America250 is the nationwide commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As part of this historic celebration, this spring, America250 events and displays will start to unfold in the City of East Peoria.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend and participate in this celebration. Keep an eye out this spring for these upcoming events and displays:

• The Fondulac District Library has a variety of events planned this spring, including two celebrating America250. From March 1 through the 27, artists of all ages can pick up supplies and create their own tiny masterpieces at home for the What America Means to Me Tiny Art Show. All pieces will be displayed from March 30 through April 17, to be judged by the Fondulac District Board of Trustees. On March 31, the library will host a Hamilton Sing-Along celebrating the popular musical’s energetic retelling of American history. To learn more about these events visit: www.fondulaclibrary.org 
• Keep an eye out for America250 themes in the Levee District. Two new street banners will be installed—one celebrating our 16th president and the Land of Lincoln, and another celebrating the annual Red, White & Boom! Event on the Illinois River.
• The City of East Peoria takes great pride in its annual Festival of Lights season—so why not make it America250? This spring and summer, several recognizable patriotic floats and displays will be featured throughout Levee Park. In addition, one of our most beloved traditions, Folepi’s Ornament Hunt, will join the festivities with a special America250
  Ornament Hunt
• Ornament Hunt launching this June.
• The East Peoria Community Foundation will be doing a Tree Planting in honor of America’s 250th Birthday in Levee Park.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum has exhibitions to celebrate America’s 250th birthday all year round. Exhibitions now open are:

• Joyful Resistance—open through January 3, 2027
• The Promise of Liberty—open through January 3, 2027
• Deep Rivers/Long Roads: The Journey of America—open through April 12, 2026
• Athletes: A Peoria Plays America Exhibition—open through April 12, 2026
• Richrath: A Peoria Plays America Exhibition—open through April 5, 2026
• Exquisite Creatures—open through August 9, 2026

Exhibitions opening soon are:

• TOYTOPIA—opens May 9, 2026, through September 7, 2026
• We Remember: Stories from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum—opens September 5, 2026, through April 11, 2027
• Transportation Revolutions: America on the Move—opens October 3, 2026, through April 11, 2027
  -“I Hear America Singing”—A Musical Journey through 250 Years of Liberty Presented by Shot in the Dark Productions—Performances are on March 27 and 28 at 7pm.

For more information regarding the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s exhibitions and performances, visit: www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org 

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The nationwide America250 commemoration provides communities across Illinois and the U.S. the opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate democratic values and inspire future generations. In East Peoria, we encourage residents to participate in festivities, stay updated via social media and the City’s website (www.cityofeastpeoria.com), and join the America250 journey.