When your country is celebrating its 200th birthday, what kind of party do you throw? In the summer of 1976, Julie Albright wasted no time in getting herself involved in a complex bicentennial celebration. Along with her sister, Julie joins her cousin's family on a covered wagon trip to honor their country and Pony Express- riding- ancestor. On this "journey," Julie gets to meet a number of trinket-selling hucksters---and an elderly man who is descended from a signer of the Constitution. Julie also struggles with wanting to be a horse girl AND has some deep anxiety about being thrown off a horse. Last but maybe least, this book also includes a cameo by President Gerald Ford. We talked about which bicentennial events we would have wanted to attend and plans for the upcoming 250th. Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod Order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl Order our audiobook: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl (Digital Audio) Check out books we mention at our bookshop.org storefront. We love to hear from you! Drop us a line [email protected] Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5