In 2026, the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. Combining these historic events also provides us with a term that may prove a mouthful – Sesquisemiquincentennial!
These milestone twin anniversaries invite us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and look to the future together.
Throughout the year, events will take place across the region to commemorate and celebrate this incredible milestone. We invite you to participate, share with others, and feel a sense of pride for the country and state that we live in.
Be sure to bookmark this page, as more content will be added as additional events are planned throughout the region.
As we enter 2026, Colorado invites communities across the state to participate in a once-in-a-generation commemoration. Many events are taking place throughout the state as part of the sesquisemiquincentennial celebration. You can be a part of them too!
The calendar linked below highlights events that celebrate our shared history, culture, and communities.
The Moments That Made Us social media campaign invites community members to share photos and stories that reflect the experiences, traditions, and milestones that shaped who they are today. From family memories to moments of service or personal achievement, these stories help tell the shared story of our County, State, and Nation.
By sharing these moments, we celebrate how far we’ve come, honor our collective accomplishments, and look ahead to a future rooted in unity. Submit your photos and stories to epcpio@elpasoco.com for a chance to be featured on social media and displayed on a community timeline during the El Paso County Fair—helping preserve our history and connect generations.
We welcome opportunities for students to connect directly with local government and take part in civic engagement. Classes are invited to participate in a Board of County Commissioners meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance in person, or by submitting a recorded version that may be featured at a future meeting.
If you or your organization would like to participate or learn more, please contact Kassie Fisher at KassieFisher@elpasoco.com or 719-520-6391.
The El Paso County Elections Department welcomes local students in grades 1–12 to participate in a special “I Voted” sticker design contest for the November 2026 General Election.
This year marks several historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood on August 1, and the 165th anniversary of El Paso County’s founding on November 1. Students are invited to design an “I Voted” sticker that highlights one or more of these important anniversaries.
If you have a child, grandchild, neighbor, or student in your life who loves to draw, gets excited about history, or enjoys learning how our elections work, this is a great opportunity to encourage their participation. It’s a creative way for Elementary, Middle, and High School students to connect with our democratic process and celebrate our community’s story.
The sticker designs must incorporate one or more of the following themes:
Questions can be directed to the Elections Department at 719-575-VOTE (8683) or elections@elpasoco.com.
This activity book introduces children to El Paso County and local government through fun, age-appropriate activities that explore topics such as voting, the Board of County Commissioners, public meetings, and how local and state governments work together. The book also includes customized pages recognizing the America 250–Colorado 150 (A250–CO150) celebration, connecting civic learning with our shared history. Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, it helps young learners understand how local decisions impact their everyday lives.
Celebrating 165 Years
El Paso County has a population of over 750,000, providing residents with a thriving downtown, family-friendly suburbs, and vast rural expanses. The County is home to eight municipalities, each contributing to the community’s geographic, economic, and social fabric. With mountains to the west, forest to the north, and plains to the east, you can hike, bike, kayak, and explore without ever leaving El Paso County.
Learn more about what drives El Paso County by visiting our Strategic Plan webpage.
Celebrating 121 Years
The El Paso County Fair is a tradition that dates back over 120 years, making it nearly as old as the State of Colorado! The Fair will run from July 11 – 18 at the El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan.
This year’s theme, United We Celebrate, is a nod to the sesquisemiquincentennial and will feature all the activities, fun, and food that you have come to expect from this longstanding celebration of our western heritage.
Be sure to visit the El Paso County Fair website to stay updated on all the news and information as it becomes available.
Celebrating 50 Years
Bear Creek Nature Center is celebrating 50 years of connecting the community to nature as Colorado’s first nature center. Located within Bear Creek Regional Park, the Nature Center’s scrub oak thickets, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, mountain creek, and abundant foothills wildlife have inspired generations of visitors. Year-round interpretive programs, special events, and guided and self-guided experiences support environmental education, conservation, and stewardship.
Two miles of self-guided nature trails wind through short grass prairie, scrub oak woodlands, and cottonwood riparian communities. A regional leader in accessibility, Bear Creek Nature Center pioneered accessible programming such as Trailability and the V.I.P. Trail, expanding access to nature for visitors of all abilities.
You can learn more about 50th Anniversary of Bear Creek Nature Center by visiting the celebration webpage.
Below you can find links to different pages that will help you interact with the many events that are going on both locally and throughout the state of Colorado. More links will be added as additional events are planned.
Submit your own events or find other ways to get involved – Am250CO150.org
Statewide Calendar of Events – https://www.colorado.com/am250-co150-events
Visit COS Celebration Page – https://www.visitcos.com/blog/celebrate-250-150-in-the-pikes-peak-region/
Peak Radar Celebration Page – https://peakradar.com/categories/am250co150/
