Wishing Oconee well on a milestone

A committee of Oconeeans last night talked about who or what should take the lead when it comes to organizing a celebration of Oconee County’s 150th year.  The county will mark its sesquicentennial in 2018.  In a meeting at South Cove Park, the members of the county Arts and Historical Commission batted around a few ideas.  The group is likely to have an important role, but its members feel that other groups should be engaged, such as the chamber of commerce.  Another issue is how much money should be spent to throw the celebration.  There was a consensus to approach County Council to ascertain the county leaders’ interest and willingness to appropriate funds.  Phil Shirley, director of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission, said, “If there is not enough buy in, we shouldn’t do it.”  Oconee staged a large celebration for its centennial in 1968 when country music’s Minnie Pearl led the centennial parade and men throughout the county grew beards.