As America reaches its 250th birthday, people and organizations from around the country have a variety of ways to celebrate the semiquincentennial.
America250 was created to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and to inspire reflection and love for the United States.
It is a nonpartisan organization and multiyear effort enacted by Congress.
The U.S. Semiquintennial Commission started 10 years ago and is run by former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios. Additionally, it is composed of 16 private citizens, four U.S. representatives and four senators.
This is also the largest bicameral and bipartisan caucus in U.S. history, sporting more than 400 members.
Some honorary cochairs include: George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Barack and Michelle Obama.
Here’s what’s happening in Idaho (please contact colby@idahoednews.org to add your event):
A250 Idaho
Idaho has its own A250 organization.
Three pillars of Idaho’s America250:
- Idaho celebrates America250
- The Idaho Legislature invites people to promote an understanding of the founding of the country.
- he Idaho Legislature encourages residents to reflect deeply on the state’s contribution to the U.S.
Values:
- Heritage
- Education
- Respect
- Resilience
- Patriotism
Idaho will be hosting various events with many of them being educational.
Educators’ Workshop
IDAHO FALLS — This will take place June 22-25 at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. Teachers will have access to art materials. TAM members will pay $75, while non-members pay $90. There is limited space and pre-registration is required. For more information on how to register, click here.
Eagle Fun Days
EAGLE — This multi-day event will take place at Eagle City Hall and Heritage Park. On June 26, the kick-off party will take place at Heritage Park. Expect live music, food and drinks. Just an eight-minute walk away at Eagle City Hall, there will be an inflatable amusement park for kids and food trucks. On June 27, the main event starts at 11 a.m. and runs 10 hours at Heritage Park. During the same hours, the city hall will be hosting another inflatable amusement park. For the event lineup, click here.
Drums across the Gem State
NAMPA — Do you like drums? Well, head over to Nampa High School around 7 p.m. on July 2. The Boise Gems will perform alongside The Battalion. For a detailed map of the event, click here.
Become an Idaho A250 ambassador
You may be so passionate about this country’s anniversary that you want to spread the love statewide and locally. Well, I got good news! You can spread the word about America’s birthday and engage with your community. A250 has junior ambassadors. Click here to sign up.
A250: A Freedom Celebration
REXBURG — Madison County will host its own A25o celebration on July 3. It will be held at Bobcat Stadium at Madison High School. Country artist Russell Dickerson will have a concert, which will be followed by a drone light show and fireworks. Food vendor trailers will be on site.
This celebration will also include Rexburg’s recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam Flood and its rebuild. For more information, click here.
Pocatello Time Capsule Dedication
POCATELLO — The Pocatello A250 Ad Hoc Advisory Committee put together a “community time capsule,” to celebrate the Fourth of July. On July 3, head to the east side of the Marshall Public Library. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m., and Mayor Mark Dahlquist will speak at 5:30. Food trucks will be on site.
As for the time capsule, Pocatello’s Partner Steel company constructed an aluminum time capsule. Residents are encouraged to bring their own America or Idaho memorabilia to decorate the masterpiece.
For information on how to donate items, click here.
Idaho A250 Capitol Celebration
From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the nation’s 250th birthday, the Idaho Advisory Council will host a family-friendly and free celebration on the Capitol’s steps and Cecil Andrus Park.
Live music schedule:
- 11:30 a.m. — 25th Army Band
- Noon — Chad Marvin and EllieMae
- 12:30 p.m. — Jeff Crosby
- 1:30 p.m. — Afrosonics
- 2:15 p.m. — Josh Ritter
There will be hands-on educational and STEM activities for the children.
Additionally, food trucks and a close up display of the Fourth of July parade floats will be available. For more information, click here.
Bulls n’Bombs
IRWIN — Are you entertained by bulls and rodeos? This is the perfect event for you. Travel to the Irwin Idaho Rodeo Arena on July 4. Parking is $20 per hour. Doors open at 10 a.m. and event begins an hour later. There will be a community barbecue at Irwin Park after followed by fireworks. For more information, click here.
Gem County fireworks show
EMMETT — Gem County will be putting together its own fireworks show, which is projected to be the largest in its 111-year history. It will be held at Gem Island Sports Complex with doors opening at 7 p.m. To view the added rules and regulations, click here.
United We Celebrate: A Community Day
On July Fourth, head to the Idaho State Museum for free admission from 9 a.m-3 p.m.
You can explore two new exhibitions:
- The Traditions That Bring America Together
- Four Score and Seven Years Before
There will also be hands-on activities for all age groups. Click here for more information.
Meridian Independence Day Festival
MERIDIAN — Head to Storey Park on July 4 around 4 p.m. for food trucks and live music at 5 p.m. The firework show will begin at 10:20 p.m. Click here for a map and additional information.
Ann Morrison Park
From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on America’s 250th birthday, Ann Morrison Park will be hosting its annual fireworks show, which is destined to start at 10:15. There will be food trucks and alcohol. Remember, vehicles won’t be permitted on site throughout the day. Click here for more details.
America 250 for $2.50 Weekend
Do you love animals and America? Well from July 4 to July 5, you can celebrate both at a low cost. Head to Zoo Boise from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m for $2.50 admission regardless of age. Keep in mind, the zoo won’t be allowing any more occupants to enter after 4 p.m. For more information, click here.
