Nationwide plans set for yearlong U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations

The United States is staging a yearlong Semiquincentennial celebration with events across the country, led in part by the Semiquincentennial Commission’s America250 initiative and a separate calendar organized by President Trump’s Freedom 250. Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, said the effort aims to offer a range of options: “We have to have something for every American,” Ms.

Rios said. “We’re setting the table. We’re providing a menu of options.” The Times catalog of plans ranges from commission-affiliated tentpole events to local and state festivities; the report notes that President Trump’s Freedom 250 includes its own schedule and that a White House UFC fight has been planned.

Among the events listed are a Texas Girl Scout singalong in Austin (May 9); a Great Flag Unfurling in Omaha (May 22); a White House UFC fight on the South Lawn (June 14); the Appleton Flag Day Parade (June 13); a presidential history competition with scholarships (final round June 26 in Washington); a Norman Foster–designed time capsule burial at the Washington Monument Plaza (July 2); a Times Square ball drop on July 3; Sail4th 250 tall ships in New York Harbor (July 3–8); a Mount Rushmore fireworks display on July 3; nationwide America250 block parties on July 4; and an America’s Day of Reflection on July 5.

The guide also notes theme attractions such as Disney’s Soarin’ Across America this summer. The Times said the list will be updated throughout the year. Ms.

Key Topics

Culture, Semiquincentennial Commission, Rosie Rios, White House, Times Square