Celebrate America’s Birthday During Alton’s 250 on the Mississippi Festival

ALTON - America's 250th birthday celebration is coming to Alton with a three-day festival aptly named "250 on the Mississippi" starting Wednesday, July 1, and culminating with a spectacular fireworks show on Friday, July 3.

Taking place across downtown Alton, the community-wide event will commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial with three days of free entertainment, activities, history, and patriotic festivities along the Mississippi River. Events include a donut eating contest, presentation of an oversized birthday cake, stilt walkers, balloon artist, live music, kids' activities, food trucks, and more.

“250 on the Mississippi is a great way to celebrate our nation’s heritage and the impact Alton had on U.S. history over the last 250 years,” Cory Jobe, President and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, one of the event organizers, said. “We want to highlight the rich American spirit that infuses Alton, and this three-day event is the perfect way to do that. We have joined forces with local community and civic groups to create a fun, free, and celebratory event.”

The party starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 at Haskell Park in Alton’s Middletown neighborhood and near downtown. The event includes a proclamation of Duke Day in Alton from Mayor David Goins as well as the cutting of an oversized birthday cake created by Duke Bakery.

The fun continues until 8 p.m. with a Kids Bike Parade, Tricorn Hat and Sticker Crafts, a kids Donut Hole Eating Contest, an Adult Donut Eating Contest, live music, balloon art, food and drinks, and more.

On Thursday, July 2, the fun moves to Rotary Park in Alton with activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, stilt artists including Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, balloon artists, and crafts for kids. The Alton Godfrey Rotary Club will distribute pocket booklets featuring the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Anyone who has their booklet signed by the Thomas Jefferson re-enactor strolling down Broadway Street in downtown Alton can receive a $2 bill if they bring the signed booklet to the Rotary club booth at the park. Meet Abraham Lincoln and Betsy Ross, who will be accompanying President Jefferson on his Broadway appearance. Locally owned and operated businesses on Broadway will be open throughout the event.

The celebration culminates with Alton’s annual Fireworks on the Mississippi on Friday, July 3. This year the fireworks display will be enhanced in honor of America’s 250th. Enjoy live music from The LustreLights, lawn games, food, and drinks at the Alton Amphitheater from 5 p.m. until the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Event organizers and sponsors include: Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, City of Alton, Alton Parks and Rec, Alton Amphitheater, Duke Bakery, Simmons Hanly Conroy, Carrollton Bank, St. Peters Hardware & Rental, Argosy Casino Alton, Alton Godfrey Business Council, Riverbank Marketing, Chick Fritz, Dynagraphic Printing, Pride, Inc., Middletown Neighbors Group, Alton Godfrey Rotary, Alton Marina, and Lucy Haskell Playhouse.

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has created a commemorative T-shirt for the 250 on the Mississippi celebration. The shirts are available for sale at the Alton Visitors Center, 200 Piasa St., and will be purchased during events at Haskell Park and Rotary Park. These limited-edition shirts are $20 each.

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