ALPENA — Throughout the remainder of 2026, Alpena will host a wide range of community events as part of Alpena 250, a year-long celebration marking two major milestones: the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th Anniversary of the Alpena Bi-Path, according a City of Alpena press release on Thursday.

The release stated that the celebration will bring together local organizations, institutions, businesses, and residents to commemorate Alpena’s shared history while celebrating the public spaces, creativity, and civic connections. Events and activities will take place throughout the year and are designed to be inclusive, educational, and accessible to all ages.

Planned Alpena 250 events include historical programs, arts and cultural experiences, outdoor and Bi-Path-focused activities, educational opportunities, storytelling initiatives, and community gatherings, according to the release. Together, these activities highlight Alpena’s local story within the broader national narrative, while reflecting the community’s long-standing tradition of collaboration and stewardship.

The release explained that the 50th Anniversary of the Alpena Bi-Path holds special significance during the Sestercentennial year. Originally developed in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial, the Bi-Path was envisioned as a lasting public investment.

“Fifty years later, it continues to connect neighborhoods, parks, natural spaces, and people, serving as a symbol of Alpena’s commitment to quality of life and shared public spaces,” the release stated.

“Alpena 250 is about more than anniversaries,” Alpena City Manager Rachel Smolinski, a representative of the Alpena Community Sestercentennial Celebration Commission, said in the release. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate what we value, build meaningful experiences that will continue long after the anniversary year ends.”

Community members are encouraged to attend events, explore different activities throughout the year, and support local organizations participating in the celebration, the release stated. Individuals and organizations planning Alpena 250-related programs are also invited to share their events with the commission so they can be included in coordinated community-wide promotion.

The city also encourages residents to participate in a community-wide celebration, program, and sculpture dedication on June 17 at City Hall in Alpena.

Alpena 250 events will take place throughout 2026 at locations across the city, with activities scheduled in every season, the release stated. A centralized event calendar will be maintained to help residents and visitors discover upcoming opportunities to participate.

For more information about Alpena 250 events visit alpena.mi.us/quick_links/250events.php. To share an upcoming activity, community members are encouraged to contact 250events@alpena.mi.us.