Plans are underway for Dublin to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, and everyone is invited to jump in to help.
Preliminary plans will include the official event kickoff from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 3 at Wright Park and the Dublin Public Library.
There will be a hot dog dinner and a dessert potluck which community members are invited to, and encouraged to wear red, white and blue to show their patriotic spirit.
Music, games, entertainment, and a patriotic program celebrating America’s big birthday will be a part of the opening ceremony.
The evening will be capped off with a free outdoor family School House Rock video along with free popcorn from 8:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to shop local all month long with the free PassCard Program at any participating business. Every purchase in July earns a raffle sticker — and every sticker is a chance to win! Raffle prizes will be rolled out in early June, and organizers said there will be way more than just a couple.
Throughout the events there will be limited edition commemorative merchandise which will benefit the Dublin Train Restoration committee.
Closing ceremonies will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dublin Train depot. There will be a meaningful patriotic ceremony as Dublin looks forward to the next 250 years, along with apple pie and ice cream, and a flag retirement ceremony.
The event is meant to foster community spirit, so there is not one set group or organization that is in charge of events, rather a gathering of citizens.
Any organizations are invited to add their own events in the upcoming months to encourage Dublin’s patriotic spirit and add to the country’s birthday celebration.
One group that is already adding to the festivities is Revitalize Dublin with a variety of events.
There will be a patriotic porch decorating contest with judging taking place on July 3.
Revitalize Dublin is inviting homeowners within the city limits to decorate their porches, yards, and homes in red, white, and blue for a chance to win a $100 gift card prize.
Submit your address to the judging committee through the Google form online.
The judging committee will visit each home entered and select the Top 2 finalists. From there, the Dublin community will vote online to choose the 1st Place Winner!
While the official contest is open only to homes within Dublin city limits, Revitalize Dublin encourages local businesses to join in the patriotic fun and decorate as well, helping make Dublin shine during this historic celebration!
Revitalize Dublin is also hosting Freedom Fest as a lead up event to the Dublin celebrates America’s 250th event.
“We’re kicking off the patriotic season with a day focused on family, community, and hometown pride as we celebrate America — one neighborhood at a time,” organizers said.
The event will take place Saturday, June 27 with a decorated bike parade and patriotic pet parade at 11 a.m., a chalk art contest, a free community swim at the Dublin City Pool from noon to 5 p.m., food trucks and family fun. Those wanting to enter the bike or pet parade should come register at 10:30 a.m. the day of the event.