Carbon County is gearing up to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with celebrations, community projects and a newly designed Liberty Bell that will be placed in Weissport Park.

Kim Werley, the county’s representative to the America250PA Commission, updated county commissioners Thursday on progress toward the 2026 commemoration, which will celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial.

“In 2023 I was appointed by the commissioners as the county advisory board representative for Carbon County to the America250PA Commission,” Werley said. “Next year is a big year. The United States is turning 250 years old, and it’s going to be a big celebration. The commission has a lot of initiatives.”

Werley said the steering committee includes representatives from across Carbon County. The group has already secured grant funding for a major event.

“Our county received one of the America250 grants,” Werley said. “The Jacob’s Weissport Historical Society was awarded $5,000 to put on a big parade and celebration on July 4, 2026.”

She noted that a flyer promoting the event features the county’s official branding.

“If you see that logo, that means we probably had something to do with it,” Werley said.

Liberty Bell

Another centerpiece of the local celebration will be the ells Across PA project, which places a symbolic Liberty Bell in every county.

“We have a sponsorship through the Visitors Bureau valued at $10,000,” Werley said. “We had Lynn Shupp of Palmerton design the bell. She collected images from artists around the county and put together a design called ‘Snapshots of Carbon County.’ ”

The bell will be permanently displayed in Weissport Park, near a Liberty Tree that was planted there about a year and a half ago.”

Marlyn Kissner, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau vice president of membership and community relations, confirmed that the bell has already arrived.

“The bell was delivered today,” she told commissioners. “That’s super exciting. Kim has been doing a great job leading the charge, and all of our committee members have been wonderful. At the Visitors Bureau, we are 110% backing this effort and supporting the county to make it a big celebration of Carbon County.”

Fundraising is also underway to support the America250 projects.

“With the Visitors Bureau’s help, we’ve set up an account to collect money,” Werley said. “Mauch Chunk Trust came in as a platinum sponsor with $1,500. We have additional sponsorship letters out, and we’re also doing smaller fundraisers.”

She said all contributions will go directly toward the celebration.

“Every community is talking about this, and that’s so wonderful,” Werley said.

Community outreach

Community outreach has been another focus. Werley said she has promoted the America250 initiative at the Carbon County D&L Trail Fest and plans to do the same at the Palmerton Festival in September and at Lansford’s Concert in the Park.

“I’m trying to encompass everything in the county and bring everybody together,” she said.

Future events may include a countywide fire hydrant painting project, a cardboard boat regatta in Lehighton and essay and poster contests for students.

“There are a lot of ideas in motion, and it’s going to be more than just a July 4 celebration,” Werley said. “It will be a yearlong celebration.”

The state commission is also planning initiatives across Pennsylvania.

A statewide kickoff rally is planned for January.

“From what I understand, they’ll be visiting each county with signs, music and activities,” Werley said. “They want to do it in the county seat and involve the county government.”

National events will also be part of the commemoration.

“On July 3, 2026, there will be a nationally televised parade in Philadelphia,” Werley said. “Every county can submit up to two entries, and our committee is already discussing ideas.”

A publication highlighting Carbon County’s communities is also in the works.

“We want to produce a booklet with community highlights, historical sites and a calendar of events,” Werley said. “James Logue from the Times News is helping us put it together. We’re also looking at a passport program where people can collect stamps from events and sites throughout the county and earn a medallion or prize.”

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko encouraged Werley to, “Keep up the good work.”