Photo credit: Claudio Rodriguez – Chief Photographer

By Emma Garcia – Staff Writer

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted by the Second Continental Congress. The 13 colonies, having declared themselves independent from Britain, developed a strong sense of nationalism that is still present 250 years later. 

Each year, the Fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day, is celebrated with fireworks displays, parades and community gatherings across the nation. Memorable Illinois celebrations include fireworks displays over the Mississippi River and festivals hosted by towns and villages throughout the state. 

Previous celebrations for monumental anniversaries included the six-month Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926, celebrating America’s 150th anniversary, and 50 years later, the American Freedom Train for America’s 200th anniversary in 1976. With America’s 250th birthday right around the corner, there are more celebrations set to take place.

Freedom 250, the official public-private partnership and branding arm of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, states that six freedom trucks will travel across the country. Freedom trucks are double-wide 18-wheeler portable museums that will tour 48 states, including Illinois, bringing the history of American independence directly to schools, libraries and community gatherings all year. 

America 250 is a national nonprofit organization charged by Congress aimed at engaging, celebrating and honoring America’s 250th anniversary. They are pushing three national initiatives: Giving 4th, America’s Block Party, and America Gives.

The first initiative, Giving 4th, is meant to establish July 4 as a new national day of charitable giving. Although it has a similar goal to America Gives, Giving 4th focuses on donating currency rather than volunteer work. The website features a pledge and various previews of nonprofit organizations that lead directly to that group’s donation page. An included filter easily allows for visitors to shift through organizations by cause(s), including civic engagement, community health and disaster relief.

America’s Block Party aims to strengthen national unity during the celebration, with block parties happening all over the country. The website includes an interactive events map and more information on America’s Block Party. Block parties will be hosted on July 3 and 4, and their locations are listed on the map.

Finally, America Gives aims to be the largest volunteer effort in U.S. history. The website indicates a volunteer hour count with options below for visitors to add their volunteer hours and organizations. The website also mentions the Giving 4th initiative, along with volunteer opportunities and previews to the founding sponsors. 

Additionally, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will host a week-long festival, The Great American State Fair, operating from June 25 to July 10. The festival advertises live music, carnival rides and traditions from across all U.S. states and territories. 

Because multiple artists withdrew from the commercial concert series, no individual performances will take place. Other events will continue, such as the Salute to America 250 event, Wings of Freedom event and fireworks display. These events are led by major organizers, including Freedom 250.

On a local level, residents can celebrate by watching the fireworks display at Navy Pier and attending village celebrations. Village celebrations often include activities such as parades, live music, family attractions and evening fireworks. Visit your local town/village website to find out about possible events in your area.