The city of DeKalb is encouraging community members to participate in what officials are calling America250 DeKalb, a yearlong celebration meant to build unity and reconnect with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration is part of statewide and national initiatives created to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The city intends to honor the anniversary through a series of inclusive, educational and community-focused events.

“This is more than a celebration,” Mayor Cohen Barnes said in a news release.

Barnes also is chairing DeKalb’s America250 committee.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to remind ourselves that we are united as Americans by the ideals first set down in the Declaration of Independence: that we are one people, equal in dignity, and bound together by a shared commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he said. “In a time of political division, we will remember this as we encourage unity, pride and patriotism.”

America250 DeKalb activities include:

• Fireworks: The city of DeKalb and DeKalb Park District will expand its annual Hopkins Park Fourth of July fireworks display.
• Pause for Patriotism: 2026 DeKalb City Council meetings begin with a presentation on a person or event embodying the American spirit.
• Public art: The DeKalb City Council approved two downtown projects in January. The projects include a new Lincoln Highway mural and lighting installation in the pedestrian passthrough.
• Beautification: New American flag-themed banners, litter pickups, and red, white and blue flowers will be displayed ahead of July 4.

Representatives from more than two dozen DeKalb-area organizations have met monthly since September to plan semiquincentennial activities.

• The DeKalb Public Library scheduled six months of America250 programs. The program schedule’s second part will be released in the coming months.
• DeKalb Township intends to plant 250 community trees.
• The DeKalb American Legion is encouraging community members to donate 250 gallons of blood for those in need.
• The DeKalb Rotary and DeKalb Public Library will hold a bike decorating contest and patriotic story readings at 10 a.m. May 23 at Rotary Park, 1504 State St.
• The DeKalb Moose Lodge will offer military veterans a free breakfast each third Sunday of the month. The breakfast runs through 2026.

Businesses, organizations, residents, neighbors and nonprofits may organize anniversary events. Event invitations can be created through the America250 DeKalb’s website calendar form. Community members can submit party or flag photos through the website’s celebrations page.

“This is our moment to show what it means to be an American and proud member of the DeKalb community,” Barnes said. “We invite everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to join us in celebrating the values that bind us together.”

For information, visit onedekalb.org.