Statewide Iowa (RI) — State-led plans to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence are coming into focus, but state officials are inviting Iowans to get creative and plan their own celebrations throughout the state.
Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer is co-chair of the America 250 initiative in Iowa.
Most events will lead up to July 4th, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but there will be a Harvest Festival October 24th.
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says it will draw attention to how farming has shaped the history of Iowa and the nation.
Naig says 2026 provides Iowans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add an America 250 twist to annual gatherings like fairs and festivals or to create something new.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate plans to host 250 voter registration events.
The Iowa Department of Education will be hosting poem, essay and video contests. The Masons of Iowa will decorate the graves of the 42 Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Iowa. Iowa PBS will release a documentary about the Iowan who founded 4-H and another documentary about the Civil War veteran from Council Bluffs who became a key figure in the railroad industry.
The task force Governor Reynolds appointed to promote efforts in Iowa to mark America’s 250th anniversary met for the first time Thursday and held a kick-off event in the Capitol rotunda.
For a list of events, visit Iowa America 250 Events
KIWA Staff Photo
