The Fourth of July has always been full of pageantry and spectacles to celebrate our country’s birthday. And now to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, Silver City is not short on true down-home community Independence Day events.
The annual Fourth of July parade and Celebrating Freedom event at Gough Park are planned by the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce. Silver City Museum will hold its 42nd annual Ice Cream Social. And many events have been coordinated by the local DAR chapter.
In February, local Jacob Bennett DAR Chapter, attending in full colonial dress, accepted the proclamation, “America 250,” by Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith. The proclamation states “that the town of Silver City will fully engage in commemorative activities leading up to and through July 4, 2026, and urged all community members to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by coordinating commemorative events, planning historical activities, creating new educational opportunities, and seeking opportunities for historic preservation. The town of Silver City has pledged to uplift, support, and generate commemorative opportunities.”
America 250 banners will line the downtown streets.
Start the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3, with the Silver City Art Association Independence Day First Friday. While visiting the downtown galleries grab a photo op with Uncle Sam. There will be music in the street, activities, receptions, pop-up pizza and art, art, art.
Saturday, July 4 activities start or will take place at Gough Park, beginning with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. Promptly at 9 a.m. there will be a great flag presentation and the national anthem to start the festivities.
The 250th Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m., traveling from Gough Park, down Pope Street to Bullard Street and returning to Gough Park via Hudson Street.
The grand marshal of the Fourth of July Parade will be the DAR chapter walking in full period costumes. The streets will be lined up to enjoy this family-friendly, vibrant showcase of local spirit, tradition and celebration. Parade categories include floats, decorated vehicles both motorized and non-motorized, equestrians, organizations, veterans’ groups, schools, as well as public safety all celebrating community, heritage and civic pride.
As the parade returns to Gough Park the Celebrating Freedom event kicks off with live music, local vendors, great food, and family-friendly activities. The Gough Park bandstand will host fabulous music.
Local favorite, The Illusion Band, features a variety of music from Tejano, Spanish Country, and Blues Oldies. And from Dallas, The Redwine Band “puts on an energetic show, and always encourages the crowd to get in on the fun” playing Texas country and Top 40 covers! Bring your chairs or relax on the park’s cushiony grass.
The America 250 birthday bash would not be complete without the Silver City Museum’s Ice Cream Social. This year the museum will celebrate the 42nd annual event.
“For over four decades, the Silver City Museum's annual Ice Cream Social has served as one of our community's most beloved traditions,” the museum says. “What began as a simple gathering to celebrate America's birthday has evolved into a cornerstone event that brings together families, neighbors, and visitors from across the region. This event not only supports the museum's mission but has become an integral part of Silver City's cultural fabric.”
The social takes place in the courtyard of the museum’s historic Ailmann House. The Ice Cream Social offers not only ice cream treats but also kids activities, craft and food vendors and live entertainment. Watch for the debut of the Living History Reenactment characters as they stroll throughout the Ice Cream Social. You might get to meet Billy the Kid himself. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum’s current exhibitions and gift shop.
The Silver City Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has been commemorating America’s upcoming birthday with the DAR America 250, “In the Spirit of 1776,” note-writing campaign. One-thousand seven-hundred-seventy-six collected notes will be enclosed in the “message-in-a-bottle” time capsule. The time capsule will be opened in 50 years during Silver City’s tricentennial on July 4, 2076.
“It could be a quote from a founding father or U.S. president, a song verse, scripture, what you love about America that you hope for others in the future, a blessing, or simply a warm wish,” said chapter regent, Lucy Whitmarsh, regarding the content of the notes.
And remember, even though you may not be at Silver City’s tricentennial celebration on July 4, 2076, your words can be. You never know when your words will inspire someone or warm their heart.”
The DAR chapter joined in the celebration at the Wild West Rodeo opening ceremony. The DAR and America 250 flags flew proudly as mounted horses ran into the arena. In May the Jacob Bennett chapter dedicated the Revolutionary War Patriots Marker at the gazebo in Gough Park during an America 250 event. The Liberty Tree dedication at the Visitor Center was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club and the DAR.
For all of the Silver City America 250 visit www.visitsilvercity.org.
