Community members are encouraged to take part in America 250 DeKalb, a year-long celebration to build unity by reconnecting with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
As part of the national and statewide initiatives marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, DeKalb aims to be a leader among Illinois municipalities in honoring this historic milestone through a series of inclusive, educational and community-focused events.
“This is more than a celebration. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to remind ourselves that we are united as Americans by the ideals first set down in the Declaration of Independence: that we are one people, equal in dignity, and bound together by a shared commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, chair of the America 250 DeKalb committee. “In a time of political division, we will remember this as we encourage unity, pride and patriotism.”
Highlights of the America 250 DeKalb activities include:
• Fireworks: The annual Hopkins Park Fourth of July fireworks display, cosponsored by the City and DeKalb Park District, will be expanded for the nation’s 250th birthday.
• Pause for Patriotism: Each DeKalb City Council meeting in 2026 will begin with a brief presentation on a person or event that embodies the American spirit.
• Public art: In January, the DeKalb City Council approved two downtown projects, a new Lincoln Highway mural and a lighting installation in the pedestrian pass-through, to inspire civic pride and serve as a lasting legacy of the America 250 DeKalb initiative.
• Beautification: New American flag-themed banners, red, white and blue flowers, and litter pickups are planned to spruce up the town ahead of July 4th.
America 250 DeKalb is a community-driven initiative. Since September, representatives from more than two dozen DeKalb area organizations have been meeting monthly to help each other plan semiquincentennial activities. Partner organizations are already planning several events and initiatives.
• The DeKalb Public Library has scheduled six months of America 250 programs, with the schedule for the second half of 2026 to be released in the coming months.
• DeKalb Township plans to plant 250 trees in the community.
• The DeKalb American Legion is challenging the community to donate 250 gallons of blood in 2026
• DeKalb Rotary and the DeKalb Public Library will hold patriotic story readings and a bike decorating contest on May 23 at 10 a.m. at Rotary Park.
• The DeKalb Moose Lodge is offering free breakfast to all military veterans on the third Sunday of the month through 2026.
This growing list of events can be found on the America 250 DeKalb website, www.onedekalb.org. Community members can participate in the initiative in a variety of ways, beginning with taking part in events and activities. Residents, neighbors, businesses, nonprofits and any organizations can organize their own anniversary event and then invite the community through the website’s simple calendar form.
“This is our moment to show what it means to be an American and proud member of the DeKalb community,” said Barnes. “We invite everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to join us in celebrating the values that bind us together.”
Whether you put up a flag or put on a party, be sure to send a photo of your commemoration through the website’s Celebrations page. Those who would like to join the America 250 DeKalb committee can complete the Contact Us form at onedekalb.org.
Photo: The America 250 DeKalb Committee held its February meeting at the DeKalb Elks Lodge. The community group, which is planning initiatives to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, includes DeKalb area military veterans, veterans’ organizations, service and nonprofit organizations, businesses and local units of government.
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