Dalton Gardens plans America250 Fourth of July picnic and ceremonies

Dalton Gardens will turn its July 4 observance into a compact America250 celebration at Newcomb Memorial Park, running from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a civic ceremony and a free picnic.

The day will open with posting of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic reflections and the dedication of two new park features. After that, the city will serve hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy and other food at no cost, along with carnival games, a bounce house, horse rides, a dunk tank and door prizes.

Two contests are set to add a more local touch to the celebration: a pie contest and a patriotic pet photo contest. Registration forms for both must be turned in to the city by Wednesday, July 1.

Mayor Curt Jernigan called it a “once-in-a lifetime Fourth of July” because the country is marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Jernigan said the city wants residents to spend time with friends and neighbors, reflect on what it means to be American, and enjoy “an afternoon of food, games, contests, and community fellowship.”

Coeur d’Alene is also marking the milestone with a July 4 celebration under the theme “From Liberty to Legacy,” while the Kootenai County Courthouse hosted a July 3 America250 community celebration tied to a new 2026 time capsule and courthouse centennial programming. Gov. Brad Little also signed Executive Order 2026-06 on June 22, granting state employees additional paid leave on July 2 and July 6 in recognition of America250. Idaho’s America250 celebration fund has offered cities and counties up to $2,500 for qualifying commemorative events.