Semiquincentennial.

That may take you awhile to learn how to pronounce.

Perhaps by the end of the year, after we’ve attended many Semiquincentennial events, we will be able to say it.

LehighValley250 is marking the United States’ Semiquincentennial, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with a veritable plethora of events, performances and exhibitions.

The America250PALehigh County tagline is: “Lehigh County: Celebrating Red, White, Blue and You!”

The LehighCounty250, part of America250PA, fundraiser, “Making History Gala,” with a reception, dinner and entertainment, was Sept. 20, 2025, University Center, DeSales University, Center Valley, Upper Saucon Township.

America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman welcomed community leaders, businesspersons, areas residents and guests.

Television personality Carson Kressley was emcee. Attendees included Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico and NBA stars Billy Owens & Jumaine Jones.

There was a performance by DeSales University Dance Department students. The Williams Duo performed harp and classical guitar music during the cocktail hour. The Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps led a procession into the event.

Gala co-chairs were Fadia Halma and Sandra Bieber.

The LehighValley250 website emphasizes the role that the region and its citizens played in the founding of the United States of America:

“The Lehigh Valley is the place to be to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. With art exhibits, programs, theater, music, festivals, parades, there is something for everyone.”

One of the big LehighValley250 events was the Bach Choir of Bethlehem “Let Freedom Sing Concert,” May 27, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown.

Following are some of the events through July listed on the LehighValley250 website, where details and events through August and into next year are available.

“Liberty Ignited: A Lehigh Valley Salute to America 250,” 7 p.m. July 3, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown

“250th Celebration,” 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. July 4, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Allentown

“Reading of the Declaration of Independence,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4, George Taylor House, Catasauqua

Allentown Band, vocalists Chet Brown, Evelyn Stewart. 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. July 4, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, Bethlehem. The concert marks the Allentown Band’s 198th year. The Allentown Band’s first performance was July 4, 1828.

“Heritage Day,” July 11, Easton, where the “Declaration of Independence” was read July 8, 1776

“Nazareth Kazoo Parade,” 10 a.m. July 4, Nazareth

“City of Allentown 4th of July Celebration,” noon-10 p.m. July 4, Allentown

“Overturning the Pennsylvania Government on the Road to Independence,” lecture, David Hunsicker, Jr., 6:30 p.m. July 6, Lower Macungie Library, Lower Macungie

“Easton Heritage Day,” 11:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. July 11, Easton, where the “Declaration of Independence was read July 8, 1776

“A Bethlehem Block Party,” noon-5 p.m. July 12, Downtown Bethlehem

“A Visit With Betsy Ross,” re-enactor Carol Spacht, 6 p.m. July 28, Lower Macungie Library, Lower Macungie

“Historic Bethlehem Tour: Birthplace of Industry,” walking tour, Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 31

“Revolution Retold: Commemorating American Independence in Art and Design,” through Oct. 18, Allentown Art Museum, Allentown

“On the Road to Freedom: American Independence & Innovation,” ongoing, America On Wheels Museum, Allentown

“Working Hands: Supplying a Revolution,” through Oct. 3, 1869 Luckenbach Mill, Bethlehem

“Cheers to Brewing Exhibit,” through March 1, 2027, National Museum of Industrial History

“Moravians & the Revolution: Caught in the Crossfire,” through Jan. 17, 2027, Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth

Information:

LehighValley250 events: https://lehighvalley250.org/

https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Community-Economic-Development/America250PA-Lehigh-County

https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/events/major-events-festivals/lehigh-valley-250/