Photo © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
Baby boomers, and likely some of the older members of Gen X, will recall America’s bicentennial in 1976 – as well as all the hype around it. In fact, you couldn’t go very far without seeing the signs: fire hydrants painted to look like Revolutionary War soldiers, tie-in cartoons like the U.S. of Archie and who could forget (no matter how hard they tried) those Bicentennial Minutes TV spots?
These days and in this industry, many of those people (who as kids, marched in parades while wearing special Bicentennial patches on their Little League uniforms) are senior event owners and are wondering exactly how to recapture some of that energy by tying into this year’s 250th anniversary of the United States.
Here’s a spoiler: If you haven’t started by now, you might already be behind the curve for what is officially being called the Semiquincentennial, often shortened to America250 (or #america250, for social media).
The NFL notes that it has already kicked off its celebrations in week 18 (December 31 to January 7), and it notes that on-field activations continue throughout the playoffs. Special commemorative footballs featuring the America 250 logo will be predominantly utilized in games.
In addition, every game in Week 18 and throughout the playoffs will feature an America 250 stencil on the sidelines. Game officials will also use America 250 branded coins for the coin toss, which will later be auctioned off for charity on the NFL Auction platform.
MLB, on the other hand, became the first major professional sports league to partner with America250, a nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by Congress. (America250 also has a Sports & Entertainment Advisory Council so it’s a sure bet we can expect plenty of tie-ins throughout the year.) Additionally, there is a state-by-state site here.
For those looking to create their own special celebrations as part of events, it might be helpful to track any other events coming into tournament areas when creating a calendar. Here are some things to keep in mind, courtesy of the International Inbound Travel Association:
- As home to the original 13 colonies, the Eastern Seaboard as a whole naturally will be a prime focus of Semiquincentennial festivities and observances, with Virginia, the first, largest and most prosperous colony, in a starring role. One signature event will be Sail250 Virginia (June 12-14 and June 19-22), which will feature an international fleet of tall ships and military vessels in Norfolk and other ports.
- In Yorktown, the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s rousing “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech is being celebrated in a special exhibit at the American Revolution Museum in April.
Obviously, history tourism will be big this summer; destinations with historical sites relating to the Colonial and Revolutionay War period might also wish to list special events or attractions with event owners.
- Philadelphia, birthplace of the nation, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the home of the Liberty Bell, will pull out all stops with a larger-than-normal parade, a massive fireworks display and a July 4 FIFA World Cup match. (In fact, the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19, will significantly impact host cities; find the schedule here.)
- Boston’s celebration will pay tribute to the city’s role in the early dissatisfaction of the colonists and actions that helped foment the American Revolution. Parades, museum openings, and fireworks are planned throughout Massachusetts, home of many of the country’s Founding Fathers.
Washington, DC, expected to be another epicenter for celebrations, has not announced its calendar; however, it is worth noting that the Patriot Games, a promised youth sports competition, is supposed to take place on the National Mall.
More events throughout the summer (as well as at other times of the year) can be found here.
And after all, notes CivxNow, it’s important to make an impression on youth athletes now in order to give them memories that will last until the nation’s next celebration:
“A student entering kindergarten this year will graduate high school when this nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.”
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