Planning is underway for the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in 2026. The city of Fenton, along with numerous community partners, is preparing a full year of events designed to educate, inspire, and bring residents together in celebration
of this historic milestone.
America250 Mission
“Fenton Celebrates America 250” shares a mission aligned with the national “America250 initiative”:
“To celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future.”
The broader America250 effort encourages Americans to reflect on the nation’s history, strengthen civic pride, and renew a commitment to democratic ideals through programs that educate, engage, and unite communities. The initiative also aims to foster shared experiences that highlight American stories, encourage public service, and celebrate the resilience of the United States.
More information is available at america250.org.
Fenton Freedom Festival – July 4, 2026
The Fenton Freedom Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, remains the city’s signature Independence Day celebration. It is the largest across Genesee County. Organized by the Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber of Commerce, the festival features a full day of activities throughout downtown Fenton and surrounding areas.
Festival highlights include:
→ Firecracker Run along the parade route
→ Community Pancake Breakfast
→ Fourth of July Parade through downtown
→ Rubber Ducky Regatta
→ Kids’ games and family activities
→ Craft show
→ Food vendors
→ Fireworks over Silver Lake Park at dusk
The annual pancake breakfast will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, hosted by the American Legion.
The Firecracker Run traditionally kicks off the day’s festivities. Participants run or walk a course through the community and along portions of the parade route, helping launch the morning’s celebration.
One of the festival’s biggest attractions, the parade winds through downtown Fenton and features local organizations, businesses, civic groups, marching bands, and community participants. Parade registration is currently open through the Chamber.
A craft show will take place on the lawn of the Fenton Community Center, accompanied by children’s activities, games, and vendor booths. Additional food vendors will be located throughout the downtown festival area.
The celebration concludes with a fireworks display over Silver Lake Park at dusk. This is typically the largest fireworks show in the immediate area, drawing spectators from across Genesee and Livingston counties.
Popular viewing locations include:
→ Silver Lake Park
→ Downtown Fenton
→ Surrounding neighborhoods with public viewing access
As the event date approaches, the Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber of Commerce will provide additional details, including road closure maps, craft show hours, and the official schedule for the Rubber Ducky Regatta, organized by the Fenton Rotary.
Additional July 4, 2026 events across Genesee County
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad (Flint). 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A historic-themed Fourth of July with ice cream social, vintage games, patriotic programming, train rides, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Flint Water Festival / America 250 Experience
Downtown Flint (Kearsley Street area) Evening (typically 7–10 p.m.)
Includes live music, family activities, and fireworks as part of Flint’s Independence Day celebration tied to the Semiquincentennial (America 250).
Swartz Creek July 4 Community Events
Swartz Creek (multiple locations). Includes concerts in the park, community gatherings, and patriotic programming such as “Cosmos in the Park” and memorial observances.
Flint Downtown Fireworks Display
Chevy Commons / Downtown Flint. Evening fireworks show visible from downtown gathering areas, typically at dusk on July 4.
