The nation is preparing to commemorate America 250, and planning is already underway in West Plains for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The celebration will take place on July 4, 2026, on the Missouri State University–West Plains campus. Festivities will include food trucks, live music, sack races, a wagon and bicycle parade, and more family-friendly fun.
In honor of the semiquincentennial, community members are invited to participate in the “Walk 250 Miles” challenge! Starting October 27, 2025, walk just one mile per day to reach 250 miles by Independence Day 2026.
To record your miles, log sheets are available at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center (2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd.). Completed sheets totaling 250 miles or more can be submitted for a chance to win prizes. Participants may enter one of three divisions: 65 and over, 18–64, and 17 and under.
Get your 250 miles in however you can—even if that means more than a mile per day to catch up!
Stay tuned for updates and additional details by following Explore West Plains on Facebook. Happy walking, and thank you for celebrating America 250 with us!
