I love the idea of being more intentional and meaningful! Anybody have any ideas for good civics history for kids? I don't know if the stuff they're taught in school is very good.
CELEBRATION
HEADQUARTERS
Cochise County Celebrates the
250th Anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence
1776 - 2026
Help us rally local leaders and organizations to enlarge, extend, and amplify this year’s celebrations; encourage civic engagement, service, and historical education; and ensure each community is part of this once-in-a-generation national celebration!
Join millions of other Americans in celebrating, reflecting, and passing on the legacy of liberty!
We’re compiling all the ways to celebrate America's 250th this year in Cochise County.
Here you'll find resources for individuals and organizations to participate, celebrate, and commemorate: local events, get and share ideas, post a patriotic message of encouragement and support, share what you're doing, and more.
The Price of Freedom Is Eternal Vigilance
Sadly, decades of national surveys have shown that civic literacy among adults is severely lacking. Many are calling it a national crisis and placing blame on educational institutions. One survey found political leaders scored worse than the general public.
Regardless, civic responsibility is required for We the People to pass the blessings of liberty on to future generations. Let's make civic education a part of our commemorations this year and celebrate the things that make us strong. Let's be intentional and make this commemoration a little deeper, a little longer, and a little more meaningful!
Liberty Requires a Responsible Informed Citizenry!
Do you realize the risks involved, the prices paid, and the suffering endured by America's founding generation to win liberty? Why did they do it? For posterity - you and I!
There's no better time to learn, relearn, or better learn the history of America's founding documents, to sharpen your communication skills, and to pass the legacy of liberty on to future generations. Join us to strengthen your community, economy, and liberty!
GO BIG for America's 250th!
Demonstrate Your Support For Liberty
IDEAS FOR INDIVIDUALS (families, neighborhoods, etc.)
- Show Your Patriotic Colors: Light up buildings in red, white, and blue; decorate with patriotic themes (eg. flags, bunting); create historical exhibits (eg. posters, timelines, artwork); and wear patriotic apparel all year long.
- Get Everyone Involved: We have a contest aimed at getting the whole county involved. Use your personal referral link and share a variety of graphics with friends, neighbors and community leaders. Earn rewards and a place on our Leaderboard.
- Read a Patriotic Book: Examples include David Ramsay’s The History of the American Revolution (1789), Lives of the Signers (1848), Wives of the Signers (1912), and The 5000 Year Leap (1981). Join the Cochise Strong Book Club to share reviews of your favorite books and find others.
- Adult Civic Literacy Challenge: Do you know the history of America’s founding documents? Prove it and you could win $250 for the 250th! Qualified entries will be published throughout 2026.
- Stories That Make Us Strong: Stories that promote freedom, responsibility, and prosperity are told by contestants in our monthly contests. You can find them here and share them with others.
- Public Reading and Signing Ceremonies: Read and sign founding documents with family and friends, at public ceremonies, etc.
- Stage Reenactments: Choose significant events in the establishment of our Republic (see the timeline of important dates below). Work with others to put on a show!
- Prayer Meetings: Thank God for His blessings and pray for our country, our state, our county, and our neighbors.
- Organize a Block Party: Bring the best ideas from this year of celebrations to your neighborhood!
IDEAS FOR ORGANIZATIONS (businesses, towns, departments, etc.)
- Raise Public Awareness & Visibility: Include in marketing campaigns to leave a lasting impression. Link to CochiseStrong.org/250th, a one-stop hub for event listings and resources for how people can get involved. Use our media kit for logos, celebratory posters/flyers, and social graphics. Add a badge to websites, letterhead, and signage. Integrate into fairs, parades, concerts, fireworks celebrations, sporting events, cultural festivals, and other public gatherings.
- Mayoral Proclamation or Organizational Resolution: Provide leadership and declare support for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Renew commitments to our founding principles and unite our communities around our shared ideals.
- Ceremony, Parade, Flag Raising, Bell Ringing, Fireworks: The historic Semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for every community to expand normal celebrations, honor the Founders who sacrificed for our liberty, reflect on our heritage, and teach civic responsibility to new generations.
- Employee Engagement: Rally the team around this national celebration with campaigns to commemorate the milestone. Ideas include patriotic decorating parties, gifts such as drinkware or apparel, themed office events, civic education such as our Civic Literacy Challenge, a time capsule for the tricentennial, or creating a volunteer service challenge.
- Emotional Connection: Patriotism creates a natural increase in tourism, local participation, and higher foot traffic in public and retail spaces. People are more likely to engage with themed experiences, keep meaningful merchandise, and remember brands tied to positive moments.
- Patriotic Promotions: Boost your brand by launching limited-edition, themed merchandise, “Made in America” products, $2.50, $250, or $17.76 specials or a 17.76% discount. Engage in community outreach at events and on Cochise Strong forums.
- Beautification Initiatives: Plant “Liberty Trees” as living memorials. Commission a historical marker, plaque, or a local artist-designed commemorative mural that will endure beyond 2026. Clean up a historic cemetery or spruce up Main Street with new American pleated fan flags and bunting and bunting to create a beautification legacy.
- Parks, Town Squares, Historic Sites: Celebrate with outdoor challenges linked to 250 or 1776, bring history to life with colonial-themed reenactments, public readings, period music, storytelling, and decorations.
- All-Year Celebration: Emphasize that 2026 is special. Get ideas from the lists above. See the timeline of important dates below and work the milestones into your marketing. Structure campaigns in phases throughout the year.
Timeline of Significant Events and Important Dates
Do You Support America's 250th?
Hang up a celebratory poster/flyer and share graphics online.
Post your patriotic message below!
America 250
Posts by Jenny Davis
Local Events Calendar
Benson
Benson is "all in" for America's 250th with events all year long - they even changed the city logo for the occasion! They kicked off with a public picnic, a 250 float swim party, and the first week of camps included the breakfast cooking camp focused on red, white, and blue meals. They have a dessert cooking camp coming up the last week in June and the desserts will also be patriotic themed. In the fall they will be having a scavenger hunt focused around historical/important things that the valley has to offer along with specific places in Benson.
Benson Public Library
Coloring Contest Celebrating America’s 250th
Deadline: June 19th
Grab your official coloring pages at the library, city hall, community center, visitor center, or download by clicking on the example images. Turn in your masterpiece by June 19th for a chance to win an exclusive 250th Anniversary prize pack—including a custom bag, water bottle, and book! Winners for each age group will be announced on the 4th of July.
City of Benson
4th of July Parade
Entry Deadline 6/29/2026 1:00 PM
In honor of America's 250th Birthday, theme your entry with patriotic flair! Decorate your entry to reflect your patriotism and love for this country. More info.
City of Benson
4th of July Celebration!
Vendor Registration Deadline 6/29/2026 1:00 PM
Once again, Lion’s Park will come alive with vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, a cornhole tournament, a watermelon eating contest, and of course, the annual Water Fight. Vendor registration.
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Bisbee
Bisbee Rotary Club
4th of July Parade: Our Town—Our Story
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 11:00 AM
Parade begins at 11:00 in Warren. On-site registration begins at 9:00 on Cole Ave. across from Warren School. Pre-registration encouraged. Prizes for Best of Theme, Best in Show, and Best Float. More info.
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Douglas
Douglas celebrated a successful kickoff to America's 250th and Arizona's 114th statehood anniversary back in February with its "Raulito" Author/Playwright Performance (inspired by the book "Raulito – The First Latino Governor of Arizona"). Upcoming Douglas events include Fourth of July festivities, additional cultural programs incorporating America's 250th themes, and highlighting community stories, local heritage, and civic engagement.
Douglas Public Library
250th U.S.A. Anniversary Movie: "Hamilton"
June 17, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free popcorn - 560 E. 10th Street, Douglas, AZ
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Huachuca City
Huachuca City
4th of July Celebration!
4 PM - 8 PM
Celebrate the nation's 250th with us! Join us for an evening of family, fun, food, and festivities! Leffingwell Park - fireworks at dark. Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit!
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Sierra Vista
Oscar Yrun Community Center
4th of July Star
Wed, July 1, 3:30-5:00 pm
Join us to paint your own patriotic star to add a burst of red, white, and YOU to your holiday décor! Pre-registration is required. More info.
Oscar Yrun Community Center
4th of July Gnome
Thurs, July 2, 3:30-5:00 pm
Gnome-body celebrates like we do! Join us and paint a patriotic wooden gnome perfect for holiday decorating or displaying all summer long. Ages 5 and up. Pre-registration is required. More info.
Sierra Vista Rotary Club
Annual 3rd of July Street Dance
Friday, 5-11 pm
Veterans Memorial Park: Live Music, Food Vendors, Beer Garden, & Dance
New Frontier Animal Medical Center
2026 4th of July Pets & People Promenade
7 am Check-in & Photos
8:05 am Promenade proceeds from Ramada 1
8:35 am Judging & Awards
Register at NewFrontierAMC.com or call (520) 459-0433 for more information. Registration ends at 5 pm, Friday, June 26.
Sierra Vista / Rotary Club / Fort Huachuca
59th Annual 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Event
Veterans Memorial Park:
9 am – 11 pm Live Entertainment at the Centennial Pavilion
9 am – 3 pm Fort Huachuca Military Displays
11:30 am – 12:30 pm “Salute to the Union” Ceremony at the Centennial Pavilion
All Day Arts & Crafts Vendors and Entertainment at the Centennial Pavilion
All Day & Night Food Vendors & Beer Garden
City Sports Complex (viewable from Veterans Memorial Park as well):
Approximately 8:05 – 9 pm
The 59th Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks Show! Prepare for the largest, most spectacular show yet! This year’s fireworks will be bigger and better than ever for America’s 250th!
Sierra Vista Public Library
Martha Washington: America’s 1st First Lady
Thursday, July 9, 2 pm
Learn fun facts about U.S. Presidents, Arizona History, the Flag, our money, and much, much more. Using magic, sing-a-longs, and great storytelling, “Martha” brings history to life and makes learning fun! This program is for youth of all ages.
St. Andrew’s Concert Series
"A Salute to America" featuring the Seipp/Fickley Duo
7/10/2026, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Please join us for a musical celebration of USA250 with Chuck Seipp, Trumpet and Todd Fickley, Organ as they play rousing Patriotic songs and reverent Hymns including an audience Sing-along and a tribute to our Veterans and Active Duty Military. Set to a moving video presentation the duo takes us on a visual journey across America while performing favorites such as God of Our Fathers, Battle Hymn of the Republic, America, Mansions of the Lord, God Bless America and other stirring patriotic songs and reverent hymns on the historic 1949 Moeller Pipe Organ, the largest playable instrument in Cochise County. The concert admission is free, there will be no charge to attend, a freewill offering will be accepted for the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the organ. St. Andrew the Apostle Church is located at 800 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. For more information contact Rebecca Williams (520) 234-0888 rbwilliams_tbtg@msn.com or John Hill (847) 774-8293 hillj6265@gmail.com.
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Tombstone
Tombstone has gone all out for the 250th! They have already decorated the town with flags and all of their events this year have the 250th as its theme. More events to be announced soon!
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
America 250 Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visitors can view a "Dear America, Love Arizona" selection of postcards from K-12 students. Faro Demonstrations are from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Spanish Contributions to the American Revolution" by Daughters of the American Revolution member Lisa Howison begins at 1 p.m. All programs are included with paid museum admission. More info.
Lady Banksia Daughters of the American Revolution / Tombstone Vigilettes
Tombstone Celebration Parade Honoring the United States 250th Birthday
July 4th, 7 PM
Let's make history together! Show your pride. Celebrate our freedom. Honor our past. Sign up today to participate in the town of Tombstone's celebration parade. For more information, contact Deb geartyd@gmail.com or Jennifer jlserranoaz1969@gmail.com
City of Tombstone
Tombstone 4th of July
Fireworks at dusk (around 8 pm), Medigovich Field off of Mountain View Road north of Hwy 80.
Tombstone Community Congregational Church
America's Potluck Celebrating Community & America's 250th
July 5, 2026, NOON-2 PM
Across the nation, communities are gathering to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with food, fellowship and community spirit. Tombstone Community Congregational Church (2nd & Allen Street) is hosting the meal from Noon to 2pm. Come on out and join us for this historical event and enjoy some food. Be a part of this nationwide event! For more info contact Lisa Reames 520.508.4200
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
Willcox
Extended Hands Ministries
4th of July Celebration!
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 1:00 PM
Come celebrate our freedom as a community at Keiller Park. Food, games, watermelon & pie eating contest, corn hole, dunk tank, and so much more! More info.
City of Willcox
4th of July Parade!
Saturday, July 4, 2026 3:00 PM
From the Willcox Community Center to W Freemont St. Everyone is welcome, except 18-wheelers! Free to enter (contact Willcox City Hall). More info.
Willcox Department of Public Safety
4th of July Fireworks!
Saturday, July 04, 2026, 8:00 PM
Fireworks will be held at Quail Park (plenty of parking, tailgating) and will start at approximately 8:00 P.M. Keep our Independence Day celebrations sparkling for the entire community. Willcox Fire & Rescue is still accepting donations for the fundraiser supporting the annual community fireworks show. Thank you for supporting this community tradition - we look forward to seeing everyone at the show! Dedications and donations are accepted through June 30. More info.
*Post additional events in the forum above and we'll add them here.
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Joe Campbell
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Jenny Davis
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