Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re likely aware that the semiquincentennial of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence is being commemorated on July 4.
The 250th anniversary to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be held on July 4. (Pexels)
Our region’s communities have a lot of activities in store, including educational events, live entertainment, parades, concerts, food trucks, exhibits and, of course, lots of fireworks. Think of this as a celebration like no other that your family has experienced.
Fireworks, parades, exhibits and family activities will be in abundance on and around July 4 this year. (Pexels)
Here’s a list of events that are standouts among the many being offered before, after and on the Fourth of July. They are designed for all ages to come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
Here are some of the celebrations in the region:
Berks County
• Berks County Liberty Bell on view through December, 623-655 Court St., Reading
A brand new commemorative Berks County Liberty Bell is on display at the Berks County Services Center along with a facsimile copy of the Declaration of Independence. This installation is part of a community effort to recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the county’s role in our nation’s history.
For more information: www.berkspa.gov
• AmericanaFest, June 20, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township
The daylong festival features living history exhibits, wagon rides, museum tours, and live music performances This year’s event starts with a festival from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. with a petting zoo, kids crafts and activities, historical demonstrations, open museums and food trucks. The afternoon’s activities lead into a jam session with Dave Kline starting at 3:30 p.m., followed by a three-act concert.
For more information: www.berkspa.gov
• Daniel Boone Colonial 250th Anniversary Celebration, June 27, noon to 8 p.m., 400 Daniel Boone Road, Exeter Township
An immersive living history day at the homestead featuring a military encampment, Colonial demonstrations and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information: thedanielboonehomestead.org
• Star-Spangled Spectacular, July 4, 2 p.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m., Berks County Fair Grounds, 1216 Hilltop Road, Bern Township
This is intended to be a community event featuring food trucks, family activities, a patriotic concert by the Reading Symphony Orchestra, and fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
For more information: www.america250paberks.com
Chester County
• Demo Day and Independence Day celebration, July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Road, West Pikeland Township
A family-friendly event featuring milling and baking demonstrations, patriotic music by Lenape Brass, and special “Dare to Declare” presentations, sponsored by the Chester County Community Foundation, where you can reflect on our nation’s founding ideals.
Fun activities for kids include face painting, crafts, games, and an interactive spy map and code-breaking challenge.
For more information: www.america250chesco.org
• Happy 250th Birthday America! Concert and Fireworks, July 4, 7 to 10 p.m., Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Tredyffrin Township
The Chester County Concert Band will be entertaining the crowd on America’s 250th birthday with lots of upbeat, fun, patriotic music. The performance will lead to a huge fireworks display at the park. Bring your own chairs or blankets and a picnic.
For more Information: www.brandywinevalley.com
Delaware County
• Concert by the Delaware County Symphony, June 17, 7:30 p.m., 1671 N. Providence Road, Upper Providence Township
Enjoy an uplifting celebration of American music to kick off the 250th anniversary celebration, featuring a narration of Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Suitable for for the whole family.
For more information: https://www.america250padelco.org
• Glenolden’s Fourth of July Fireworks, June 27, 7 p.m., Hillcrest Ave., Glenolden
There will be food, music games and a fireworks display, happening at dusk.
For more information: https://www.america250padelco.org
• A celebration and reading of the Declaration of Independence, June 28, 6 p.m., St. David’s Episcopal Church, 763 S. Valley Forge Road, Newtown Township
This event will include a cookout and reading/presentation of the Declaration of Independence. Family-friendly, there will be games and patriotic activities for people of all ages. Free registration is coming soon and is strongly encouraged; food is first-come, first-served. The Fairgrounds are behind the church (small, historic building) and sheds.
For more information: https://www.america250padelco.org
Montgomery County
• Valley Forge 50/250 Celebration, July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Valley Forge National Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, Upper Merion Township
Go to the visitor’s center upon arrival to start your experience. Seek out a park ranger and pick up your Junior Ranger activity book to begin this event for all ages. Sign a Happy Birthday card for Valley Forge National Historical Park and leave your John Hancock on a giant Declaration of Independence. Celebrate the people’s park with the My Valley Forge Story exhibit, listen to engaging stories from Revolutionary War history provided by Historic Philadelphia Inc, and view dramatic reenactments of Revolutionary War-era courts martial in the Valley Forge theater building.
You can also take the special event shuttle to Muhlenberg’s Brigade for living history programs, to the National Memorial Arch to see the 50th Anniversary Celebration (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and to the Maurice Stephens house to hear a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information: www.nps.gov
• Montco Trail Challenge: New historical sites added
Four new historic sites have been added to the Montco Trail challenge in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The challenge serves as a way to enhance your physical activity and overall wellness. In honor of America’s birthday, you’ll have a chance to get educated through visiting historical sites that have been added to the challenge: Pennypacker Mills, Pottsgrove Manor, Peter Wentz Farmstead, and the John James Audubon Center.
The Montco Trail Challenge is a collaborative effort of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, Planning Commission, Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, and the commissioners.
For more information: www.montgomerycountypa.gov/TrailChallenge
Trenton, N.J.
• Heritage Week: Cultural Heritage Parade and Festival, July 3-8, parade begins at noon on July 4, 319 E. State Road
Trenton is preparing a monumental celebration to mark America’s 250th anniversary where all are welcome to Heritage Week. The parade on July 4 will have over 40 marching units, including bands, as well as circus acts, floats, reenactors, antique cars, and representations of many cultures and organizations.
The parade will begin at City Hall and proceed on East State Street to the historic Battle Monument, where participants will pause for a brief wreath-laying ceremony honoring the nation’s history and those who have fought for American independence. The parade concludes at Mill Hill Park, where a festival with activities and celebrations will take place featuring food, music, an escape room, soccer and hockey clinics, crafters and civic organization displays.
For more information: www.trentonnj.org
Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, July 8, noon, 23 S. Warren St., Trenton
This is an opportunity to stand where history happened through experiencing a reenactment marking 250 years since Trenton’s first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information: www.trentonnj.org