INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The state of Indiana is turning 199 years old and Gov. Mike Pence and other state officials are holding a Statehouse ceremony to kick off the countdown to the bicentennial.

Pence has signed a proclamation declaring Friday as Statehood Day, urging Indiana residents to reflect on the progress Indiana has made. More than 500 fourth grade students from around the state are scheduled to attend the event.

Bicentennial flags provided to all cities, towns and counties are scheduled to be raised at noon Friday.

The state is spending more than $50 million on bicentennial-related activities. Most of the money is for several construction projects, including a bicentennial plaza at the Statehouse and an inn at northern Indiana’s Potato Creek State Park.

Indiana became the nation’s 19th state in 1816.