Page 28 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 59 Spring 2026

W allingf ord Mark s
Wallingford Marks

America’s 250th
America’s 250th
America’s 250th
America’s 250th

with a Ye ar of Celebr a tion
with a Year of Celebration

by Tara Knapp
In 2026, communities across the country will commemorate the
250th anniversary of the United States, and in Wallingford,
the milestone will be celebrated with the hometown pride and
community spirit that define the town.

Residents will have many opportu- Their goal: create a birthday cele-
nities throughout the year to take bration that feels welcoming and
part in a series of events honoring fun for all ages.
the nation’s Semiquincentennial and
reflecting on the town’s own place in The effort has also been made pos- During the event, members of the
America’s story. The centerpiece will sible through the generosity of local Second Company Governor’s Foot
be a four-day hometown celebra- sponsors. Lead sponsors BYK USA, Guard will recreate the moment in
tion, June 18–21, when downtown United Concrete, and the Walling- a dramatic procession through Wall-
and uptown Wallingford will come ford Historical Society have helped ingford, bringing Revolutionary histo-
alive with music, history, art, and ensure that many of the events will ry vividly to life.
family-friendly festivities. be free and accessible to the entire
community. A Weekend of

Remembering Community Pride

the Revolutionary Era The celebration reaches its peak June
18–21, when Wallingford will host a
Wallingford’s observance began on four-day celebration filled with activ-
New Year’s Day with a ceremonial ities that highlight the town’s vibrant
bell ringing at the Parsons House at community life.
the Wallingford Historical Society,
symbolically welcoming both the Residents can look forward to a pa-
New Year and the nation’s 250th an- triotic parade, a classic car show,
niversary. live music, and a Shop, Sip & Stroll
that showcases local businesses and
Behind the scenes, an all-volunteer The next major moment comes on restaurants. A community art exhi-
team has been working for more April 25 with Powder House Day, a bition, porch-style musical perfor-
than a year to bring the celebration reenactment recalling one of the ear- mances throughout uptown, and a
to life. The Mayor’s appointed Wall- liest acts of resistance in the Ameri- wide range of family activities will
ingford 250 Committee is comprised can Revolution. In April 1775, as news invite residents and visitors alike to
of Roz Gallagher (Chair), Bob Beau- of the fighting at Lexington spread, experience Wallingford at its best.
mont, Alison Cady, Bob Devaney, Captain Benedict Arnold demanded
Jerry Farrell Jr., Shawn Keogh, Tara the keys to the king’s powder house The weekend will also include mo-
Knapp, Liz Landow, and Renee Miller. in New Haven so Connecticut troops ments of reflection, including pro-
They have been planning events that could arm themselves and march to grams recognizing Flag Day and
invite residents to both celebrate and Boston. Juneteenth, acknowledging the
reflect on the nation’s founding. many chapters that shape the Amer-
ican story.

28 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - SPRING 2026