Uncertainty Surrounds Jimmy Carter's Hometown Birthday Celebration Amid Looming Government Shutdown

Plains, the small rural town where former president Jimmy Carter was born, is preparing to celebrate his 99th birthday amid concerns about a possible government shutdown. The event also marks Carter’s first birthday since he started home hospice care earlier this year, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The government might lack funding if Congress fails to reach a deal by Sunday. This could lead to restricted access to Georgia’s 11 national parks, including Jimmy Carter National Historical Park sites in his hometown, Plains.

Enclosed buildings like Plains High School, where a subdued birthday celebration was planned, may be locked. The status of open-air places such as the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm and the Plains Depot also remains uncertain if no agreement is finalized by midnight on Saturday.

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Despite the looming shutdown, Jill Stuckey, the superintendent of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, anticipates a quiet celebration this year due to the town's annual peanut festival held a week ago. Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made a surprise appearance at the festival.

During the weekend, a birthday banner filled with signatures and colored squares will be displayed in the auditorium at the high school. The banner will later be moved inside or outside the Carters' home.

Events at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, celebrating Carter’s birthday, have been preponed to Saturday instead of Sunday to avoid a possible shutdown as per a library spokesman.

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