The City of Edwardsville will take a weeklong trek through history this summer to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks to the collaboration of community groups, Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will feature a patriotic series of musical performances, a movie, historical reenactors, an all-ages parade in City Park, creative and thought-provoking activities, a gigantic community-decorated cake and a Fourth of July festival with a fireworks finale.
“It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our nation’s birthday,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “We are fortunate to have so many community organizations that are contributing to these thoughtful, fun activities.”
Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will include events from Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4, at various locations. Additional self-guided or group activities are planned for June 13 through July 3 at the Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas Street. The activities are part of a nationwide series of festivities in honor of America’s semiquincentennial, or the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted.
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“In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln captured best the importance of the Declaration of Independence when he said that our forefathers brought forth a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” said Stephen Hansen, part of the Board of Directors of the Madison County Historical Society, one of the groups heading up the local events. “Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is more important than ever. We come together to express our dedication to the principles that made our nation great.”
America 250 events in Edwardsville
Edwardsville’s America 250 activities include:
- “Celebrating the Spirit of 1776” on Sunday, June 28, in City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street: It will include musical performances, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, historical reenactors, a chance to sign a Declaration of Independence, and opportunities to help decorate a gigantic, crafted cake that will be on display in City Park until it is moved to the Fourth of July events at Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, 58 S. State Route 157.
- “1776” movie showing: On Tuesday, June 30, the Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main Street, will host this musical historical drama, which tells the story behind the Declaration of Independence.
- Musical Ode to America: The Edwardsville Municipal Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, in City Park.
- Stars, Stripes & Spokes contest and parade: The Land of Goshen Community Market will feature a family-friendly parade of decorated bikes, strollers, wagons and more around City Park beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
- Fourth of July festival and fireworks: Edwardsville American Legion Post 199 will host a community holiday gathering from the afternoon through evening of Saturday, July 4, with music, food, vendors and an appearance by a Clydesdale horse, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Library activities and community partners
The Edwardsville Public Library will host additional opportunities for adults aimed at sparking conversation, including creative writing sessions and self-led collage artwork. Those activities run from mid-June through July 3.
“The United States is still a young country, uniquely founded with experimental, visionary, idealism,” said Library Director Diana Brawley Sussman. “In the past 250 years we have been, and still are, trying, succeeding, and failing to live up to our own visionary ideals. This 250th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of longevity, it’s an opportunity to take an honest look at our past, present, and potential future, asking what it takes to honor every person’s rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Visit www.cityofedwardsville.com/america250 to learn about Edwardsville’s America 250 events.
The America 250 celebration in Edwardsville is being planned and created for the public's benefit and enjoyment in collaboration with numerous community organizations. Those groups include the Madison County Historical Society, Edwardsville Public Library, Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, the League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville Area, the Edwardsville Children's Museum, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, the Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission, the Wildey Theatre, the Edwardsville Municipal Band, the Land of Goshen Community Market, the Alumni Players, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, the City of Edwardsville and more. Special thanks to Sherrie Hickman of Creative Options Graphic Design, who created the graphic elements for the celebration, including logos and banners.
