The kick-off for the U.S. 250 Tour braved wind, rain and cold weather on Friday, Jan. 9, as organizers set up in the CasaBlanca parking lot for the three-day nonpartisan event, honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

The nationwide tour is the brainchild of Kim Fletcher, tour executive chairman, founder of Moms for America, Moms for America Action and mother of eight.

Tony Griffith, the executive tour manager, is an award-winning songwriter, producer, musician and singer. He said, “Our goal is to honor the country, and we want people to come out and celebrate the country with us. It is all about the U.S., us, us together as Americans. That is the message we are pushing.” They are funded by private donations.

The strong winds blew away some of the vendor booths on Friday morning, and the vendors chose not to come back. The bounce houses were up and running, but cold weather deterred their use. Food trucks were on hand, but few vendors. The main stage was grand with big screens and great graphics. The entertainers included the Griffith Family, Natasha Owens, Kebbie Kraulidis and Kaitlyn Croker. Saturday night featured Shenandoah. Saturday night, the weather was warmer and Shenandoah gathered a crowd, though short of the 2,000 expected. Mayor Jesse Whipple welcomed everyone and introduced Croker.

The tour continues throughout the country. Griffith said they will end the tour in historic Philadelphia.

The Progress spoke to Mark and Elizabeth Evans from Cedar City; they heard about the event there and came for the day. They enjoyed the entertainment but said they were disappointed by the lack of a village.