Community members and leaders from throughout Monroe County kicked off their America250PA celebration with a lively gathering befitting the excitement of Independence Day.

About 100 people assembled at Northampton Community College’s Pocono Hall on Thursday to join committees and start planning festivities. The semiquincentennial, culminating on July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

There were no fireworks, but the event featured fire trucks, DJ music, displays, speakers and refreshments.

“I’m pleased with the turnout. There is a lot of enthusiasm for this,” said Monroe County Commissioner Vice Chairman David Parker, who chairs the America250PA Commission in Monroe. A lover of history, he shared how to pronounce semiquincentennial, an unfamiliar word to many.

“I’m impressed with the initiative and interest from the townships and boroughs,” noted fellow Monroe County Commissioner Sharon Laverdure, who is vice chair of the local America250PA commission. “They are really doing a great job,” she said, adding that there has been “a fine turnout for planning meetings.”

The official Monroe County resolution recognizes Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the 250th anniversary and the role of its people in the country’s past, present and future. It also established a local America250PA Commission.

Pocono Township Manager Jerrod Belvin said “I am honored to be part of the core committee for this incredible milestone.”

One of the highlights of the semiquincentennial observance are Liberty Trees, with Monroe County’s already planted in Hamilton Township near the old mill in Sciota. Twenty-eight have been planted so far in the state.

Those attending could sign up for a 250PA committee that interested them. The committees are: service, tourism & marketing, business & industry, preserve, arts & culture, educate, community care, and land, water & wildlife.

Shayna Canty, Community Care chair, said she would like to see 250 success stories about the work of nonprofit organizations and community members. “I’d like to shine a spotlight on unsung heroes,” said Canty, who works for Meals on Wheels.

As he visited the Preserve table, Norm Burger of Chestnuthill Township said he hopes the semiquincentennial “rekindles an appreciation of history.”

The importance of educating youth about the significance of this historic milestone was echoed by Kelly Lombardo, Education Committee co-chair and an elder law attorney who has two young children. “Our mission is to empower and inspire our youth — the future leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “It is my hope that we can engage our children in the celebration through educational programs, events, and activities that bring history to life and foster a deeper connection to our community.”

Fifth grader Izzy Parker of Stroudsburg, Commissioner Parker’s youngest daughter, already is involved. She was one of the first people to sign her name on a special blank keystone in the meeting hall.

An America250PA Monroe County keystone — featuring the county courthouse, a bear, buck, and woodlands — was also on display. The artwork was done by Jody Singer, who co-chairs the Arts & Culture Committee with Monroe County Controller Erik Diemer.

They are looking for artists and musicians to get involved and even looking for actors to help with historical reenactments. Designs for a three-foot-tall fiberglass bell can be submitted, as part of Bells Across PA – Monroe. The goal is to have at least one replica Liberty Bell in every county in the state, with more possible based on sponsorships. April 1 is the application deadline.

This year and next, both county and municipal events will be held, culminating in a July Fourth parade in East Stroudsburg in 2026. Pennsylvania Day will continue to be celebrated on July 20, with volunteer involvement focused on help for food banks and completing community projects.

During his remarks, Parker gave a roll call of townships and boroughs, citing when each one was officially founded. Smithfield Township was the first in 1748, followed by Hamilton in 1762 and Chestnuthill in 1763. The last was Mount Pocono in 1927.

Recognition was also given to sponsors, which include the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Northeast Site Contractors.

“I very much enjoyed the kickoff event and especially enjoyed learning about when the various townships in the county were formed,” said resident Robert Moses, who worked at East Stroudsburg University for many years. “I took some pride in learning that Smithfield Township, where I reside, was the first township established.” Moses signed up for the arts and culture and education committees.

Barrett Township resident Nathan Strunk wasn’t born yet when the bicentennial took place in 1976, but he heard so many stories about how exciting it was.

“This is such an incredible opportunity to reflect on our history, not just as a nation but as individuals, and to share those lessons with the next generation,” he commented. “It’s inspiring to see our community come together to honor 250 years of America.” A Pocono Mountain School Board Director, Strunk signed up for the education and historical preservation committees.

Pennsylvania’s Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial was the first in the nation to receive statewide county support, from all 67 counties, according to Bri Farrand, director of communications and branding for America250PA. The Pennsylvania Commission for America250PA was established by the legislature and governor in 2018.

Besides engagement, the many anniversary programs, projects and events will be EPIC as they “educate, preserve, innovate and celebrate,” Farrand said.

For more information on Monroe County’s 250 mission and to be part of the observance, visit mc250pa.org, monroecountypa.gov and america250pa.org. Students can also find details online about a writing and art contest for grades three to 12.