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Signs of a celebration
By: Kevin Mertz
Previously printed in The Standard Journal; reprinted with permission by the author.
WATSONTOWN — Communities across the nation are preparing to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
In Watsontown, signs of the year-long celebration are already evident.
Three banners marking the festivities, each 6-feet tall, were recently hung outside of the Watsontown Historical Museum in an effort led by the Watsontown 2026 Committee.
The banners were hung by J.S. Williams and Son, a local contractor.
One banner contains the words “250th, We the People, 1776 and semi-quinn.” Another contains a flag with 13 stars and the words “come celebrate with us.” A third banner features the Liberty Bell, and promotes the community’s July 4 parade.
Dennis Confer and Erica Frey, both members of the committee, said the banners were donated by E.H. Kleckner Inc. and are valued at $250 each.
“It’s just amazing what they were able to do,” Frey said, of the company’s work on the banners. “They’re very sturdy. We (initially) thought they would be vinyl and the wind might take them (away). That’s not going to happen with these.”
Members of the committee gave E.H. Kleckner a rough idea of what they would like to see on the banners, and company employees crafted them from there.
The committee is planning a series of monthly events to be held throughout the year marking the 250th birthday of the United States.
The first will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the First Baptist Church, Fifth and Main streets, Watsontown.
“We’re going to talk about the local history, and end with a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.,” Frey said, of that event. “We will talk about old folklore.”
The event will feature various speakers.
Looking at the first several months of 2026, similar events are planned for 2 p.m.: Sunday, Feb. 15, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 Main St.; and Sunday, March 15, at the First Presbyterian Church, 401 Main St.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, a trivia event will be held at the Watsontown American Legion, 1016 Main St.
An event slated for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Trinity United Church of Christ, 602 Main St., will feature a bell choir and organ concert, according to Confer.
“I don’t think a lot of people know... there is an anniversary (in 2026),” Frey said. “(These events are) a tribute to honor our country, and our military. Our forefathers. Without them, we don’t even exist.
“Part of doing this monthly is to get the word out (about the nation’s semiquincentennial),” Frey said. “The entire community is welcome, and we would love to see everyone join us. This celebration, this birthday, is for the entire country.”
Confer is looking forward to the festivities, which will occur nationwide.
“We, as Pennsylvanians, will... celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of freedom to the world,” he said. “Imagine being among the 56 gentleman who signed the Declaration of Independence.”
Among Watsontown’s festivities in 2026 will be the annual Independence Day parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, along Main Street. The passing of the flag along Main Street will begin at 9:30.
Frey said the day’s festivities are being organized as a collaborative effort between the Watsontown Area Business Association (WABA), the Watsontown 2026 Committee and Watsontown Borough.
She and Confer expect the parade to draw double the number of people to the community as it will be larger than normal.
“We’ve only had one band in the 4th of July parade since 1976, and that was the Warrior Run band,” Confer said. “(In 2026) there will be bands, there will be drill teams. I’ve invited nine high school bands. Seven are from Northumberland County.”
Among the bands traveling to Watsontown to take part in the festivities, Confer said, will be a Caribbean band from Philadelphia.
The Keystone Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Altoona has also already committed to participate.
Confer said that group will appear early in the parade lineup as the members will also be participating in a parade in Johnstown later that afternoon.
Activities will take place in the Watsontown Memorial Park throughout the day. July 4 festivities will conclude with a fireworks display.
Watsontown received a $10,000 grant from America250PA for the fireworks.
Frey said the committee started fundraising two years ago to raise the money needed to cover the events associated with the year-long celebration.
Donations are still being accepted. Checks to support the Watsontown 2026 celebration can be sent to Watsontown Borough, 318 Main St., Watsontown PA 17777.