Celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary are continuing in Foley this summer with patriotic events, performances and community activities planned throughout the city.
The city helped launch its ongoing America 250 celebration during Foley’s Music and a Movie event on Friday, May 22. Dozens of line dancers, including participants from the Foley Senior Center, performed patriotic-themed dances while waving American flags.
Additional events are planned throughout the summer as Foley joins communities across the nation in recognizing the semiquincentennial of the United States.
The Baldwin Pops will present a patriotic concert at Heritage Park on Saturday, May 31. The free outdoor performance begins at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the concert.
The Foley Railroad Museum will also begin its summer Event Train schedule on Tuesday, May 26, featuring living history interpreters dressed as soldiers from the American Revolution. The train will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
On Event Train days, the museum will host an American Revolution-themed scavenger hunt. Participants can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the Model Train Exhibit and search for hidden items throughout both the exhibit and the museum.
The first 250 guests to successfully complete the scavenger hunt will receive a commemorative pin. Visitors can also leave messages on the museum’s America 250 Visitor Response Wall reflecting on the nation’s anniversary.
The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary during its annual Corn Festival on Saturday, June 20.
This year’s corn-eating contest will feature a patriotic theme, with contestants racing to eat two ears of white corn, five slices of red watermelon and a cup of blueberries. The contestant who finishes first will win the competition. The event will also feature a new children’s division this year.
The festival will continue its annual Corny Dad Cook-Off, in which three fathers create signature dishes featuring corn. Visitors will sample the dishes and vote for their favorite. Each voting ticket will include a miniature American flag.
As part of the celebration, Foley is also planting 250 trees throughout the city. Crews recently planted oak trees at the new Public Works Campus and along the renovated section of South Chicago Street near the site of the new Foley Public Library. Additional trees will be planted during the year.
Leading up to Independence Day, Foley will also place at least 250 American flags and patriotic bunting throughout the city. Residents are encouraged to participate by displaying flags and patriotic decorations at their homes and businesses.
Additional America 250 events are also in development, including a planned Flags of Freedom self-guided tour at Graham Creek Nature Preserve and a laser light show later this summer.