SHALIMAR, Fla. — The Okaloosa County America 250 Commission has begun year-long planning efforts for a series of events in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, according to the Commission.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The Commission held its first meeting on February 5 in Shalimar to discuss and plan anniversary events intended to encourage residents across Okaloosa County to engage in what organizers describe as a historic national milestone.
Commissioners attending the first meeting included representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, Florida State America 250 Commission, the Florida Historical Commission, the Okaloosa County School District, area Chambers of Commerce, the Okaloosa League of Cities, local U.S. military bases, Scouting America NW Florida, the Billy Bowlegs Association, first responders, and five at-large appointees of the Okaloosa County Commission. Community volunteers interested in serving as support staff were also in attendance.
“We have a rich history that deserves to be recognized both nationally and in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa America 250 Commission Chairman Graham Fountain.
“We can all come together, pause and reflect on the contributions made by our patriot ancestors who fought and died to create our great republic and those many heroes that continue to make the United States of America a true example of freedom throughout the next 250 years.”
Niceville.com Community Partner
The Commission said it will identify, schedule, and co-sponsor events throughout the 2026 celebration year, with additional events expected to be added and adjusted during the planning process.
Events currently being planned include:
- February 20 — The All Sports Association will introduce a new Military Award honoring Patriots and acknowledging America 250.
- February 28 — The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host “A Heroes Dinner” honoring military members. For tickets, organizers directed residents to contact the chamber at 850-244-8192.
- March 23 — United for a Good Cause will host an America250! International Festival.
- May 9 — Patriots Day in downtown Crestview featuring a grand parade and an America 250 celebration at the courthouse.
- June 12 — A patriotic drone show from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, along with a community tailgate at Freedom Tech Center and the Fairgrounds.
- June 12 — A gala hosted by the Choctawhatchee Bay DAR at the Rigdon Center following the drone show. The event is open to ticket holders.
- July 4 — America250! fireworks hosted by local municipalities.
- October — The Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to organize a “Remember 9/11” event with a Patriots focus.
- November 11 — A Veterans Day program at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island at 9 a.m., an 11 a.m. ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery, and a 1 p.m. Veterans Day Parade in Mary Esther.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Vice Chairman Mitzi Henley encouraged participants to embrace the historical theme of the celebration.
“Part of the fun in paying tribute to the colonial/continental period of our history is learning more about our founders and ancestors and dressing in period attire at America 250 events,” said Ms Henley.
The Commission encourages attendees and participants to wear colonial or continental attire, including civilian clothing, colonial military uniforms, dresses, tricorn hats, and bonnets, to help set the “spirit of 1776” at events.
Organizations wishing to have events posted and advertised publicly are directed to follow submission instructions on the official Okaloosa America 250 website at getthecoast.com/America250.
The Commission also encourages organizations to add @OkaloosaCountyAmerica250 as a co-host on Facebook and to submit photos, flyers, logos, and other assets through the Commission’s designated submission link.
Niceville.com Community Partner
