America 250 McDowell County, N.C.

07/31/2026

07/03/2026

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, make sure you stay in the loop about upcoming events!!

🔹June 26th-July 4th: Gather your friends and family to take a commemorative photo at the America 250 Community Selfie Stations located at the city stage in Marion or the gazebo in Old Fort. Tag your pictures with

🔹Friday, July 3rd: Visit the Mountain Gateway Museum or Destination McDowell during Pioneer Day and get your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! 10 am till 4 pm!

🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit the Old Fort Independence Day Parade and find the America 250 booth! Snag your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last) from 3:30 pm till 4:00 pm!

🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit Marion's Independence Day Celebration! Find the America 250 booth to pick up your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! We'll be in Marion from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm! Mayor Little will do a reading from the Declaration of Independence at 6:30 pm, followed by live music!!

07/01/2026

Come to the museum for pre-parade refreshments on July 4! We'll be giving out free watermelon and cold drinks from 2-4pm before the parade starts. Our new traveling America 250 NC exhibit "Forging a Nation: The American Revolution & the Path to Independence" will be on display. Come celebrate the 4th with us!

07/01/2026

“Getting the posters designed and printed has been a huge challenge. A lot of folks contributed to the effort, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”

07/01/2026

🎆 Selfie Stations 🎆

Selfie Stations are set up at City Stage in Marion and the gazebo in Old Fort!! These Selfie Stations will be open to the public at both locations until after the July 4th events!! Thanks to NC Cooperative Extension- McDowell County Center for sharing their photo!

Share your photos using and or record your wishes for the future to be included in the Beyond1842 Community Archive! Scan the QR code on the Beyond1842 brochures located at each station or tag to add your videos and photos to this amazing online archive!!

🔍Looking for more information about the Community Archive? Check out beyond1842.org

06/25/2026

We have a gift for YOU!!!

🔹Friday, July 3rd: Visit the Mountain Gateway Museum or Destination McDowell during Pioneer Day and get your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! 10 am till 4 pm!

🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit the Old Fort Independence Day Parade and find the America 250 booth! Snag your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last) from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm!

🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit Marion's Independence Day Celebration! Find the America 250 booth to pick up your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! We'll be in Marion from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm!

06/24/2026

A little extra fun at the Fourth Friday event this week!

The America 250 Community Selfie Station will be set up at the City Stage area, giving you a chance to snap a commemorative photo while enjoying Fourth Fridays in downtown Marion.

Join us Friday, June 26, from 6:30–9:00 PM for live music from JB & The 70s, food from Mama T’s Rolling Snack Shack, Wicked Good Pretzels, and The Scream Ice Cream, plus drinks and downtown shopping and dining in Marion’s social district.

The selfie station is part of McDowell County's America 250 celebration and will remain available through July 4. Share your photos using and .

06/24/2026

🎆We have exciting news!!🎆

The 250th Selfie Station will be set up THIS FRIDAY at City Stage in Marion and the gazebo in Old Fort!! Starting June 26th, these Selfie Stations will be open to the public at both locations until after the July 4th events!!

Have a little extra fun at the Fourth Friday event this week in Marion! Snap a commemorative photo while enjoying Fourth Fridays in downtown Marion.

On Friday, June 26, from 6:30–9:00 PM, live music from JB & The 70s, food from Mama T’s Rolling Snack Shack, Wicked Good Pretzels, and The Scream Ice Cream, plus drinks and downtown shopping and dining in Marion’s social district.

Share your photos using and .