Upper Providence eyes ‘old-fashioned’ party for America’s 250th birthday
Upper Providence Township is hoping to plan a locally flavored shindig this summer that would celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
During a Nov. 18 council meeting, Township Manager Barry Luber said he wants to form a committee including residents, a council member and township staff to plan a local celebration on or around July 4, 2026.
Township council members largely seemed amendable to the idea.
“I do think there’s an opportunity at Rose Tree Park — I don’t think you can do fireworks there — but to do something where you do not have to go into the city, for those of us who don’t want to make that trek with all of the traffic,” said council member Rasheen Merritt. “For us to have something that’s local, accessible, that you can do to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, I think would be great for the community, the kids…to do.”
As for what that celebration would look like, council members brainstormed several ideas, including a 5K race, a 2.5-mile run, or in Luber’s vision, “a big, old-fashioned barbecue with pie-eating contests and carnival games like we have at Community Day.”
Luber said he earmarked $2,000 in the proposed 2026 budget as a “placeholder” for the potential America 250 event, but that amount could change as needs evolve. He also said Rose Tree Park in Media is available on a “couple days” in July, including July 4.
