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1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
AMERICA: 250 YEARS IN THE MAKINGCity CouncilAPRIL 14, 2026COUNCILMEMBER FALCONE,WARD 1 RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND•Riverside was an official "American Bicentennial City" in 1976 which resulted in many celebrations, displays, projects, and buildings•Opportunity topause and reflecton the nation’s past,honorthe contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to the future we want to create for future generations •City departments and the community are participating in celebrations, special events, and special projects to honor this semi-quincentennial in 2026 On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250thanniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence1 2 4/2/2026
2 RiversideCA.gov3
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Riverside Concert Band 150th Anniversary Festival at Fairmount ParkApril 25Memorial Day Ceremony at Orange Terrace Community CenterMay 26Concert in the Park with drone show at La Sierra ParkJune 17Concert in the Park with drone show at Fairmount ParkJuly 1Fireworks Spectacular at La Sierra Park and Mount RubidouxJuly 4 RiversideCA.gov4
MUSEUM
“Riverside: An All-American City –A Celebration of America 250” exhibit at Mission Inn Foundation Gallery(3598 Main St.)May 1Vintage Home Tour with Old Riverside FoundationMay 16Victorian Ice Cream Social at Heritage House (8193 Magnolia Avenue)May 17First floor tour with patriotic objects on view at Heritage HouseJuly 5“Movies on the Lawn: Patriotic Edition” at Heritage HouseJuly 24 3 4
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MUSEUM
Ecology Walkat the Riverside Corona Conservation District focusing on ecological changes over the last 250 yearsOctober 3“Riverside First Labor Force: Highlighting Native People” — Location TBDOctober 4Museum of Riverside presentation on patriotic parades, 1976 bicentennial, presidential visits, and more at Orange Terrace Community CenterOctober 8 RiversideCA.gov6
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Great American Cleanup, various locationsApril 25Memorial Day Ceremony at Evergreen Memorial Historic CemeteryMay 23West Coast Thunder,Memorial Day CelebrationMay 25Concert for Heroes at Riverside National CemeteryJuly 3“Front Row Fireworks” viewing party at Evergreen Memorial Historic CemeteryJuly 4 5 6
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4 RiversideCA.gov7
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Military Affairs Appreciation Picnic at LeMay Park on March Air Reserve BaseSeptember 12Civil Rights Walk Ribbon CuttingSeptember / October“A Salute to Veterans” Parade and Expo, DowntownNovember 7Wreaths Across America at Evergreen Memorial Historic CemeteryDecember 12 RiversideCA.gov8
CITY COMMEMORATIONS•Nightly patriotic red, white, and blue illumination of City Hall, The Cheech, Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Main Street Mall bollards•Patriotic traffic signal cabinet wraps in Presidential Park•Planting of 250 trees across the city•100 additional patriotic banners and/or flags on city streetlight poles to increase total amount to 250 citywide 7 8
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CITY COMMEMORATIONS•America 250-themed Explore magazine and Riversider magazine noting celebrations and commemorations •America 250 mural on Main Street Mall between Mission Inn Avenue and 6th Street•Exhibit display in City Council Chambers of American bicentennial and semi-quincentennial artifacts/items RiversideCA.gov10
RECOMMENDATIONReceive an update on City and community events, programs, and projects to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary 9 10