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Our mission and vision
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
Info above from https://america250.org/about-america250/
Upcoming Events in Clinton County
Please scroll to view all the exciting events, activities, and programs we have planned!
America250 Community Patriotic Decorating Contest: Get ready to turn Clinton County red, white, and blue!
As part of our America250 celebration, we are excited to officially launch the Clinton County Community Patriotic Decorating Contest throughout the month of June.
Residents, businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and community groups are encouraged to decorate homes, storefronts, offices, and public spaces in patriotic style as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary together.
Whether your display is heartfelt, historic, humorous, elegant, or over-the-top creative — we want to see Clinton County shining with patriotic pride.
Contest Categories:
Residential Awards
• Most Patriotic Display
• Most Creative Display
Business Awards
• Most Patriotic Display
• Most Creative Display
Each winning entry will receive:
• $250 Cash Prize
• A Local Gift Basket
Winners will be selected by Clinton County's America250 committee organizations from across Clinton County.
How to Enter:
Submit your photo and release form to info@wccchamber.com by June 30
If you have issues with photo size or delivery, contact us and we’ll help coordinate an alternative submission method.
A photo release form must accompany each submission (CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM).
Important Dates:
Decorating Period: June 1 – June 30
Judging: Late June
Winners Announced: Leading up to Independence Day celebrations in early July
Why Participate?
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary as a community.
By decorating your home, business, or organization, you help create a county-wide atmosphere of pride, celebration, and unity that visitors and residents alike will remember for years to come.
From simple front porch displays to fully decorated storefronts and properties, every contribution helps make Clinton County’s America250 celebration special.
Let’s make Clinton County impossible to miss this July 4th!
EXTENDED - We the People:250 – A Clinton County Community-Wide Human American Flag Initiative
There’s still time to be part of one of Clinton County’s most patriotic community projects!
With the giant American flag mural now complete on the downtown Buckley Bros silo, excitement around America 250 continues to grow — and we want even MORE community members involved. Because of the incredible response and momentum surrounding the mural unveiling, we are officially extending the Human American Flag photo submission deadline through the month of June!
Businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, organizations, neighborhoods, families, and individuals are encouraged to create and submit their own Human American Flag photo as part of our county-wide We the People:250 initiative.
Together, these photos will become a powerful visual tribute to the people who make Clinton County strong while celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.
How to Participate:
- Choose a date that works for your group during May or June
- Coordinate red, white, and blue attire
- Participants wear solid red, white, or blue shirts/outfits to form the stripes and star field of the American flag. Need a shirt? Purchase one of our limited edition AM250 shirts (details below!).
- Arrange your group and capture a photo
- Use a drone, ladder truck, rooftop, second-story window, or your own creative perspective to photograph your completed formation.
- Submit your photo and release form to info@wccchamber.com by June 30
If you have issues with photo size or delivery, contact us and we’ll help coordinate an alternative submission method.
A photo release form must accompany each submission (CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM).
All submissions will be featured across Clinton County America 250 platforms and included in a commemorative digital and print showcase.
The new Buckley Bros. mural now serves as a lasting symbol of patriotism in our community — and now we want to showcase the PEOPLE behind that spirit.
We can’t wait to see Clinton County come together, one flag at a time.
Show Your Clinton County Pride with a Limited Edition AM250 Shirt!
Community members can still purchase official America 250 commemorative shirts through the Clinton County History Center, 149 East Locust Street, Wilmington, while supplies last.
These limited edition shirts are a great way to show your patriotic spirit during upcoming America 250 events, parades, festivals, and Human American Flag photo submissions throughout the county.
Adult Sizes: $25
Youth Sizes: $15
Shirts are available for purchase at the Clinton County History Center during regular hours:
- Wednesday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Second Saturday of the Month: 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Can’t make those times? Call (937) 382-4684 to schedule a private appointment.
Don’t miss your chance to own a special piece of Clinton County’s America 250 celebration!
Clinton County History Center America250 Art Contest For Local High School Students
The Clinton County History Center is calling on local high school students to pick up their brushes and pencils to help mark a national milestone.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the center is hosting a themed art competition that asks students in grades 9-12 to reflect on the founding ideals of the United States.
The contest, part of local America250 efforts, focuses on a central question: “Reflecting on America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; what do Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness look like to you?”
Organizers are offering cash prizes for the top three entries: $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.
The competition is open to any student attending a high school in Clinton County. Participants must submit original, two-dimensional artwork no larger than 24 by 24 inches. The center noted that the use of artificial intelligence to create submissions is prohibited.
Entries are due by May 11, 2026. Pieces should be ready to hang, preferably matted or framed, and must be accompanied by a required release form and a brief artist explanation.
Students can submit their work through their high school art teachers, who will coordinate pickups with the historical society. Students needing to make alternative arrangements can contact the history center directly.
The submitted artwork will be displayed at the Clinton County History Center, located at 149 E. Locust St. in Wilmington. The center will host a reception and awards event for students and their families on July 1, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., with winners announced at 7 p.m.
