This year, the United States is marking the 250th year of its independence.<\/p>\n
Some of those celebrations are fittingly taking place on the Fourth of July, but others are happening throughout the year. In San Diego County, activities marking the occasion include everything from parades to special exhibits and concerts.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at just a few of the ways locals can get in on what\u2019s being described as the 250th anniversary and the 250th birthday of the U.S.<\/p>\n
Spirit of America patriotic decorating contest: The City of El Cajon is a competition for residents decorating homes and storefronts in red, white and blue. Participants needed to sign up by June 12, but the decorations will be on display throughout June with the winners will be announced on July 1. elcajon.gov\/discover-el-cajon\/events\/america-250<\/p>\n
America at 250: San Diego 1776\u20132026:\u00a0The San Diego History Center will present a look back at 250 years of history through the local lens of San Diego. The exhibit features 100 objects and looks at how San Diego County \u201cshaped \u2014 and was shaped by \u2014 the American experience.\u201d Now open. 1649 El Prado, Suite No. 3, San Diego. Suggested $10 donation. sandiegohistory.org\/exhibitions<\/a><\/p>\n American Literary Heroes:\u00a0Write Out Loud is doing a series of performances this year celebrating American literary icons. The 45-50 minute presentations, which can be requested for various events as well, feature the stories of writers such as Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman. Locals can find a lineup of scheduled performances on Write Out Loud\u2019s website, including at various library branches, running now through Sept. 19. Free. writeoutloudsd.com\/american-literary-heroes<\/a><\/p>\n \u201c1776:\u201d Vanguard Theater and Point Loma Church are teaming up to present the Tony-Award winning musical \u201c1776.\u201d The production commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. June 26-July 12. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego. $25. vanguardsd.org\/shows<\/p>\n Cajon Cruise Celebrating America\u2019s 250th with American Muscle: On Wednesdays this summer, downtown El Cajon will be the location for a weekly car show. Each week has a different theme, including American Muscle on July 1. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Downtown El Cajon at Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. Free.\u00a0sandiegoassociationofcarclubs.org<\/a><\/p>\n Lemon Grove celebrates 250: The City of Lemon Grove will host a celebration in a local park featuring vendors, games, live music and more. \u201cThe Sandlot\u201d will be shown at 7:45 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets. 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 3. Treganza Park, 3200 Main St., Lemon Grove. Free. lemongrove.ca.gov\/parks-events<\/a><\/p>\n America the Beautiful 250 concert: Conductor, trumpet player and vocalist Byron Stripling will lead the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and other performers in a concert featuring classic songs like \u201cStars and Stripes Forever\u201d and \u201cYankee Doodle Dandy.\u201d 7:30 p.m. July 4. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Tickets start at $57. theshell.org\/performances\/america-the-beautiful-250\/<\/a><\/p>\n Santee Salutes America 250:\u00a0The city of Santee is dedicating its Fourth of July celebrations to the 250th anniversary. Its regular community celebration will feature a special color guard presentation, \u201cSantee Salutes America\u2019s 250th\u201d at 6 p.m. The day will also feature entertainment and fireworks. 4 to 10 p.m. July 4. Town Center Community Park East,550 Park Center Drive, Santee. Free.\u00a0cityofsanteeca.gov\/calendar\/events\/santee-salutes\u2014america250\/46207<\/p>\n World Classic Rockers: America\u2019s 250th Anniversary Benefit Concert and 4th of July Fireworks Celebration:\u00a0The USS Midway Museum\u2019s flight deck will be the scene of a patriotic concert by World Classic Rockers, which is made up of former members of Boston, Journey, Santana and Lynyrd Skynyrd.\u00a06 p.m. July 4. USS Midway Museum, 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $100. midway.org\/event\/world-classic-rockers-americas-250th-anniversary<\/a><\/p>\n Oceanside USA 250 Festival:\u00a0Oceanside will gather to celebrate both the 250th birthday with a festival after its annual Independence Parade. Visitors can expect local food, a country music festival, a chili cook-off, a USA 250 kids grand prix, family-friendly activities and community exhibits. Noon to 6 p.m. June 27. Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre, 301 The Strand North, Oceanside. Free. oceansidechamber.com\/oceanside-usa-250-festival.html<\/a><\/p>\n Anchored in Freedom: Liberty Station will host a community celebration for the 250th and to recognize the nation\u2019s Navy history. The day will start with the Fleek Week 5K, followed by a parade along Cushing Road from 1 to 3 p.m. A community festival from 3 to 5 p.m. will feature a chicken wing-eating contest, live music from the Navy Band and other family-friendly activities. July 3. Liberty Station, San Diego. libertystation.com\/events\/freedom-parade<\/p>\n Fourth of July at the Navy SEAL Museum:\u00a0To celebrate the 250th, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will offer special outdoor activities. There will be food, a scavenger hunt, stories from Navy SEAL veterans, giveaways and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, 1001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. July 4. Free. navysealmuseumsd.org<\/a><\/p>\n Old-Fashioned Fourth of July: California State Parks is going back in time for this year\u2019s Fourth of July activities. There will be history demonstrations, 19th century past times and family-friendly fun such as tug of war, sack races, a watermelon-eating contest and a quilt raffle. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Free. parks.ca.gov\/EventDetails\/18583<\/a><\/p>\n Don McLean \u2013 Celebrating America\u2019s 250th Birthday: The singer of \u201cAmerican Pie\u201d will present a 250th concert in Solana Beach. 8 p.m. Nov. 5. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $109.80. bellyup.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This year, the United States is marking the 250th year of its independence. 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