America250
Honoring history, uniting community, shaping tomorrow
July 4, 2026 will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The City of Highland Park is proud to join thousands of other cities across the United States in celebrating America’s semiquincentennial.
2026 marks the semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary – of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 is a national, bipartisan celebration that centers the foundational values and enduring promise of our nation. It also reminds us of the responsibility of all Americans to continue advancing us further towards the promise of the American dream. Our community’s commitment to being a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive place for all who live, work, study, or visit here is unwavering, and a critical part of the American story. The City, Park District, Library, and other organizations throughout Highland Park are planning a variety of events throughout the year to celebrate our history and encourage community connections during this year.
Check out all the ways YOU can celebrate America250 in 2026 below!
Events & Passport
Events across Highland Park in 2026 will feature a patriotic flair: Arbor Day, the Taste of Highland Park, the Memorial Day Observance, the Independence Day Parade & Festivities, the Veterans Day Observance, and more! Check out our America250 calendar below to see events and specials related to the celebration.
Need more reasons to celebrate? When you visit a listed event or participate in a listed special, you’ll be entered to win a special prize. All you’ll need to do is log your visit and upload a photo into the passport form. After you log 5 passport stops, you’ll receive a FREE America250 Highland Park magnet and one entry for the grand prize gift basket - filled with goodies from local Highland Park businesses. You’ll receive one entry for every 5 passport stops logged.
More passport stops are being added all the time - check back often to see what’s happening and decide how you’d like to participate!
City Art Poster Project
The City of Highland Park is excited to participate alongside the United States Conference of Mayors and the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the America250 City Art Poster Project.
Residents of all ages and artistic ability are invited to create a poster that represents what America250 means to you and to the Highland Park community. The winning submission will be displayed in Long Beach, CA from June 4 - 7 during the semiannual United States Conference of Mayors meeting.
The guidelines are simple! Using your imagination, creativity, and any medium* you choose, create a 24” x 32” work of art representing America250 and the City of Highland Park. Be sure to include “America250” and “Highland Park” somewhere in your poster. Once your masterpiece is complete, use the link below to upload a PDF of 300 DPI at 100% scale in CMYK color mode by March 8.
*Posters must be created without the use of generative AI.
Guidelines
Due | March 8, 2026
Size | 24” x 32” (24.5” x 32.5” with bleed)
Resolution | 300 DPI at 100% scale
File Format & Size | PDF at 100% scale
Color Mode | CMYK
Medium | Anything! Photography, colored pencil, paint, mixed media, etc. Be creative! The only requirement is that the words “America250” and “Highland Park” must appear within the poster.
Get Involved
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