250 years and growing

In 2026, the United States will mark a milestone—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

Across the country, communities are planning celebrations to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial. In Missouri, state leaders launched the Show-Me America 250 initiative to coordinate events leading up to July 4, 2026. The main purposes of this effort are to:

•    Educate, focusing on youth, with a priority placed on activities related to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

•    Engage, focusing on community involvement, with priority placed on development of patriotic activities.

•    Celebrate, focusing on public commemorations.

The festivities officially started at the 2025 Missouri State Fair and will continue at this year’s event, Aug. 13-23, with the theme “Show-Me Stars & Stripes.”

Counties, cities and groups can submit their public celebrations to be listed on the Show-Me America 250 website, showme250.mo.gov, where visitors can find events, educational resources and other ways to engage throughout the year.

***

CLICK HERE to read more from the February/March Today's Farmer magazine.

To read past issues of Today's Farmer, CLICK HERE.