For readers old enough to remember, the American bicentennial took this nation by storm in 1976.
Bicentennial merchandise was everywhere. Shirts, hats, flags, shot glasses, whiskey decanters, wall hangings, paper cups and matching plates, commemorative spoons, figurines, medallions, official U.S. currency — bicentennial quarters, half-dollars and silver dollars, and the unforgettable two-dollar bill featuring Thomas Jefferson on the front and The signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. Elton John released “Philadelphia Freedom” in 1975 as part of the all-encompassing pre-bicentennial hype, and it rose to No. 1 on the Billboard chart. Hype for one event has never achieved such cultural saturation before or since.
This year is our nation’s 250th anniversary. As such it is called the semiquincentennial. Or it could be referred to as the sestercentennial. Either word is acceptable, but neither rolls off the tongue quite like bicentennial. The overall nationwide hype for this anniversary extravaganza has not held a candle to 50 years ago. And that’s a shame. Since 1976, our region and our nation have made some great strides forward. But overall, we have not been in a celebratory mood.
Let’s all try to put the pressures and stresses of life in 2026 behind us for one glorious weekend in early July. There are extraordinary events and celebrations throughout Otsego County to enjoy. County government has awarded grants to numerous municipalities and organizations to enhance their America 250 plans. Springfield will have its annual Fourth of July Celebration. Special festivities and programs are planned in Hartwick, Unadilla, Richfield Springs, Cooperstown, Milford, Morris, Laurens, the town of Oneonta and Cherry Valley. Please contact those community offices for planning details. Get out and enjoy wherever you may call home in our home county.
As Otsego County’s only city, Oneonta will have a slate of activities from July 3 through July 5. There will be educational lectures (once referred to as Chautauquas) in Huntington Park and even an 1800s baseball game near the Swart-Wilcox house (I predict the Mets will lose 7-1). The traditional Independence Day Celebrations will be on full display as well. On July 4, the Hometown Fourth of July parade will make its way from Market Street to South Main Street along Main Street in beautiful Downtown Oneonta. Right afterward, a full day of celebrations will take place in Oneonta’s Neahwa Park, featuring more than eight hours of live entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food and dozens of local crafters and businesses offering their wares. And, as always, a fantastic fireworks display will cap off the evening, brought to the community through the generosity of Five Star Subaru. Attendance is free and open to the public through the work of Hill City Celebrations, which has been bringing family-friendly, alcohol-free events to our community for more than 25 years.
Wherever you go and whatever you choose to do on Independence Day weekend, please enjoy your friends, your family and your community in the manner that makes you happy. Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, Friday, July 3 has been declared a Federal Holiday. If you are fortunate enough to have that day off work, enjoy the big weekend to its fullest.
However you chose to celebrate, please remember the reason for the hoopla and time off. In 1776, a group of men stood shoulder-to-shoulder to sign a document that was, in truth, their own death warrant. They had the collective spine to put their lives on the line to go after their freedom. And these “founding fathers” are responsible for the freedoms we enjoy today. The Declaration of Independence said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since these words appeared on paper, we have grown significantly as a nation. Today, it is a fact that all men and women are equal under law. And that this applies to everyone — not just wealthy white landowners. Today, the life, liberty and happiness we seek is not homogenized, but unique to each of us.
Our nation, our counties, cities, villages and hamlets, are not perfect. They never will be, as we are all imperfect. But 250 years ago, the greatest social experiment since the Roman Republic was born. And you are part of that experiment today. Have a great summer full of celebrations, backyard barbecues, outdoor concerts and festivals. Take these occasions to experience the richness of your unique lives, liberties, and your pursuits of happiness. Just don’t forget that on July 4, 1776, 56 men put it all on the line. In writing. Be sure to have a cold one for them.