BELLEFONTE — Centre County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 30 got in the festive spirit leading up to the 250th Independence Day weekend. This week’s meeting featured a brief history detailing the drawn-out timeline that led to the adoption and distribution of the Declaration of Independence. In addition, the Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing the celebrations to come this weekend.
Timeline of the Declaration of Independence
Commissioner Chairman Mark Higgins shared a timeline of key dates related to the Declaration of Independence. Higgins’ review began with the Lee Resolution, a proposal presented to the Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, urging the Colonies to be absolved of their allegiance to Great Britain.
Over the following month, the Lee Resolution would undergo several changes. A group of drafters — called the Committee of Five — was established and charged with developing a compelling case for independence. The goal was to translate the Lee Resolution into a document that could be shared with world leaders to recognize the sovereignty of the United Colonies.
On July 2, 1776, the Colonies, except New York, adopted the updated Lee Resolution of Independence. Final revisions were made over the following two days, including major deletions that reduced the document’s length by almost 25%. In the late morning of July 4, the final draft of the Declaration was adopted.
Copies of the final draft of the Declaration of Independence were printed and distributed to Congress members beginning on July 5, 1776. Congress ordered the Declaration to be written on parchment and signed by all members of Congress to mark its completion. The Declaration of Independence received its final signature by Thomas McKean in 1781, five years after the document’s initial conception.
Semiquincentennial Celebration Weekend Proclamation
Commissioners also marked the special occasion by proclaiming July 3 through July 4, 2026, as Semiquincentennial Celebration Weekend in Centre County.
This weekend, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States of America. Many community organizations, local veterans’ groups, historical societies, and more groups across the County are joining in the celebrations.
Beginning on July 3 in the county seat, Bellefonte, there will be an America250 celebration parade, dedication of Hometown Hero banners, and community heritage events. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Bellefonte High School and will end at Talleyrand Park. At the park, the Hometown Hero dedication will take place, honoring over 100 community members.
Talleyrand Park will also host a joint concert by the Bellefonte and State College Community Bands, as well as a food sampling event. To showcase the melting pot spirit of the United States, the food sampling event will include cuisine from various cultures to be enjoyed alongside each other.
Festivities will continue into the following day and will include traditional festivities. The day will kick off with a parade in State College, beginning at 11 a.m. Additional celebrations will take place throughout the county, including the Central PA 4th Fest, which takes place mostly around Medlar Field.
In making this proclamation, the Commissioners hope to encourage residents to join in the celebrations and to reflect on the deep and storied connection our county and state played in the early days of our country’s success. Moreover, the proclamation encourages us to take this weekend to renew our commitment to democratic ideals and our founding principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance.
