The kickoff event for the Cole County bicentennial celebration is scheduled Friday at the site of the first county courthouse in Marion.
The event will be at the Marion Missouri River Access just off Missouri 179. There will be a display of early boats. Tours of the location where the first courthouse stood, as well as other historic spots in the area such as Lovers Leap and Manitou Painting, will start at 10 a.m. A formal program will begin at 11 a.m.
Parking will be available.
Historian Bob Priddy will be the master of ceremonies. During a preview event last month, Priddy announced through his research of the county’s history, he has found more information regarding Stephen Cole, a pioneer settler and Indian fighter for whom the county is named. Priddy said the information would “change some of the early history of Cole County and maybe four or five other counties” and it will be the focus of his presentation at Friday’s event.
Some descendants of Stephen Cole, Temple Cole and Hannah Cole are scheduled to be at the bicentennial kickoff.