West Orange ready to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

Horizon West’s Kevin Kelly grew up in Boston celebrating Flag Day every year. The childhood memories sparked an idea for Hamlin to host its first parade in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4. 

“When I moved to Horizon West, I knew this was the kind of community where we could create something just as meaningful, something families could look forward to for years to come,” Kelly said. 

Hamlin will host The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade, just one of the festivities in West Orange County to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The parade is a free, family-friendly event taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20. 

Thanks to community advocate Austin Arthur, local organizations, Horizon West Happenings and Hamlin, Kelly’s idea now is coming to fruition. 

“It’s incredibly important for communities like ours to come together as Americans, and while our focus is here in West Orange, this is something every community in the country should be doing,” Arthur said. “Ever since I was a kid, I was drawn to American history, so to be living in a time where we are celebrating 250 years of this country and to play a small role in honoring that, is something I don’t take lightly — it is a blessing to have the chance.” 

Check-in, vendors and activities open to the public at 9 a.m.

From 10 to 10:30 a.m., a patriotic ceremony will take place featuring the Horizon West American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

From 10:30 to 11 a.m., a 1-mile American flag walk will take place. 

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees will enjoy more festivities, vendors, food trucks, kids activities and a live band. 

The event is dedicated to honoring the official United States flags throughout history. 

Two of the most meaningful moments of the event will be the dedication of a new American flagpole in Hamlin, as well the burial of a community time capsule that will be opened in 50 years for America’s 300th anniversary. 

“For years, I have hoped to create something truly meaningful for America’s 250th anniversary here at Hamlin,” said Heather Easterling, event director and public relations for Hamlin. “This event is that moment, bringing together community, history and patriotism in a way that will leave a lasting legacy through the flagpole and the time capsule.” 

Her hope is to make this event an annual tradition.

Proceeds from The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade will support programs serving local veterans through the Horizon West American Legion Post 419. 

All attendees will receive a complimentary handheld American flag, encouraging community members to continue to display their patriotism. 

“I hope attendees take away a feeling of unity,” Arthur said. “I hope they look around at the event and see many different types of people, all walks of life, all backgrounds, all income levels, and they look and say, ‘Wow, we really are one.’ I think our community can benefit from that kind of unity, and that’s really what it’s all about.” 

To register for the free walk, become a sponsor or learn more, visit hamlinflagparade.com.

WINTER GARDEN

The Hamlin parade is just one of several events taking place in the community.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is hosting a variety of exhibits and events in commemoration of America’s founding.

Through Friday, July 31, Winter Garden residents are invited to the Winter Garden Heritage Museum to add their names and heartfelt messages to a giant birthday card to America, which will be preserved as a living time capsule in the foundation’s permanent archive. 

On top of that, residents now can visit the “America 250: Patriotism on Plant St.” exhibit in the museum. 

Through Friday, July 31, visitors will explore the origins of the country and how stories of America’s revolution have echoed in West Orange County for more than a century, through photos and artifacts. 

At Winter Garden City Hall, the “Winter Garden Americana: A Look Back” also is on display through Tuesday, June 30. The exhibit looks back at earlier years of Winter Garden from the lenses of photographer Peter Schreyer. 

At the Central Florida Railroad Museum, the “Celebrating 250 Years of American Railroads” exhibit, which will be open from Tuesday, May 19, to Saturday, Sept. 26, will feature railroads through American history.

The SOBO Art Gallery also is celebrating with its art exhibition, “America 250: Art & Identity.” It will open to the public Tuesday, June 2. The gallery currently is accepting submissions. 

On Friday, July 3, the city will host Red, White & Blues on the Plaza, kicking off celebrations for the day ahead. 

The Big Ron Betts Trio will take the stage, combining blues, rock, soul, pop and funk. 

Saturday, July 4, will be a big day for Winter Garden, with several events planned.

From 8 to 10:30 a.m., the 2026 All American Kids Parade & Breakfast will take place at the Masonic Lodge No. 165. 

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Winter Garden Farmers Market Independence Day Celebration: America 250, will take place. There will be live music; a craft-making station; red, white and blue snow cones; and more. 

From 6 to 10 p.m., the city of Winter Garden will host its Party in the Park event, which will include live music, games and activities, food trucks, vendors, and will end with a firework show. 

To conclude celebrations, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host “Patriotism on Plant: A Musical Journey Celebrating America’s 250th,” Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, at the Garden Theatre. 

Opera Orlando will lead the performance. 

According to WGHF, “this special performance traces the American story through song and cinematic imagery, weaving together patriotic music with historical film spanning the decades. From the earliest days of our republic through the moments that defined each generation, audiences will experience America’s journey as only live performance can tell it.” 

Veterans also will be recognized during the performance, something Arthur wanted to do as chairman of Challenge 22 to End Veteran Suicide. 

“The goal is to recognize their service and bring awareness to the mission, while keeping the overall tone of the event positive and aligned with the celebration,” he said.