America 250 in Noble County – Program Outline
America 250 in Noble County – Program Outline
Overview: America 250 in Noble County is a multi-site, season-long celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Through historical reenactments, community festivals, educational opportunities, and patriotic displays, Noble County invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on our shared history and look forward to our shared future. The celebration will span Memorial Day Weekend 2026 through Labor Day 2026.
Season-Long Features
America 250 Light Display at the Community Learning Center, Kendallville
Debuts Memorial Day Weekend 2026 – On Display Through Labor Day 2026
In partnership with the Mid-America Windmill Museum, a vibrant patriotic light display will illuminate the Community Learning Center grounds throughout the summer.
✅ America 250 Passport Check-In Site
Season-Long Celebration – 150 Years of the Old Jail Museum: Albion
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 – Labor Day 2026
Join the Noble County Historical Society in honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Old Jail. This season-long celebration will feature special exhibits, guided tours, and historical displays that reflect on law, order, and daily life in 19th-century Noble County. A must-see destination during the America 250 summer.
✅ America 250 Passport Check-In Site
Key Dates & Events
June 19, 2026 – Juneteenth
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in Rome City
🕓 All Day – FREE Admission
In recognition of Juneteenth and America’s journey toward freedom and equality, the Gene Stratton-Porter Site will be open to the public at no cost. Guests can enjoy the gardens, trails, and historical exhibits.
✅ America 250 in Noble Passport Check-In Site
Note: The Visit Noble County office will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
June 25–27, 2026 – Avilla Freedom Festival
📍 Historic Downtown Avilla
🕓 Daily Events – Parade, Music, Vendors, Foodtrucks, and More
The 2026 Freedom Festival officially kicks off Noble County’s America 250 celebration with a stirring Opening Ceremony led by Town Manager Adam Dunlap, including:
- A Welcome Statement
- A Community Prayer
- A Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Additional highlights:
- Expanded parade lineup- inviting all of Noble County to JOIN!
- Live entertainment throughout the weekend
- A goal of 250 vehicles in the car and motorcycle show
✅ America 250 in Noble Passport Check-In Site: Heritage Mural (Avilla Town Center)
June 28, 2026 – “A Taste of the Festival: Presidential Edition”
📍 Stone’s Trace Historic Site, Ligonier
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
FREE Admission! Step back in time during this special one-day event featuring:
- Live historical reenactors portraying George Washington, President William Henry Harrison, and President Abraham & Mary Lincoln
- Light refreshments
- Live period music and entertainment
- Guided tours of Stone’s Trace grounds and buildings
- A taste of what’s to come at the Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival
✅ America 250 in Noble Passport Check-In Site
June 30, 2026 – Mid-America Windmill Museum Open House
📍 Mid-America Windmill Museum, Kendallville
🕘 Open Hours – FREE Admission
In celebration of America’s 250th, the Mid-America Windmill Museum will offer free admission to all guests for one day only. Explore the rich history of wind power, agriculture, and innovation in the Midwest. Perfect for families, history lovers, and curious minds of all ages.
✅ America 250 in Noble Passport Check-In Site
July 1 & 2, 2026 – TBA
Additional Events & Activities (To Be Announced): Stay tuned for additional announcements regarding county-wide activities, educational programming, patriotic displays, and other public commemorations taking place throughout the 2026 summer season.
IDEAS:
- Perhaps the sites of the revolutionary soldiers’ graves can be incorporated here
- Perhaps Native American Markers can be incorporated here
- Perhaps CROMWELL can be included here
July 3, 2026 – America 250 in Noble Block Party Celebration
📍 Around the Square at the Noble County Courthouse, Albion
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th in the heart of Noble County at the America 250 in Noble Block Party! Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with:
- Live music
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Food trucks
- Family and yard games/Bounce houses
- Information booths
- Courthouse architectural tours
This vibrant gathering is the largest pre-holiday community event in Noble County and offers something for all ages!
✅ America 250 Passport Check-In Site: Noble County Courthouse
NOTE: Event ends at 6:00 PM to allow attendees time to enjoy dinner, local fundraisers, and transition to the FREE Fireworks Show at Central Noble Schools, open to the public.
July 4, 2026 – America 250 in Noble Grand Finale (Two Locations)
📍 Bixler Lake Park, Kendallville
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎉 YPN Gives A POP!
Celebrate with the Noble County Young Professionals Network at this free, family-focused event featuring:
- Bounce houses
- Face painting
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Family games & giveaways
🎶 Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert & Fireworks
Enjoy a stirring concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic followed by an unforgettable fireworks display over Bixler Lake.
✅ America 250 Passport Check-In Site: Bixler Lake Park
📍 Sylvan Lake, Rome City
🕔 Evening Activities Begin Early – Fireworks at Dusk
🎶 Sylvan Lake Celebration & Fireworks
Celebrate lakeside with an outdoor concert, family activities, and more (details to come). Cap the night with a dazzling fireworks show over Sylvan Lake, best viewed by boat or from the shoreline.
✅ America 250 Passport Check-In Site: Sylvan Lake Public Launch / Viewing Area
Passport Program
Visitors can pick up an America 250 in Noble Celebration Passport from Visit Noble County and other partner locations. Passport stamps will be available at all official celebration sites. Collect stamps and earn commemorative prizes and souvenirs!
