America 250 Events
Juneteenth Celebration at Lyles Station Historic School and Museum June 13, 2026
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with the America 250 Juneteenth Celebration at the historic Lyles Station Historic School and Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event will feature presentations on African-American history, Civil War veteran Cato Powell, living history reenactors, music, food, and a special preview of Indiana’s America 250 Traveling Lantern as part of the Daughters of the American Revolution Lantern Relay. There will also be interactive educational fun for children with Mudpuppy Palace. For just $10, kids can explore and learn through hands-on activities while celebrating the rich history and culture of the community. Guests can enjoy delicious food from Tim’s Awesome BBQ.
Oakland City America 250 Celebration June 27, 2026
Oakland City will celebrate the 250th Birthday of America with a bang! Enjoy a firework show over the golf course. Wirth Park will have food trucks, bounce houses, and other activities for the public to enjoy. Food trucks will be stationed at the park.
Headlining the entertainment will be The Duke Boys and The Ultimate Smokey & the Bandit Tribute Experience, featuring Bandit, Buford T. Justice, Junior, Georgia Trooper, and iconic vehicles including the Trans Am, Sheriff’s LeMans, and Georgia State Patrol car. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the golf course at dark. Firework show starts at dark.
Celebrate America 250 and Gibson County
The 250th Celebration Parade July 4, 2026
Join us as the Chamber of Commerce proudly presents The 250th Celebration Parade – a community celebration honoring 250 years of American history, innovation, and unity.
This special parade will feature local businesses, civic groups, historical displays, youth organizations, first responders, veterans, and creative floats that showcase our community’s spirit.
Together, we’ll celebrate our heritage while highlighting the people and businesses who help Gibson County thrive.
Hot Air Balloon Rides July 4, 2026
Gibson County is taking America’s 250th celebration to new heights!
Join us July 4, 2026, as The Tim Mason Team brings the RE/MAX hot air balloon to Princeton for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day experience! Enjoy tethered rides at Farm Ten 63 and be part of this unforgettable milestone celebration.
More fun details coming soon—stay tuned!
170th Gibson County Fair July 4-11, 2026
The 170th Gibson County Fair kicks off in a big way on Saturday, July 4, 2026. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the fair will feature a free gate on opening day. That’s right, no entry fee! So, you can bring the family out to the fairgrounds beginning at 1pm, then stay for the enhanced 4th of July fireworks show.
Aaron Tippin Headlines the Gibson County Fair July 10, 2026
The Gibson County Fair, known for its long-standing tradition of bringing nationally recognized entertainment to Southwest Indiana, is proud to announce Aaron Tippin as the headline performer for the 170th Gibson County Fair.
Tippin will take the stage on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Gibson County Fairgrounds in Princeton, Indiana, delivering a high-energy performance filled with patriotic anthems and country music favorites.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Aaron Tippin has earned six gold albums and one platinum album, along with more than 30 charted singles. His signature hits include:
“You’ve Got to Stand for Something,”
“There Ain’t Nothing Wrong with the Radio,”
“Workin’ Man’s Ph.D.,”
“Kiss This,” and
“Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly.”
Known for his authentic, blue-collar roots and unwavering dedication to God, country, and family, Tippin continues to connect with audiences across generations. His powerful voice and high-energy performances have made him one of country music’s most enduring artists.
Event Details
• Admission to Fairgrounds: $8
• Grandstand Seating: FREE
• Trackside / Beer Garden Admission: $10
• Beer Garden Opens: 6:00 PM
Opening Act: Jimmy DeTalente & Kevin Minnis
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for trackside seating.
Location
Gibson County Fairgrounds
709 N Embree St.
Princeton, IN 47670
140th Labor Day Association Celebration
The 2026 Labor Day Celebration will be returning to the Gibson County Fairgrounds in Princeton, Indiana this year! This will be an exciting year as we celebrate the 250th year of our country and our 140th Labor Day Association Celebration!
Mission
To commemorate in Indiana the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
Vision
By commemorating the USA’s 250th Anniversary, we seek to renew patriotism, honor diversity, strengthen service to our community, state, and country, and reinforce belief in the world’s oldest continually existing Constitutional Republic and its future.
Objectives
Involve all Hoosiers and Americans in the celebration of America 250 Indiana.
Emphasize the strength of Hoosier ideas, hopes, and dreams.
Achieve a 250th commemoration that Hoosiers can reflect on as a positive milestone in Indiana’s and America’s history.
To submit event details, please contact:
Liberty DeWig
Executive Director, Gibson County Visitors & Tourism Bureau
Liberty@gibsoncountyin.org