2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America! Various states and countries across the nation are celebrating this milestone birthday. Residents across Upper Adams have united to organize an event honoring this historic day. Residents are invited to come together this summer for a patriotic celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The landmark celebration, hosted collaboratively by the boroughs of Arendtsville, Bendersville, and Biglerville, along with Butler Township and Menallen Township, promises a full day of activities honoring the nation’s history, community spirit, and local veterans.
The festivities will take place on June 13, 2026 beginning with a parade and opening ceremony at Biglerville High School at 1:00 p.m. The parade will travel down Main Street to the Hanover Street Intersection.
The parade will not disappoint and organizers report registrants include over 57 entries including 3 community walking groups, 10 floats, 9 fire apparatus including Biglerville Fire Co., and 4 police vehicles. The parade will boast 21 vehicles, most of which will be on display at the car show afterwards. Senator Doug Mastriano, Adams County Commissioners, PA State Representative Catherine Wallen, Sheriff Josh Fitting, International United Miss PA Teen Kiersten Englebert, Adams County Fruit Growers Association with the Apple Queen & Princess on their float, Helicopter Applicators with 8 Upper Adams County veterans, Biglerville High School Band, Upper Adams Jaycees, American Legion Post 262, Hollabaugh Bros. and more will be participating.
At 2:00 p.m., participants and spectators are invited to continue the festivities at Oakside Community Park in Biglerville. The opening announcements will kick off an afternoon filled with entertainment and family-friendly fun. Highlights include a float judging contest, cornhole tournament, silent auction, and a car and tractor show. Free family activities for all ages will be available, along with a variety of food, craft, and alcohol vendors.
@Home in Adams County is excited to participate alongside neighbors and friends during the 250th anniversary gathering. “Step Up for History!” will take place during the event from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Spectators are challenged to get moving and walk the 2 mile fitness trail and reach at least 250 steps. There will be prizes for the top 3 steppers.
All three local Boy Scout Troops: Arendtsville Troop 70, Biglerville Troop 71, and Gardners Troop 75, will show their patriotism by being a part of the historic day.
Parade float winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. at the amphitheater, followed by the announcement of silent auction winners.
At 5:30 p.m., the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony will take place. It will feature music by the Apple Core Band. It will honor our nation’s veterans and the significance of the American flag.
After that, car show winners will also be announced at the amphitheater.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the day, beginning with Faith Noel at 2:00 p.m., followed by Brahman Noodles at 3:00 p.m. Evening performances will include Austin Rife at 5:30 p.m. and The Willies at 6:30 p.m.
The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, relax, and enjoy the day and evening under the stars as the community celebrates both the nation’s milestone anniversary and the service of its veterans.
Organizers say they are grateful for the many partners, volunteers, and community members who have come together to make this historic event possible.
Volunteers alongside the leadership and enthusiasm of Mayor Phil Wagner and Kelly Shaffer, Borough Manager served on various committees for over a year to bring this event to fruition.
Kime’s Cider Mill, Bear Mountain Orchards, Waggoner Construction, ACNB Bank, WellSpan Health, A.P.M., and Destination Gettysburg. A special thank you is extended to the Adams County Commissioners, who partnered with the Adams County Office of Planning and Development.
Additional partners supporting the celebration include the Upper Adams Jaycees, American Legion Post 262, and @Home in Adams County, Mamma’s Pizza, and Conewago Enterprises, Inc.
If you can’t come for the entire day, come for part of it!
Parking of parade spectators will be at Oakside Community Park. For convenience, there will be a shuttle service to Main Street in Biglerville. Handicap parking will be at the Biglerville Fire Hall.
To learn more, visit the Biglerville Borough Facebook page or website. There is merchandise for sale also on the borough website, such as ornaments, mugs and tee shirts to commemorate this special day.
Mayor Wagner excitedly said, “I am so appreciative of all the committee chairs, Kelly Shaffer and Kelly Marie Starner’s work, everyone concerned in planning and volunteering, as well as the outpouring support from donors and sponsors for this once in our lifetime event. Given the hate and division in our country, I look forward to this day to show America we can come together!”
Shaffer and Wagner extend they’re thankful to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who are bringing this patriotic community day alive. They are also thankful to the generous community donors. Volunteers are still needed for the historic celebration. Donating even an hour or two of your time is helpful. Please contact the borough office if you’re interested in volunteering at office@biglerville.us or call 717.677.9488. Hope to see you there to help celebrate the 250th!
