prizes will be awarded:
Most Presidential Jefferson: $100 Honey Creek Inn gift card
Best Youth Jefferson: $100 Honey Creek Inn gift card
People’s Choice Jefferson: $100 Honey Creek Inn gift card
Most Creative Colonial Attire: $100 Honey Creek Inn gift card
Adults and children are encouraged to participate, and no advance registration is required. Contestants can simply arrive ready to make their presidential debut.
After the reading and contest, the celebration will continue throughout Cannonsburg. Cannon Township Fire Department Station 1 will host an open house, and Honey Creek Inn will offer food and beverages available for purchase à la carte.
The growing lineup of scheduled readers includes Cannon Township Supervisor Steve Grimm; Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir; Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker; State Representative Stephen Wooden; County Commissioner Robert S. Womack; Cannon Township Treasurer David Spencer; Cannon residents Blake, Dax and Parks Slaydon; Brandon Erhart of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and a Rockford graduate; Cannon residents Amanda and Caleb Gach; Candy Lancione of Aunt Candy’s Toy Store; Cannon Township Historical Society Secretary Hillary Hatch; Cannon resident Rachel Partridge; Lakes Elementary fifth-grade teacher Jeff Post; and Justin Ortiz and Keith Sprague of Kent County Parks, Neil Blakeslee, Rockford Rotary, Josh Gardner & family with additional readers still being added.
The event is being organized in partnership with the Cannon Township Board, Cannon Township Historical Society, Cannon Township Fire Department and Honey Creek Inn. No taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the celebration.
Spectators, aspiring Jeffersons, history enthusiasts and families are all welcome. Attendees may simply show up or RSVP at:
https://forms.gle/s1Pzvg5UocEL6hiG6
Businesses interested in supporting the celebration may contact Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon at jslaydon@cannontwp.gov for sponsorship and participation opportunities.
Whether you come to reflect on history, tour the fire station, enjoy dinner at Honey Creek Inn or prove that you are Cannon Township’s most convincing Thomas Jefferson, the community is invited to be part of the celebration.
