ELDRED — Music, history, food and family activities will fill the hamlet of Eldred on Sunday, July 19, as the Town of Highland hosts a daylong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Festivities begin at noon with a downtown block party and continue through the evening, culminating in a patriotic procession representing all 50 states, a tribute to veterans and an America 250 light show at 8:30 p.m.

One of the day’s featured attractions will be a special exhibit showcasing items recovered from Highland’s 1976 Bicentennial time capsule. Although many of the contents sustained water damage during the past 50 years, officials said numerous family cards, photographs and memorabilia were preserved and will be displayed. Family members will also have the opportunity to reclaim surviving items.

Residents will also be invited to contribute to a new 2026 time capsule, which organizers hope will be opened during the nation’s tricentennial celebration in 2076.

Live entertainment and presentations will take place throughout the day on multiple stages. Scheduled performers and presenters include the River Ramblers, the Basic Bitches, Mike Edison and Heavy Friends, Electric Chords, Sullivan County Historian John Conway and the Little Big Band before the evening light show.

During Tuesday night’s Town of Highland board meeting, organizer Lou Monteleone described the evening’s patriotic finale as a procession featuring volunteers representing each of the 50 states. Participants will carry placards bearing the names of the states through Monteleone Gardens, culminating in a tribute to veterans before the light show begins.

Families will find activities throughout the hamlet, including a Yulan Fire Department touch-a-truck, a river rescue demonstration, face painting, lawn games, an Americana art exhibit and children’s programming at the Highland Free Library.

The Highland Ambulance Service will also host a dunk tank fundraiser, with Supervisor John Pizzolato volunteering to take a turn in the tank.

State Route 55 will be closed to through traffic from Proctor Road in Eldred to Route 97 in Barryville from noon to 9 p.m. General parking will be available at Eldred Central School, while accessible parking will be available at Peck’s Market. Town officials said golf carts will be available to assist elderly residents and others with mobility challenges between activity locations.

Officials encouraged residents and visitors to spend the day exploring local businesses, community organizations, exhibits and vendors.