July 4, 2026
America250PA - Blair County
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Countdown to America’s E.P.I.C. 250-Year Celebration
Blair County will be joining communities all across Pennsylvania and the United States in helping to plan an E.P.I.C. celebration for our nation’s 250-year anniversary – Semiquincentennial – in 2026.
Our picturesque county is rich in history in helping to forge our country to be a beacon of hope and opportunity to the world. The local America250PA Blair County commission will be planning events, promoting area activities, and highlighting our history leading up to the E.P.I.C. celebration on July 4, 2026.
Law Day Poster/Essay Contest
The Blair County Bar Association and America250 PA Blair County Commission have announced their partnership for the 2026 Law Day Essay/Poster Contest. Submissions must be received by the end of business on April 17.
The winning entries from each grade level will be invited to the Law Day Ceremony on May 1 at the Blair County Courthouse to read their winning essay or present their winning poster. The grand prize winner will receive a cash award and will be invited to read their winning essay at various America250 PA Blair events.
All submissions shall interpret the theme “What Does America Mean to You?” and shall be submitted no later than April 17 to 1701 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 or P.O. Box 295, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Essay entries may also be emailed to BCBA2026essaycontest@gmail.com no later than April 17.
2026 STATEWIDE & NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
America250PA and our statewide and national partners are doing EPIC things to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026. Learn more about how YOU can get involved in the following low-cost, easy-to-activate events:
Light To Unite
The NFF created ‘LIGHT TO UNITE’ scheduled for July 4, 2026, and is asking all cities in America to light up red, white, and blue that evening. The plan is to have the first buildings lit to be those in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, our nation’s keystone state; the NFF’s home-building, the Koppers Tower, in Pittsburgh will lead and all to follow. Learn more at https://nationalflagfoundation.org/light-to-unite/
2026 Bell Ringing
One nation. One moment. One sound.
America250PA encourages communities in all states and territories to ring their bells at noon (EDT)
on July 4, 2026, in a shared moment honoring
250 years of American independence.
America's Potluck
America’s Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life.
Learn more and sign-up at:
https://america250.utah.gov/americaspotluck/
Sharing the Spirit of America
Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now, 250-years later, Americans in all 50 States, 5 Territories, the District of Columbia, and Minor Outlying Islands of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’
Learn more at:
https://hawaiiamerica250.org/sharing-the-spirit-of-america
The Four Platforms for the America 250 Celebration are E.P.I.C.
E
Education
Educate our youth and community on our history and contributions to our nation.
P
Preserve
Honor and preserve our history for future generations.
I
Innovate
Look to the future to be a better person and a better community for all who live and work within Blair County.
C
Celebrate
Share the joy and pride we feel in our area, our people, and our works.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
We cannot have an E.P.I.C. celebration without the participation and assistance of our community members and businesses. You can support the commission’s efforts in the following ways:
VOLUNTEER
As the commission moves forward in planning and organizing events there will be a great need for volunteers in our community. These opportunities may include sitting on a committee, help staff a booth at an event, etc. If you have interest, please submit our volunteer form.
IDEAS
Do you, your organization, or your business have an idea for an America250 event? Please use the contact form to submit your ideas. Be sure to include your contact information.
SPONSORSHIP
The commission is accepting sponsorships of America250PA Blair County to help cover the cost of planning and promotion.
DONATE
America250PA Blair County is a non-profit organization backed by the Central PA Community Foundation. All donations will be processed and managed by their foundation. You can donate online or send a check. Every tax deductible donation will help to ensure an E.P.I.C. celebration.
PLAN
Your organization or business can plan an event to help celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Be sure to share your event with us so we can promote it on our website and social media accounts.
Have an E.P.I.C. celebration idea, or event planned, or wish to be a sponsor?
All donations are processed through Central PA Community Foundation.
Would you like to be part of the commission? Or volunteer at events?
Keep up to date on the latest events, ideas, and plans.