As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this summer, many Metro Detroit communities have special programming planned.
These include special 250th Anniversary versions of their annual fireworks shows, ice cream socials, cookouts, and special readings of the famous 1,320-word decree.
“Something that kind of blew my mind was that the very first reading of the Declaration of Independence took place not on July 4 or 5 as you might expect, but on July 8, and it was actually a coordinated effort between three cities on the East Coast,” said Caitlin Donnelly. She’s the museum specialist at the Birmingham Museum.
She said cities, communities and organizations across the country are reenacting that coordination with a reading on July 8.
In Birmingham, civic leaders and representatives from different communities will read the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Municipal Building. Printouts will be distributed for those who want to read along.
“I think it’s really important to remember kind of why we Americans embarked on this project to begin with,” said Donnelly, adding that it’s important to humanize people of the past and realize that just like modern people, they fell in love, had friends and enemies and likes and dislikes. “You know, some of these complaints that these early folks had, they might ring true today. These folks didn’t think the government representing them was actually listening, which I think a lot of people can feel a connection to even today.”
Read on for details about several events planned this summer around Metro Detroit to honor America’s 250th Anniversary.
Community celebrations for America’s 250th
Detroit Historical Museum: This Detroit museum will have a look back on the country’s 250th anniversary as the museum itself celebrates its 75th anniversary. An ongoing lecture series has events like “Stars and Stripes O’re the Strait” at 6:30 p.m. July 23 and “Skirmish, Siege and Surrender: Detroit in 1812” at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 833-1805. detroithistorical.org/visit/detroit-historical-museum.
Warren Dale: This Detroit community is celebrating with a cookout with a toast, lawn games, face painting, photo book and a DJ. Noon-midnight July 4. 6841 Stahelin, Detroit.
Dearborn: The annual “Salute to America” concerts with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Greenfield Village will pay homage to the semiquincentennial this year. The show has patriotic music, real cannon fire and fireworks. 5-10 p.m. July 2-5. $45. Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn. thehenryford.org.
Grosse Pointe Farms: The War Memorial and the Louisa St. Clair Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at an ice cream social. 5:30-7 p.m. July 8. 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. warmemorial.org/events/declaration-of-independence-live-reading.
Plymouth: The city’s big 250th celebration is a Good Morning USA Parade at 9 a.m. July 4 down Main Street. Plymouth will also host patriotic concerts at Kellogg Park at 7 p.m. on June 27 and July 2. On June 27 at 3 p.m., the Salem Area Historical Society will hold an America 250 Celebration with the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, Colonial-Period Historical Characters, and more at Jarvis Stone School Historic District. Plymouthmi.gov.
Woodhaven: One of the area’s largest free festivals, the Uncle Sam Jam is always a patriotic event each Fourth of July weekend. This year, there will be concerts, a car show, monster trucks and a carnival. July 9-12. Civic Center Park, 23977 Hall Road, Woodhaven. Uncle-sam-jam.com.
Royal Oak: Over Fourth of July Weekend, the annual Royal Oak Taco Festival will have its 250th celebration programming. These include a printed Declaration of Independence signing experience with feathered pens, interactive historical activities for kids, games, trivia and meet-and-greets with historical reenactors. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 2-4 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 5. Main Street between 11 Mile and Fourth, Royal Oak. (248) 541-7550. RoyalOakTacoFest.com.
Madison Heights: An American 250 celebration is planned in the park with food trucks, bounce houses, live entertainment and fireworks. 6-10:30 p.m. June 27. Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile, Madison Heights. Madison-heights.org.
Birmingham: Gather on the steps of City Hall for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. 5:50 p.m. July 8. 151 Martin, Birmingham. bhamgov.org.
Rochester: A community sing-along of patriotic songs and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus light refreshments. 5:30 p.m. July 8. Bear Creek Park, 740 W. Snell, Rochester. (248) 651-4440. Oaklandtwpmi.gov.
Farmington Hills: A celebration to mark the country’s 250th anniversary with fireworks, kids’ activities, bounce houses, a beer tent for adults and a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. 7 p.m. June 25. Founders Sports Park, 35500 W. Eight Mile, Farmington Hills. fhgov.com.
Lenox: The Lenox-New Haven Independence Day Celebration has food vendors, kids’ activities, and fireworks. 7-11 p.m. July 4. Lenox Township Park, 63775 Gratiot, Lenox.
Food brands get in the spirit of ’76
Logan’s Roadhouse: The Great American Road Trip summer menu is a limited-time offering of barbecue dishes, fun cocktails and seasonal sides. Save room for “the patriot,” a slice of red, white and blue vanilla cake with white chocolate mousse and garnished with sprinkles and whipped cream. Logansroadhouse.com.
McDonald’s: Last week, fast-food giant McDonald’s brought back its original fried apple pie for a limited time. “It’s something that people love and remember from growing up,” said McDonald’s owner and operator Eric Cochran in a press release. “When Ray Kroc was trying to come up with a dessert for McDonald’s, my grandad, Litton Cochran, suggested a fried apple pie as a classic that people would love. My grandmom, Jo Cochran, spent months perfecting the recipe. Bringing the fried apple pie back for fans this summer to celebrate America’s 250th just feels right.” mcdonalds.com.
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Put a patriotic spin on your summer party with a limited-edition cake from this dessert chain. They are selling patriotic-themed cake toppers, specially decorated red, white and blue cakes and more. A s’mores cake will be sold through July 19. Nothingbundtcakes.com.
Papa Romano’s: Get two large, round pizzas with one topping each for $17.76. paparomanos.com.
Sonic: This drive-thru fast-food chain serves a red, white and blue slush float with blue raspberry slush, vanilla soft serve and strawberries served in a limited-edition special cup. Sonicdrivein.com.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: How Metro Detroit is celebrating America’s 250th this summer
Reporting by Melody Baetens, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Melody Baetens, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
