USA 250: Kent, CT Community Celebration
Program Plan for July 3–4, 2026

The Town of Kent’s USA 250 Celebration offers a meaningful opportunity to gather as neighbors and celebrate the enduring ideals that have shaped our nation for 250 years.
Through family-friendly traditions, education, and community participation, the celebration will honor both American history and Kent’s unique spirit.
EVENT SCHEDULE
DAY ONE — Friday, July 3, 2026
Community Kickoff: Bells, Lights & Liberty Parade, and Bonfire
1. Community Bell Ringing at the Sloane-Stanley Museum
Lead Organization: Eric Sloane Museum
Time: 2:00 PM EST

2. Town of Kent’s Liberty & Lights Parade
Estimated Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (approx.) – staging begins at 6:30 PM
Route: Kent Town Hall → Kent Volunteer Fire Department
Lead Organizations: Kent Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kent
Children are invited to participate with:
• Decorated bicycles
• Wagons
• Scooters
Community groups, local businesses, and nonprofits are encouraged to participate.
3. Community Bonfire & Declaration of Independence Signing
Location: Kent Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Beginning approximately 8:00 PM
At the conclusion of the parade, the community will gather at the Fire Department for a family-friendly bonfire celebration.
Activities include:
• Community bonfire
• Lemonade and s’mores
• Informal gathering and music
Community Declaration Signing
A large ceremonial reproduction of the Declaration of Independence will be displayed.
Residents and visitors will be invited to sign their names.
The signed document will serve as a community artifact commemorating the 250th anniversary celebration.
The document will be relocated to Kent Town Hall the following day for continued participation.

DAY TWO — Saturday, July 4, 2026
Community Celebration on the Town Hall Lawn
1. Declaration Signing Continues
Location: Kent Town Hall Lawn
Time: Starting at 12:00 PM with a collective singing of the Star Spangled Banner
The signed community Declaration will be displayed at Town Hall.
Residents who did not attend the previous evening’s event will have the opportunity to add their signatures.
Betsy Ross Flag raising with the Boy Scouts.
2. Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Town Hall Lawn
A public reading of the Declaration of Independence will be presented to the community. Organized by the Kent Memorial Library

3. Town-wide “Bell Ringing Across America”
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Town Hall Lawn
Kent will participate in the nationwide ceremonial bell ringing, echoing the historic tradition marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Residents will be invited to ring bells, church chimes, or household bells simultaneously to mark the occasion.
4. “America’s Birthday” Community Picnic
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Food and refreshments will be provided through community partnerships.
• Birthday cake for America provided by SoDelicious Bakery
• Hot dogs, chips, and soda provided by the Kent Lions Club
The picnic atmosphere encourages residents to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the afternoon together.

5. Community Activity Tents
Location: Town Hall Lawn
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Local organizations and nonprofits will host interactive tents featuring games, educational activities, and demonstrations.
Examples may include:
• Colonial-era games
• American history storytelling
• Craft activities for children
• Local history exhibits
• Community organization information

6. Evening Celebration — Lake Waramaug
Music and Fireworks
Location: Lake Waramaug
Arrival Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fireworks: At dusk
The celebration concludes with an evening of music and fireworks over Lake Waramaug, hosted in collaboration with the Town of Kent and the Kent 250 Subcommittee.
Residents and visitors are invited to gather lakeside for a traditional Independence Day finale.
Note:
All Lake Waramaug State Park rules and regulations apply.
All events are free and open to the public.

Kent Town Hall
Kent Volunteer Fire Department Station
Downtown Kent
Lake Waramaug