The Semiquincentennial…that’s the term for the major milestone that our country will celebrate on July 4, 2026, two-and-a-half centuries after the Founding Fathers ratified the Declaration of Independence to sever ties with their colonies’ distant monarch. The Semiquincentennial is not, however, the most succinct or appealing way to communicate the magnitude of the event, as it poses somewhat of an eyesore and tongue-twister for many people. Instead, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (yes, a real commission) has re-dubbed it America 250 and paired it with an eye-catching logo and sleek website to drum up excitement for the summer’s signature holiday.

We’re all about improved branding and marketing of a meaningful anniversary, and we know communities across the country have been preparing for months to commemorate the occasion. So, just as the Second Continental Congress spent much of June 1776 ironing out the details of the eventual Declaration, the team at North Star has taken the liberty to draft a final checklist for your USA 250 celebration, including some suggestions on setting star-spangled vibes in advance of the big day.

Root for the Home Team

The United States Men’s National Team has a sparkling opportunity to host the World Cup this summer alongside this monumental anniversary for the country. The Yanks have three pivotal group games to earn their sport in the knockout phase of the tournament, with the first kicking off Friday, June 12. Each of these matches (to be played on June 12, 19, and 25) is a prime opportunity to get the patriotism flowing, with formal and informal watch parties being a common way to get people together and enjoying the game. If organizing such an event, consider marketing your plans for the fourth with a soccer juggling competition for those in attendance. Set up a station where competitors can walk up before the game or during halftime to show off their skills. Hand out a small community-branded prize for anyone able to juggle the ball 25 times, and a grand prize for anyone who can reach 76 touches.

Pump Up the Jams

From the studio to the stage to the screen, the US has a long and varied musical tradition to soundtrack the first few days of summer before the Fourth. Partner with your local public radio station for a “Quick Hits” series of uninterrupted American classics, airing every day for 10 minutes at 2:50 local time. Depending on musical taste, the series can be organized around genre (jazz, blues, show tunes), decade, or theme (bops, ballads, bangers) and feature as little or as much commentary about the music’s cultural context and significance. As a bonus, you can get local celebrities involved in making the playlist: surely your mayor, ray-of-sunshine small business owner, or beloved history teacher have an unfulfilled dream to play radio DJ for a day.

Dress the Part

Bunting, denim, bunting made of denim…decking your community in red, white, and blue is the first step to a festive atmosphere. Though main thoroughfares and premier parks always seem to get the stars and bars treatment, this is the time to go above and beyond the usual places with decorations, signage, and temporary art installations that tell the story of your community as part of the country’s 250 years of existence. Whether you have manufacturing, agricultural, or other heritage, make sure those all important sites are easy to find and dressed in their Independence Day best with signaled paths, ribbon, and photo opportunity installations. This same principle applies to your digital space—have your social media and website display some spirit when appropriate.

Sit Back and Enjoy

Ultimately, the holiday is all about enjoying the hard-won freedom to develop our own identity. So be bold in prepping your community for the fireworks! And once the work is done, pursue happiness in your own way! Who’s to say you can’t cherish a summer Saturday with family and friends while donning a full Uncle Sam costume and scream-singing “Party In the U.S.A”? Certainly none of us at North Star.