America 250
The America 250 Christmas Town planning committee is working to create an exciting set of activities for our celebration on the July 4th, 2026. We have an all-day celebration planned. Following guidance of the statewide committee, we are also hosting activities leading up to that day.
We kicked off our activities with a commemoration of Paul Revere’s famous ride in April of last year, which included an exciting re-enactment by two horseback riders galloping full-throttle down Main Street, a dramatic reading of Longfellow’s poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” period fife and drum music, and a ceremony.
Last fall, we launched a seven-part speaker series called “How Does America’s Democracy Work?” hosted by the Bethlehem Library. Monthly events ran from September through November last year and from March through June this year. Subject matter experts present and lead Q&A on the following topics: the Founding of America; the Constitution; the Voting Process; How Government Works; Citizen Responsibility; Immigration; the Court System. These programs are educational and non-partisan.
On July 4th, 2026, activities will include an ecumenical service at the First Church; a photo show in Memorial Hall; a parade on East Street followed by ceremonies on the Green; and a town picnic with beverage vendors and music. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
The planning committee has been meeting for over a year and includes representatives from community groups and organizations. All meetings are posted on the Town web site and all are welcome to attend.
America 250 Christmas Town
Schedule of Events July 4, 2026
12:00N- Ecumenical Service, First Church
12 Noon - 6:00PM - Photo Show - “America the Beautiful through the Eyes of Bethlehem” - Memorial Hall
1:00PM - Bell Ringers performance, Memorial Hall
3:00PM - Parade, East Street, Bethlehem Elementary School to the Green
4:00PM - Ceremonies, Town Green • Remarks by dignitaries • Reading of the Declaration of Independence • Burying of time capsule • Ringing of the historic Methodist Church bell 13 times
4:30 - 9:00PM - Town picnic with games, food and beverage vendors and music, Baseball field
9:00PM - Spectacular fireworks display, Baseball field