Butler County sets stage for America250 celebrations with kickoff event
BUTLER — From the invention of the Jeep to a manufacturing legacy that powered generations, Butler County has long played a critical role in shaping a nation that’s in the midst of a milestone birthday.
In recognition of that history, municipal and county leaders on Wednesday morning, Feb. 25, gathered at the Butler County Courthouse for an America250PA kickoff event to mark the beginning of the state’s semiquincentennial year.
America250PA, a commission established in 2018, has hosted an event in each of the state’s 67 counties to highlight the role of each one in the state’s yearlong celebration. Butler’s event was originally scheduled in late January, but was pushed back because of a snowstorm.
“I think today is a reminder of the spirit and the grit of the people who settled this community,” county Commissioners Chairwoman Leslie Osche said. “It says a lot about the philanthropists, inventors and all of the other people who developed our culture and everything that we’re so proud of.”
Multiple municipalities across the county are slated to host America250 events to celebrate the occasion.
Forward Township, for example, will hold a free community event on Sunday, May 17, at the Glen Eden Barn that will recognize the nation’s founding and take guests back in time to when the future first president George Washington was nearly shot and killed in 1753.
The celebration will feature historical reenactors, a presentation on township history, patriotic music, educational information tables and refreshments.
Adams Township will host an America250 celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Adams Township Community Park. The event will include a block party, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, a children’s zone and fireworks, according to the township’s parks and recreation Facebook page.
Evans City is planning a “A Voice For Liberty: Americana Sing-a-Long” event for Sunday, July 5, at the Evans City Cemetery that will include classic anthems and tribute songs, along with patriotic trivia throughout the afternoon.
The City of Butler is set to host its annual Fourth of July celebration, with what Mayor Bob Dandoy promises to be an unprecedented fireworks display from Pullman Park.
“The celebrations are going to give us an opportunity to try and remember why this country has lasted for 250 years,” Dandoy said. “What are the things that we have in common rather than things that separate us? I think it really gives us a chance to reflect upon the most important philosophies and beliefs that we have as a country and to be able to use this as a point where we move forward in a more positive atmosphere.”
Osche also praised municipal leaders for their efforts to ensure strong community turnout for what will be one of America’s significant birthday parties.
“It means a great deal and I think it speaks to the dedication and the real commitment that leaders have to our country and to our county,” she said. “Their participation is really incredible and we’re so grateful that they’re all finding ways to celebrate.”
As part of the state’s contribution, America250PA will dedicate three more Semiquincentennial Bells as a tribute to the milestone.
Officials will also host five free concerts across the commonwealth leading up to the Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia on July 4, according to Andre Castillo, engagement and volunteer coordinator for America250PA.
Castillo noted America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to Pennsylvania high school students attending in-state universities for the 2026-27 academic year. The program, he added, has already received more than 1,700 applications across all 67 counties.
He also said the commission will assist with placing American flags on veterans’ graves across Pennsylvania from Memorial Day through Veterans Day as part of the Memorial Flag Initiative.
In addition to Butler’s kickoff event, America250PA hosted similar events on Wednesday in Armstrong, Clarion and Indiana counties.
