Courtesy photo of a copy of the Declaration of Independence from the U.S. National Archives.

ALPENA – On July 4th, Christine Witulski, executive director of the Besser Museum and mayor pro tem Karol Walchak, would like to invite the community to step back in time and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence during a special 250 Jubilee event at the Alpena City Hall.

This unique birthday celebration for America aims to recreate the spirit and atmosphere of 1776 through music, demonstrations, costumes, and interactive experiences for all ages.

Following the 4th of July parade, a costumed town crier, accompanied by music will guide attendees from the parade route to the City Hall lawn, creating a lively and historically inspired procession.

The two-hour event, running from approximately noon until 2 p.m., will feature a wide range of engaging activities designed to immerse participants in colonial life. Attendees will enjoy free ice cream courtesy of Wolverine State Credit Union, served by the Alpena County Sheriff Department. Local artisans will demonstrate traditional colonial-era crafts such as tatting, spinning, quilting, and more.

Girl Scouts dressed in period attire will lead demonstrations of colonial games, offering hands-on opportunities for families and children to participate. Also, on the City Hall lawn, dance instructor Paige Fisher, Chamber of Commerce CEO, will teach the Virginia Reel and other popular social dances of the 18th century, accompanied by patriotic music. Everyone is invited to participate in these festivities.

At 1 p.m., the town crier will call the gathering to attention for a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence, allowing attendees to reflect on this historic milestone together. This once-in-a-generation celebration offers a meaningful way to honor America’s founding while bringing the community together.

If raining, the event activities will be moved to the parking pavilion located behind City Hall.