#americas250th

[stepgabriellahtx]

Cheers to 250 years of freedom. 🇺🇸❤️ Happy Birthday America! 🎊🥳

[ledenews]

America's 250th - Main Street to Mountains: A Wheeling Portrait

Main Street to Mountains: A Wheeling Portrait is a community-driven plein air art experience and juried exhibition created specifically for Wheeling’s America 250 celebration. On June 20, artists of all skill levels will gather at designated locations throughout the city to paint and capture the landscapes, people, architecture, and character that make Wheeling unique. Those works, along with additional public submissions, will be featured in a juried exhibition at the Artisan Center, and will remain on display through the summer.

This project gives people a personal and creative way to connect local identity with a national milestone. It supports working artists, invites broad public participation, and creates a welcoming, visible cultural experience as part of Wheeling’s 250th celebration.

Plein Air Art Experience

June 20, 2026

Artists can register below to paint live throughout Wheeling at locations such as Heritage Port, Centre Market, Wheeling Park, and Oglebay.

Artist Info & Registration

Registration is open April 1 – June 5 and costs $25 (includes box lunch). All plein air works are eligible for the juried exhibition and awards.

Public Invitation:

Come downtown on June 20 and watch artists painting across the city in real time. Visit the info tent at Heritage Port from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. for maps of artist locations and explore Wheeling through art.

Photo by Scott McCloskey/The Intelligencer

Juried Gallery Exhibition

Opening Reception: July 2, 2026 Exhibition Dates: July 2 – August 31

This is an open call for artists to submit work for inclusion in the summer exhibition. Selected works from both the plein air event and open call will be featured. Accepted mediums include paint, mixed media, and sculpture.

Artist Info & Application

Applications are open April 1 – June 5. The application fee is $10.

Opening Reception

The opening reception will be at the Wheeling Artisan Center on July 2. It is free and open to the public and includes award announcements, artist meet-and-greets, and a first look at the exhibition.

All artwork sales go 100% to the artist.

Award Categories: Best of Show – $500 2nd Place – $250 Honorable Mention – $25 People’s Choice

[ledenews]

Oglebay Celebrates America 250 with Salute to Patriotism Weekend July 3-5

Community Bank and Schenk Lake Charitable Trust Present Three Days of Patriotic Fun WHEELING, W.Va. — Oglebay invites families and visitors from across the region to celebrate America's 250th anniversary during Salute to Patriotism, a three-day holiday weekend filled with fireworks, live entertainment, family activities, patriotic experiences, and summertime fun from July 3-5. Presented by Community Bank and the Schenk Lake Charitable Trust, Salute to Patriotism transforms Oglebay into a destination for all-American celebration, bringing together friends, families, and visitors for one of the Ohio Valley's most anticipated summer traditions. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy lakeside festivities, poolside entertainment, live music, family-friendly activities, classic summer food and an unforgettable fireworks display over Schenk Lake. "Salute to Patriotism is a celebration of the values that bring us together as Americans and as a community," said Bob Peckenpaugh, President and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. "As our nation commemorates America 250, we're excited to welcome families to Oglebay to create memories, honor our shared history and celebrate the spirit of freedom that has defined our country for 250 years.” Community Bank returns as presenting sponsor of the event, helping enhance the guest experience and support a weekend designed to bring generations together. "Community Bank is proud to be part of a tradition that means so much to families throughout the Ohio Valley," said Jon Greer, Community Bank SVP Regional President of Wheeling/Ohio Valley. "Salute to Patriotism creates opportunities for people to gather, celebrate our nation's heritage and make lasting memories with loved ones. We are honored to support this exciting community tradition and help make this America 250 celebration one to remember." Salute to Patriotism Weekend Schedule Friday, July 3 – Lakeside Celebration & Fireworks Location: Schenk Lake 3-6:30 PM – Live Music with DJ Daner 3-9 PM – Inflatable Fun Zone 5 PM – Americana Skydiving Demonstration 6-8 PM – Foam Party 7 PM – Independence Day Concert featuring MSM 9:45 PM – Fireworks Extravaganza over Schenk Lake Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration Oglebay Park Resort 10 AM – Firecracker 5K Run/Walk 12-5 PM – All-American Pool Party at Crispin Center Outdoor Pool featuring live music, a poolside BBQ and family friendly activities. 12-4 PM – Inflatable Fun Zone at Schenk Lake Sunday, July 5 – Parkwide Fun and Sunday Funday Americana Beach Celebration Oglebay Park Resort | Oglebay Amphitheater 12-4 PM – Inflatable Fun Zone at Schenk Lake 4:30 PM – Sunday Funday Americana Beach Celebration 4:30 PM – Live Steel Drum Music in the Formal Gardens 6 PM – Games and competitions including: Hot Dog Eating Contest, Hula Hoop Competition and Beach-themed Games and Activities 7 PM – Surfs Up Beach Boys Tribute Band While Salute to Patriotism serves as the signature holiday weekend celebration, it is only one part of Oglebay and Wheeling Park's broader America 250 initiative. Additional commemorative events throughout the summer will honor the nation's semiquincentennial through community gatherings, entertainment, educational experiences and opportunities to celebrate the people, stories and spirit that have shaped America over the past 250 years. For a complete schedule of events and more information, visit oglebay.com. Read the full article

[ledenews]

National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe Named Freedom 250: Hometown Hero by U.S. Attorney

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey is proud to announce that Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe has been awarded the inaugural Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award sponsored by the Department of Justice in honor of America’s 250th birthday. In a ceremony today, United States Attorney Matthew Harvey awarded WV Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe the Hometown Hero Award at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. On November 26, 2025, WV Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Wolfe, and his partner U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, were bravely policing the nation’s capital when an Afghan national committed an ambush-style shooting of both West Virginia Guardsmen.  Staff Sergeant Wolfe is a resident of the Northern District of West Virginia during the time of the shooting.  Staff Sergeant Wolfe survived his injuries and continues to recover in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  SPC Beckstrom sadly succumbed to her injuries she sustained while on duty.  On February 24, 2026, President Donald J. Trump awarded Staff Sergeant Wolfe the Purple Heart and posthumously awarded SPC Beckstrom the Purple Heart. “As we honor Staff Sergeant Wolfe, we recognize his bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “There is no person more deserving to be celebrated during this 250th anniversary of our freedom as the United States of America.” The Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award was created in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The Department of Justice is proud to honor law enforcement across the country with recognition of the extraordinary service to their fellow citizens. Read the full article

[ledenews]

Wheeling Police Reminding Residents of City's Fireworks Ordinance

Reminder: Any firework that propels into the air that is combustible or explosive, flammable, or audible is illegal to use in the City of Wheeling. This includes bottle & skyrockets, roman candles, and sky lanterns. In other areas of West Virginia, including outside Wheeling's city limits in Ohio County, the regulations are listed below: West Virginia’s State Fire Marshal provides the following guidelines: A person may not intentionally ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks on public or private property without the express permission of the owner to do so. A person may not intentionally ignite or discharge any consumer fireworks or sparkling devices within or throw the same from a motor vehicle or building. A person may not intentionally ignite or discharge any consumer fireworks or sparkling devices into or at a motor vehicle or building, or at any person or group of people. A person may not intentionally ignite or discharge any consumer fireworks or sparkling devices while the person is under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance or any other drug. A person who is less than eighteen years of age may not purchase, nor offer for sale, consumer fireworks. A person who is less than sixteen years of age may not purchase, nor offer for sale, sparker or novelty devices. Read the full article

[ledenews]

An OPEN LETTER to … Those Underwhelmed with America’s 250th …

Dear Fellow Americans: We’re not sure if everyone realizes it, but the nation will soon celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Oh, you know? Well, good, but it’s been hard to tell because it just doesn’t seem as if everyone is as excited as they were when the country celebrated its Bicentennial back when we were kids. That’s when the Flag flew everywhere, each storefront was decorated in red, white, and blue, and local Gen Xers have memories of Americans being proud citizens of our country. But is that still the case? It’s an honest question because it doesn’t seem as if everyone is excited. Is it because life is too busy these days? Or is it because of today’s politics? Ya know, you despise the President, or the other political party, and the division in the country is OK with you because you want no parts of what’s happening on the other side of the aisle? Is that why you’ve decided to sit out this one? Well, do you realize our country had issues back then, too? So, on July 4th, 1976, U.S. citizens were still reeling from a Republican U.S. president resigning because of the Watergate scandal, and then from his replacement surviving not one – BUT TWO – assassination attempts in the Summer of 1975. So yeah, there was political turmoil, alright, but the big Bicentennial birthday was celebrated in every big way you can imagine as the party took place here and everywhere across the country. And it made an impression on us – the children of the time – that’s lasted a lifetime. We just hope today’s kids are as impressed as we were then. God bless America. Sincerely, Your American Neighbors https://ledenews.com/novotney-i-swear-someone-dove-off-of-the-suspension-bridge-on-the-fourth-of-july/ Read the full article

[ledenews]

Oglebay Preparing for America's 250th Celebration

Stars, Stripes & Summer Traditions Celebrating Independence Day at Oglebay Park Resort is a cherished tradition for many families. Join us July 3–5 for Salute to Patriotism, presented by Community Bank and the Schenk Charitable Trust. This three-day celebration features patriotic traditions, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and spectacular fireworks. As part of Oglebay's America 250 Celebration, this special weekend honors our nation's past while creating new memories for future generations. Gather your family, celebrate the spirit of America, and experience three days of red, white, and blue fun surrounded by the beauty of Oglebay. Plan Your Weekend

[djkhomes]

DJK Custom Homes can’t wait to celebrate the upcoming 250th birthday of the nation we’re proud to call home! 🇺🇸 • •