The City of Chandler is gearing up for a sizeable bash in 2026, marking America's 250th birthday with a full year of festivities. Starting in January next year, Chandler's Celebration of America will unfurl a tapestry of themed events that intend to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence with both education and verve.
As per an announcement from city officials, a key feature of these observances will be "27 Flags: Our History Through the Stars and Stripes," a sweeping citywide exhibit. Each of the 27 versions of Old Glory will provide a visual timeline of the nation's past, complete with historical insights, courtesy of the folks over at the Chandler Museum. The declaration festivities commence with their debut at the Chandler Multicultural Festival on Jan. 17 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, followed closely by an appearance at the State of the City come Feb. 12 at Chandler Center for the Arts. Starting Feb. 13, the flags will take up residence across 14 posts throughout Chandler, including libraries and the Chandler Museum.
The city is going all out to entice locals to engage with the anniversary and its wealth of backstory by launching the Red, White, & Blue Pass. This gratis digital offering, reachable at America 250, dishes out a full plate of activities, programs, and events for Chandler's citizens to dig into. Pass holders can rack up points as they check into events using a QR code and eventually turn those points into celebratory swag.
Across the expanse of the year, Chandler's anniversary calendar promises a wealth of participatory events for residents and visitors alike. The 250 Laps/25 Mile Run Challenge is set to get hearts racing in January, inviting participants to circle the indoor track at Tumbleweed Recreation Center or traverse Tumbleweed Park on foot for their choice of 250 laps or 25 miles. For those who favor nets and volleys, Patriotic Pickleball is serving up an event on Feb. 13 where enthusiasts are encouraged to don their star-spangled best. Meanwhile, Chandler Aquatics will host a quarterly Lap Swim Challenge - Swim 250, where water warriors can choose to tackle either 250 laps, 250 minutes, or a daunting 250 miles in the drink.
There's a promise of even more events being added to the roster as the year unfolds. Those keen on staying looped in on the celebratory happenings and snapping up that Red, White, & Blue Pass should head over to the official Chandler America 250 website. The wind of history will catch those flags, but it's up to the people to keep the spirit alive with every step, stroke, and swing toward the 250th anniversary of these United States.
