June 29 – A quick search for the United States Semi quincentennial—also known as America 250—may say it “commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.” That isn’t entirely accurate.

On July 4, 1776, sixty members of the Second Continental Congress that represented the thirteen original colonies met in Philadelphia to vote on and adopt the Declaration of Independence document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson. Most delegates did not begin signing it until August 2, and Thomas Thornton of New Hampshire was the last to sign, in November 1776. In all, 56 delegates signed the Declaration, while four refused—three from New York and one from Pennsylvania. So now that you are fully prepared for any Jeopardy questions let’s talk about what celebrations are happening locally.

The Town of Highland is hosting an old-fashioned Block Party in Eldred on Sunday, July 19, from noon to 9 p.m. The event is part of Patriots Weekend, which runs Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, at Minisink Battleground Park in Minisink Ford. I’ll share more about the Battleground Park events next week. The Block Party will take place around Eldred’s four corners, mainly along Route 55 and will feature three main attractions: activities and exhibits, live music and entertainment, and food and drinks.

At Hall Space Gallery, 550 Route 55, Nona Hall will host an America 250 Art Show from noon to 7 p.m. Sullivan Public, 16 Proctor Road, will offer a “Build an American Flag” craft event from noon to 4 p.m. The Highland Ambulance Service, 6 Proctor Road next to Town Hall, will hold a dunk tank fundraiser with Chris Tambini and staff. Highland Lake Ambulance will present a river rescue demonstration at Town Hall, 4 Proctor Road. The Yulan Fire Department will host a Touch-a-Truck event at Town Hall. The Corner Shop, 577 Route 55, will feature a classic car show, Ruth’s Face Painting will offer patriotic designs, along with carnival-style lawn games and prizes. The 1976 Time Capsule, once buried in a beer keg at Minisink Battleground, has been turned into an exhibition and will be on display during the Block Party at the newly renovated Highland Town Hall from noon to 8 p.m.

Entertainment will include five live bands performing at various locations along the block, along with a 5 p.m. talk by County Historian John Conway at the Hall Space Gallery tent. Food options will be exceptional. The Corner and the Pizza Piazza will offer pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian ices, snow cones, apple pie, and ice cream. Monteleone Farm and Gardens will serve sausages and peppers and music by DJ Johnny Devito on the Garden’s Patio. Peck’s Market will be serving fresh sandwiches and prepared food and desserts. The Outside Institute will make forest-foraged cocktails at Hall Space from 4 to 6 p.m. Nikki C’s Seafood will serve summertime favorites, including lobster rolls oyster shooters, on the Sunshine Hall Library deck. Tokyo Drift 555 Japanese Restaurant, which has not yet opened, will preview its yakitori, or Japanese barbecue, next door at the Hall Space Gallery tent.

The Block Party will conclude at 8:30 p.m. with a spectacular America 250 Light Show at Monteleone Gardens. Route 55 will be closed to traffic, making it easy to walk around and enjoy the festivities. For more information and schedule of events, go to townofhighlandny.gov.