Columbus honors America's semiquincentennial with 'Celebrate 250' next week

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus is partnering with Red Arch Community Events, Inc., next week, to present "Celebrate 250," a weeklong festival marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

America's birthday celebration runs from June 29 to July 4, featuring themed daily events, family-friendly activities, and special programming in downtown Columbus and at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

All events are free and open to the public. For complete information on the six-day celebration, visit https://columbus250.com/.

Celebrate 250 schedule highlights include: 

• Monday, June 29 =  American Revolution Day (4-8 p.m., 4th Street) - The Daughters of the American Revolution will lead hands‐on activities, and a giant 1776‐style American flag banner will be available for photos
• Tuesday, June 30 = Tea Day (1-8 p.m., old Sears lot) - Tea Day replaces the monthly food‐truck festival, featuring Celebrate 250 tea bags and a downtown vendor market
• Wednesday, July 1 = Star Spangled Kids Day (12-8 p.m., 4th Street) - Kids can enjoy a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt, a dunk tank, jump rope, sidewalk chalk, face-painting, and free snacks
• Thursday, July 2 = Historical Society Day (4-8 p.m., Bartholomew County Historical Society) - Explore Revolutionary‐era textile demonstrations, period music, and view a signed Declaration of Independence
• Friday, July 3 = All‐American Festival on Central (2-10:30 p.m., Columbus AirPark) - The largest event of the week features bounce houses and water inflatables, carnival/sports games, chalk art, circus/magic shows, an air show and flyovers, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a QMIX Musical Fireworks finale at 10 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4 = Celebrate 250 Day (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., downtown) - Festivities include the Columbus Farmers Market, a patriotic parade at 11 a.m., opening ceremonies at noon, and Americana‐themed contests including apple pie, most patriotic attire, and a hot‐dog eating competition; music and performances continue all day