PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Commissioner Amber Concepcion, Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Debra Berger, Brian Querry and Commissioner Steve Dershem, pose for a photo following the proclamation naming Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, as Semiquincentennial Celebration Weekend in Centre County.

BELLEFONTE — As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Centre County has officially designated Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4, as its Semiquincentennial Celebration Weekend.

During their final meeting before the holiday weekend, the Centre County commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing the milestone and highlighted celebrations planned throughout the county.

In its proclamation, the commissioners encouraged residents to participate in the weekend’s celebrations while reflecting on Centre County’s role in the nation’s founding and renewing their commitment to the democratic ideals of liberty, equality and self-governance.

“If our forefathers could have imagined that their work would have lasted 250 years, I think they would have been incredibly proud and happy,” Commissioner Steve Dershem said on Tuesday. “It is incumbent on us to make sure we celebrate in that spirit.”

And Centre County plans to do just that.

Beginning on Saturday, July 4 in Bellefonte, the county seat, there will be a celebratory parade, dedication of Hometown Hero banners and community heritage events.

The borough’s 250th celebration kicks off with the parade at 5:30 p.m. The roughly one-mile route will start at Bellefonte High School, 830 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, before traveling down Bishop Street and turning onto Allegheny, where the procession will continue to the county courthouse, before moving onto High Street and traveling to Talleyrand Park, 320 W. High St.

According to event organizer Debra Burger, more than 60 bands, floats and community organizations have registered to participate. The parade’s grand marshals, she said, will be the community’s veterans.

“We have a large contingency coming,” Burger said, thanking Centre County for allowing organizers to use county vans to transport elderly and infirm veterans to the parade route.

“There are 90-year-olds coming to this parade, and they are so looking forward to this.”

Following the parade, Bellefonte will dedicate its sixth round of Hometown Hero banners at Talleyrand Park. About 80 banners honoring more than 100 local veterans and service members will be displayed throughout downtown.

Although the ceremony is traditionally held on Veterans Day, organizers moved it up to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The evening will continue with a 75-minute patriotic concert performed by the combined Bellefonte and State College community bands.

To showcase the cultural diversity of the United States, “Melting Pot Food Tastings” will be happening around the park, hosted by community nonprofits.

“Think Sam’s Club type samples of ethnic foods,” Burger said. “We are a melting pot, and we want to show the diversity of America.”

Burger said visitors can expect offerings including cakes, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches and tiramisu.

With hot weather expected, organizers also plan to distribute thousands of bottles of water throughout the day to keep attendees hydrated.

“It’s going to be a great evening, a great event,” said Burger. “We just want to invite everyone to come and celebrate!”

In nearby State College, the commissioners noted that the Central PA 4th Fest Independence Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Additional Central PA 4th Fest activities, including a 4K race and fireworks, will take place around Medlar Field. More information about those festivities can be found at centralpa4thfest.org.

Commissioners also thanked Burger and the many volunteers who organized the weekend’s events.

“Thank you so much for organizing the parade, Deb. We missed having a big parade in Bellefonte,” Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins said. “That will be a lot of fun.”

“It’s worth noting that all of these celebrations that are going to be happening this weekend are led by volunteers,” Commissioner Amber Concepcion added, thanking those involved and encouraging others to join the effort.

“Many hands make light work,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who is doing so much work to make this a special weekend for our communities in Centre County.”

The county also announced it will fly its state-issued semiquincentennial flag outside the Centre County Courthouse beginning Thursday.

“Our forefathers’ planning, our veterans’ sacrifice and a lot of other people in between, have made this incredible experiment possible,” Commissioner Dershem said. “I think this is a really good opportunity for us to celebrate all that is America.”

In other business the commissioners:

— Heard public comment regarding inmate access to the outside at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

— Approved change orders with Hallstrom-Clark Electric Inc. for assorted electrical services.

The total change order is $44,215.52, with $6,723.44 funded by the state and $37,492.08 by the county.

— Approved contract addendums and agreements for Court Administration, Information Technology Systems and MH/ID/EI-D&A to be added to next week’s consent agenda.

— Approved the meeting’s consent agenda.

— Appointed Paula Williams and Renea Nichols to the Aging Advisory Council from June 30, 2026 until June 29, 2029.

— Approved a letter of support for Millheim Borough’s Rural Business Development Grant application for the development of a new multipurpose activity range and upgrades to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park. The majority of funding will be used to upgrade an existing pedestrian bridge and a pathway that leads to a new community recreation amenities like courts and disc golf course.

— Heard a presentation from Commissioner Mark Higgins about the complex history of the Declaration of Independence. “Everybody thinks it just happened,” Higgins said. “But no, there were committees, things got tabled, there was a lot of work in the background.”

— Reminded the public that Centre County Government Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.