Carbon County Joins the Nation in Celebrating America 250
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across the country are coming together to honor the people, places, and stories that shaped our nation. Throughout the summer, Carbon County is proud to host a series of America 250 commemorative events celebrating our rich history, western heritage, public lands, and community spirit.
From readings of the Declaration of Independence and living history demonstrations to festivals, rodeo traditions, museums, and outdoor adventures, residents and visitors are invited to take part in this once-in-a-generation celebration.
July 8 | Sharing the Spirit of America
4:00 PM | Saratoga, Elk Mountain, Rawlins & Encampment
The America 250 celebration begins with communities across Carbon County gathering to read the Declaration of Independence. This special event honors the founding principles of our nation while bringing neighbors together in a shared celebration of American history and civic pride.
July 10 | Harvey Field Sky Festival
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Rawlins Carbon County Airport
Experience aviation history and the future of flight at the Harvey Field Sky Festival. Visitors can enjoy aircraft tours, a car show, airport tours, a community cookout, ribbon cutting ceremony, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
July 10 | Wyoming Day Celebration
3:00 PM | Depot Park, Rawlins
Celebrate Wyoming's heritage with food, music, museum experiences, and family fun. The event will also feature a showing of the Journeys to 250 documentary, highlighting the stories and milestones that connect Wyoming to America's semiquincentennial celebration.
July 10–12 | Half-Way Days
Rawlins
Marking the halfway point to America's 250th birthday, Half-Way Days offers three days packed with adventure, community, and history.
- Continental Divide Trail hikes
- Live music
- Meet & greet with author and adventurer Derick Lugo
- Outdoor gear demonstrations
- Vendor marketplace
- Cornhole tournament
- Food and refreshments
- Pancake breakfast
- Car show
- Street dance
- CDT history presentations
- Worship at Depot Park
- Family activities and more
July 10–11 | King Coal Days
Hanna
Celebrate the heritage of Wyoming's historic coal communities during King Coal Days.
- Craft show
- Cornhole tournament
- Community BBQ
- Live music
- Glow Run
- Pancake breakfast
- Parade
- Bingo
- Car show
- 3-on-3 basketball tournament
- Horseshoe tournament
July 11 | Horse Show
Carbon County Fairgrounds | Rawlins
Enjoy an afternoon celebrating Wyoming's equestrian traditions at the Carbon County Fairgrounds Horse Show, showcasing local talent and horsemanship.
July 12 | Gymkhana
Carbon County Fairgrounds | Rawlins
The excitement continues with Gymkhana events featuring speed, skill, and friendly competition in one of Wyoming's most beloved western traditions.
July 24–26 | Sierra Madre Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous
Step back into the era of fur trappers and mountain men during this immersive historical gathering. Visitors can experience demonstrations, period encampments, traditional skills, and living history that bring the early American West to life.
July 25 | Grand Encampment Museum Living History Day
Grand Encampment Museum
History comes alive during Living History Day at the Grand Encampment Museum.
- Premiere of the museum's Semiquincentennial Film
- Land of Abundance: Native Lifeways of the Grand Encampment
This event offers a deeper understanding of the people and cultures that have shaped the region for generations.
August 7 | Wyoming Public Media Photo Contest Reception
Grand Encampment Museum
Join Wyoming Public Media and the Grand Encampment Museum for a special reception celebrating America's 250th birthday through photography, storytelling, and community engagement.
August 22 | Tramway Days: Celebrating 250
Grand Encampment Museum
The summer celebration concludes with Tramway Days, featuring special America 250 programming that highlights the historic transportation systems, industries, and pioneering spirit that helped build Carbon County and the American West.
Celebrate America's Story in Carbon County
America 250 is more than a birthday celebration. It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor the people who came before us, and inspire future generations. From aviation and outdoor recreation to living history and community festivals, Carbon County offers countless ways to participate in this historic milestone.
We invite residents and visitors to join us throughout the summer as we celebrate 250 years of the American story right here in Carbon County, Wyoming.
