Jubilant July Planned In Simsbury For America's 250th

SIMSBURY, CT — The Simsbury Historical Society is inviting residents and visitors to participate in a series of events this month as part of the town's America 250 celebration commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.

The historical society, a member of the Simsbury 250th Celebration Committee, will host and participate in several events during the first two weeks of July, including colonial tours, a Liberty Tree dedication, patriotic performances and the Simsbury–Farmington Valley 250th Parade.

Colonial Simsbury and National Bell Ringing

The celebration begins on Friday, July 4, when the Simsbury Historical Society's campus at 10 Phelps Lane will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

Docent-led tours of the historic Phelps Tavern will be offered at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with guides dressed in colonial attire discussing Simsbury's role during the Revolutionary War.

Visitors may also explore the society's gardens and grounds through self-guided tours.

At 2 p.m., the historical society will join communities across the country in a nationwide bell-ringing ceremony marking America's 250th anniversary.

The organization will ring its antique bell located beside the historic red schoolhouse and is encouraging attendees to bring a handbell and participate in the community observance.

Admission for tavern tours is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children ages 6 and older, and free for members and children under 6.

Tours may be canceled in the event of thunderstorms or excessive heat.

Liberty Tree dedication and community concert

The celebration continues on Wednesday, July 8, with a free kickoff event from 6 to 8:15 p.m. on the Simsbury Historical Society grounds.

The evening begins with the dedication of a new Liberty Tree, an American elm planted in the center circle of the property at 10 Phelps Lane.

Organizers said the tree and ceremony were made possible through support from sponsors and donors of the Simsbury 250th Celebration Committee.

At 6:30 p.m., participants will join communities nationwide in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, commemorating the first public reading of the document on July 8, 1776.

The event concludes with a 7 p.m. performance by the Simsbury Community Band, featuring patriotic music and familiar favorites. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

Parade and community celebration

The festivities culminate on Saturday, July 11, with the Simsbury–Farmington Valley 250th Parade and Celebration from noon to 3 p.m.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Owens Brook Boulevard and Hopmeadow Street before traveling south through Simsbury Center to Jim Gallagher Way and Iron Horse Boulevard.

Participants are expected to include the 1st Company Governor's Foot Guard, 1st Company Governor's Horse Guard, Windsor Fife and Drum, Warehouse Point Fife and Drum, Talcott Mountain Highlanders, and other community organizations.

The parade will feature patriotic-themed floats created by local civic organizations, including the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 1926, Avon VFW and Scouts, Freemason Valley Lodge No. 36, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen and the Simsbury 250th Committee.

Following the parade, activities will continue until 3 p.m. along Iron Horse Boulevard with float viewing, live music, float judging, and a live auction of 15 hand-painted flower boxes displayed along Hopmeadow Street.

A complete schedule of Simsbury's America 250 events is available through the Simsbury Historical Society and the Simsbury 250th Celebration Committee.