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.

PHOTO CAPTION – Another farm family will soon join Paulsmeyer Farms of Chamois, Mo., as recipient of the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award. The 2026 award was presented at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture on Nov. 12.