Washington State America's 250th Official 2026 Partner Logo

America 250 Series presented by Xfinity

Join us during Summer 2026 for a special series of events to celebrate a big milestone in United States history – the semiquincentennial! It’s been 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and that is something to celebrate. If you would like to learn more about this anniversary or explore other regional or national events, we invite you to visit the Washington State America 250 page and the National America 250 page.

The Historic Trust will be presenting a series of three FREE events throughout the summer to honor this milestone.

Flag Day
June 14 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | O. O. Howard House

 

Entertainment

Enjoy an afternoon of lively, patriotic music by the Vancouver Symphony Brass Quintet, Navy Band Northwest, and the Howling Prairie Dogs, poetry readings by Christopher Luna, an educational display of the American flags that have flown over the Vancouver Barracks through the years, living history character meet & greets, and a flag-related make-and-take craft activity. Don your red, white, and blue, and join us for this festive event!

Free small American flags will be given to the first 500 guests, courtesy of Riverview Bank.

The Howling Prairie Dogs are a local SW Washington acoustic Americana themed group, featuring rock, folk, country, country rock and light jazz.

The Historic Trust is proud to welcome a brass ensemble from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA for a special Flag Day performance. As the premier arts organization of Southwestern Washington, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA brings exceptional musicianship and community spirit to this patriotic celebration.

Navy Band Northwest is the United States Navy’s musical ambassador in the Pacific Northwest region. Through military ceremonies and public performances, Navy Band Northwest serves to heighten esprit de corps throughout military and civilian communities, promote patriotism, and increase public awareness of the Navy’s mission. This 35-member unit is comprised of professional musicians performing in various ensembles including ceremonial band, parade band, concert band, rock band, New Orleans-style brass band, jazz combo, brass quintet and woodwind quintet. Under the operational control of Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Navy Band Northwest is one of 11 official U.S. Navy Bands located in the continental United States, Hawaii, Italy, and Japan.

Food & Drink

  • Razo’s Tacos
  • C&J BBQ House
  • Kona Ice
  • Nachos for Dessert

America 250 Celebration – in partnership with the City of Vancouver and National Park Service
July 3 | 12:00 pm | Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds

Festivities kick off at 12pm and will run all day! All park facilities – including the Visitor Center, Reconstructed Fort, and Pearson Air Museum – will be open from 9am-4pm with free admission. Free, docent-led Marshall House Tours from 11am-3pm. Demonstrations from the Fort Vancouver Historic Weapons Program. Activities throughout the day will include yard games, food trucks, community booths, DJ, living history characters, and balloon artist and face painter.

Entertainment Schedule:

12:00 pm-12:30 pm

Patriotic Pet Costume Contest REGISTRATION
(Leashed pets only; Owner responsible for cleanup and control of pet)

12:15 pm-12:20 pm

Mayor’s opening remarks

12:20 pm-12:45 pm

Vancouver Prayer Warriors – Native American Drum songs and opening ceremony

12:45 pm-1:10 pm

Patriotic Pet Costume Contest PERFORMANCE on stage

1:15 pm-2:00 pm
Vancouver Music Organization

The Ceremonial Trumpets are a unique group that specializes in patriotic and ceremonial music. Modeled after the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the ensemble includes three distinct types of fanfare trumpets that provide a rich, powerful sound.

2:15 pm-3:00 pm
One of a Kind Drumline

Started in Fall of 2003, the One of a Kind Drumline is a leadership program based in Vancouver, WA helping middle school students use drumming to process emotions and navigate the ups and downs of life while having lots of fun in the process.

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Exit 52

Exit 52 is a popular West Coast cover band performing in the Southern Washington, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area.  They play a wide variety of genres from rock, funk, pop, blues, to disco. You’ll be singing to your favorites-from The Eagles to Green Day, Jimi Hendrix to Jason Aldean-you won’t want to miss this energetic performance!

5:00 pm-9:00 pm

Pre-movie activities, including live DJ, games, and roaming entertainment

9:15 pm-11:30 pm

Move in the Park: A League of Their Own

 

Food & Drink

More information to come!

Constitution Day – in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Clark County
September 17 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | O. O. Howard House

Entertainment

Join us for a lively conversation about our nation’s founding document, the United States Constitution.

More information to come!