Pennsylvania is taking a lead in America 250 celebrations as the July 4 semiquincentennial approaches.

Our state was first in the nation to have all counties partner with the America 250 organization.

And no wonder. The Keystone State is where it all began. And not just in Philadelphia.

Do you know that Lancaster was once the U.S. Capital? It happened for one day — Sep. 27, 1777, after Congress evacuated Philadelphia.

The country’s rich history is evident statewide.

So locally, our county, regional and town events are springing up everywhere and they’re chock-full of nostalgia and meaning.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to be a guest of Slatington at Bulldog Stadium to take part in the main event of Northern Lehigh America 250.

The day started out rainy, and early arrivals brought umbrellas.

“We never know how many will show,” said Robert Stettner, one of the organizers.

But the sun popped out just in time for a successful event, and its glowing rays picked up spirits.

“We’re happy to be here,” said Martha Washington as she strolled the midway alongside the Father of Our Country.

The couple is better known in their hometown Philadelphia area as Curt Radabaugh and Alisa Dupuy.

He carries a commanding presence, tall and authoritative. I can’t tell a lie, he impresses onlookers by portraying George Washington to perfection.

“I had wonderful history teachers who inspired me to care about where we came from,” he said.

Dupuy later changed into homespun Colonial dress to become Betsy Ross, showing attendees how to create a perfect five-point star using scissors and a sheet of paper.

It’s a skill brought to America by German immigrants.

“It’s the old scherenschnitte,” she explained.

The event featured hot food and treats, with vendor tents and canopies set up by civic, church, scouts and other groups.

I took part as a direct descendant of the Revolutionary War, fourth great-grandson of Patriot Johannes Serfass, Fourth Battalion, Northampton County.

He is buried in Gilbert Cemetery, where my ancestors helped to settle and name Pleasant Valley. I’ve spent much time there during years of research.

So it was a special treat for me Saturday to run into David Hunsicker, second vice president, Valley Forge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

His German ancestors’ arrival in America paralleled mine. We compared notes on how all of them left the Palatinate to seek their fortune in the New World.

“And that they did,” Hunsicker said.

Many arrived in the Province of Pennsylvania very early. And here’s what’s interesting: They didn’t even speak English. And they weren’t soldiers or fighters. They were farmers and shopkeepers.

Yet in 1775 they enlisted to fight for independence in their new land. Afterward, they were awarded acreage and an opportunity to build a life.

“Look at this,” he said, pointing to a reproduction of an important document. “By the second day of independence, they already had the Declaration printed in the German language.”

Back then, a brand-new USA didn’t care if they couldn’t speak English. What mattered was their resolve to bravely take up arms and fight for freedom from British rule.

Northern Lehigh America 250 will continue up until the Fourth of July.

Other events scheduled include Religious Day, May 17, 2 p.m. at St. John’s UCC Church; Oldies Dance, June 13, 7-10 p.m. at Slatington Skeet Club; and Heritage Day, July 4 at Slatington Baptist Church and Memorial Park.