250 on the Mississippi - Downtown Alton

Enjoy a variety of activities in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday at the 250 on the Mississippi celebration in Alton! This multiday event features three days of family friendly fun at iconic locations in downtown Alton, all leading up to a spectacular finale of Fireworks on the Mississippi at the Alton Amphitheater on July 3.
Grab a bite to eat, wear your red, white and blue, and celebrate the Fourth of July with fun for the whole family.
Event highlights:
Wednesday, July 1 | Haskell Park (4-8 p.m.)
• 4 p.m. - Alton Mayor to proclaim July 1 as Duke Day to honor Duke Bakery.
• 4 – 8 p.m. - Enjoy live music from Sheafor and Simes throughout the evening.
• 4 – 8 p.m. - Family-friendly activities available throughout the event, including a balloon artist, face painting, food trucks, and more.
• 5 p.m. - Kids Bike Parade led by the Middletown Neighbors Group. Children are encouraged to bring and decorate their bikes before parading around the park sidewalks.
• 6 p.m. - Kids Donut Hole Eating Contest featuring donuts holes from Duke Bakery.
• 7 p.m. - Adult Donut Eating Contest featuring donuts from Duke Bakery.
• Sticker Crafts and Interactive Easel hosted by Pride Inc.. Kids can color stickers, decorate cardboard garbage cans, and share messages about their favorite Alton-area parks.
• Tricorn Hat Crafts hosted by Friends of Lucy Haskell Playhouse. Children and adults can create and decorate Revolutionary War-inspired tricorn hats inside the playhouse. Supplies provided free of charge.
Thursday, July 2 | Alton Godfrey Rotary Park (4-7 p.m.)
• 4 - 7 p.m. - Meet Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty on stilts, Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln impersonators, plus a balloon artist bringing patriotic fun throughout the park and along Broadway!
• 4 - 7 p.m. - Enjoy live entertainment from American Jackals throughout the evening.
• Stop by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary booth to pick up your pocket booklet of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have it signed by the Thomas Jefferson impersonator, and receive a special prize from the Rotary Club!
• Sticker Crafts and Interactive Easel hosted by Pride Inc.. Kids can color stickers, decorate cardboard garbage cans, and leave messages about their favorite Alton-area parks.
• Activities for kids, along with food and drink vendors, will be available during the celebration.