America250 in Hampshire County celebrates 250 years of American history through community events, preservation efforts, and local initiatives across the Hampshire Highlands.  As we move through 2026 and America 250, we’re excited to see community groups, businesses, and local historians bringing Hampshire County’s story to life in their own ways. 

From frontier settlements and Fort Edwards to Ice Mountain’s ancient landscape, agricultural traditions, Appalachian craftsmanship, military service, and small-town resilience, Hampshire County’s story is woven into America’s 250-year journey.

The Hampshire County CVB is proud to help amplify events and initiatives happening across the Hampshire Highlands.

Explore America250 Events

Events across the county are recognizing America 250 in different ways — from history talks and preservation efforts to festivals, farm gatherings, veterans tributes, and local business spotlights.  Look for America 250 events throughout our Community Calendar as the year unfolds.

For statewide initiatives and additional information about West Virginia’s America 250 efforts, visit the WV Semiquincentennial Commission website.

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Meet Your Revolutionary War Patriots Scavenger Hunt

Now through June 30, 2026
Capon Bridge

Did you know the Capon Bridge area has connections to many Revolutionary War patriots?

Young and old are invited to take part in this self-guided America250 scavenger hunt. Pick up a passport at the Capon Bridge Public Library or participating businesses, then visit local stops to “meet” a different Revolutionary War patriot at each location.

Each patriot profile includes a QR code linking to a short video, along with a printed version of the story. After learning about each patriot, ask the business staff to initial your passport.

Participants who find all the patriots and return their completed passport to the Capon Bridge Public Library will receive a certificate. Those who include their name and contact information will also be entered into a drawing for their choice of a Gary Drake print of Daniel Morgan or $20 cash.

Participating locations include:

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America250 Events

250th Frontier Day Celebration

📅 June 13, 2026 | 9 AM to 4 PM
📍 Fort Edwards Visitor Center, 350 Cold Stream Road, Capon Bridge

Step back into Hampshire County’s frontier history with a day of living history, reenactments, an 18th-century encampment, artisan vendors, old-time music, food, and special America250 programming.

This celebration connects local stories, Fort Edwards history, and 18th-century life in the Potomac Highlands.

Capt. David Pugh Program

📅 June 14, 2026 | 2 PM
📍 Capon Bridge Library Pavilion

Learn more about Capt. David Pugh and his connection to local Revolutionary-era history during this public program at the Capon Bridge Library Pavilion.

Part of Hampshire County’s America250 community history programming.

Cacapon Riverfest

June 19 to June 20, 2026
The River House, Capon Bridge

Cacapon Riverfest is an annual two-day celebration of the Cacapon River featuring music, food, drinks, art, environmental presentations, and river appreciation activities.  Meet fellow river-lovers, learn more about the groups working to protect the Cacapon, and enjoy a family-friendly weekend in Capon Bridge.

South Branch Bluegrass Festival

June 27, 2026
Festival begins at 11 AM
Fireworks at 10 PM
Wapocoma Campground, 145 Wapocoma Campground Road, Romney

Enjoy a full day of bluegrass music, camping, food, and fireworks along the South Branch. The 2026 lineup includes Dave Adkins, The Kody Norris Show, Hammaville, The Flybirds, One Lane Road, and more.

Fireworks begin at 10 PM.

All-American 250 Rodeo

June 28, 2026 | 2 PM
Hampshire County Fairgrounds, Augusta

Celebrate America250 with an afternoon of rodeo action at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. The All-American 250 Rodeo features family-friendly entertainment performed by Lucky E Rodeo Co.

The event will be held rain or shine.

The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum 

📅 June 29 to July 1, 2026 | 10 AM to 5 PM
📍 South Branch Elementary School Parking Lot, 549 Center Avenue, Romney

The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum will bring a free walk-through museum experience to Romney as part of America’s 250th anniversary.

This traveling exhibit offers students, families, residents, and visitors a chance to explore the story of American independence in an engaging and accessible way.

North River Valley Volunteer Fire Company Independence Day Parade & Concert

📅 July 3, 2026 | Parade begins at 6 PM
📍 North River Valley Volunteer Fire Company, Rio

Kick off Independence Day weekend with a community parade, live music, food, refreshments, and hometown celebration.

Parade lineup begins at 5:30 PM, with the parade starting at 6 PM.

Capon Valley Ruritan 4th of July Celebration Car Show

📅 July 4, 2026 | 9 AM to 3 PM
📍 Yellow Spring, WV

The Capon Valley Ruritan 4th of July Celebration Car Show returns to Yellow Spring on Independence Day.

Enjoy classic cars and trucks, BBQ chicken and pork, homemade ice cream, live music, an auction, and giveaways. Vehicle registration is $20 and closes at noon.

Capon Bridge Music & Fireworks Show – 250th Celebration

📅 July 3, 2026 | 8 PM
📍 Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department
2766 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, WV

Celebrate America250 with music and fireworks at the Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department pavilion and grounds.

Music by Stream Line begins at 8 PM, followed by fireworks around 9:15 PM, weather and darkness permitting.

Presented by the Capon Bridge Ruritan Club and sponsored by the Town of Capon Bridge, local businesses, and citizens.

Rain date: Sunday, July 5.

America’s 250th Trivia Night

📅 July 10, 2026 | 5-9 PM
📍 The River House
24 Rickie Davy Ln, Capon Bridge, WV

FREE! Doors Open at 5:00pm, trivia starts at 6:30pm!

We are excited to welcome back Ciro and Tracey Grassi to host a special one time trivia event to celebrate America’s 250th!

The cafe will be open with dinner, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.

Hampshire County Farm Crawl

📅 July 11-12, 2026
📍 Locations across Hampshire County

Celebrate Hampshire County’s agricultural traditions during the annual Farm Crawl.

Visit local farms, markets, makers, and rural businesses while experiencing the people and places that keep Hampshire County’s farm heritage alive.

Hampshire County Fair

📅 July 19 to July 25, 2026
📍 Hampshire County Fairgrounds, Augusta

The Hampshire County Fair celebrates rural traditions, agriculture, youth, community, and small-town life.

As part of Hampshire County’s America250 year, the fair reflects the living heritage and community spirit that continue to shape this place.

Summer Harvest Festival

📅 July 27 to August 2, 2026
📍 Romney and surrounding areas

Celebrate local food, agriculture, small businesses, and summer traditions during the Summer Harvest Festival.

This weeklong celebration highlights the flavors, makers, growers, and community connections that help define Hampshire County.

More America250 Events Coming Soon

Juneteenth

📅 June 19, 2026
📍 Details TBA

Juneteenth recognizes the end of slavery in the United States and honors the ongoing story of freedom, resilience, and justice.

Local details will be added as they become available.

Veterans Freedom Ride

📅 September 12, 2026
📍 Details TBA

The Veterans Freedom Ride honors local veterans and supports community efforts to assist those who have served.

Part of Hampshire County’s America250 year, this event recognizes service, sacrifice, and community support.

Constitution Day / DAR Celebration

📅 September 17 to September 23, 2026
📍 Details TBA

Celebrate Constitution Week with local programming connected to American history, civic life, and the founding documents of the United States.

Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Veterans Dinner

📅 November 11, 2026
📍 American Legion, Romney

A Veterans Day dinner honoring those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Patriot Wreath Laying

📅 Date TBA
📍 Location TBA

A commemorative wreath laying honoring Revolutionary War patriots and Hampshire County’s connection to America’s founding story.

Details will be added as they are confirmed.

Hosting an America250 Event?

If your organization, business, or community group is planning an event connected to America 250, we’d love to help share it.

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Past Events

Soulful Celebration

Saturday, February 28 | 2–5 PM
Mt. Pisgah Church Community Center, Romney

A community-led celebration honoring African American history in West Virginia through music, food, storytelling, and a children’s puppet show. The event brought together residents of all ages to reflect on the contributions of Black Americans locally and nationally.

Live music, cultural displays, and hands-on activities created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for families and community members alike.

Featured in the Hampshire Review (March 4, 2026)

North River Mills / Ice Mountain Festival

📅 May 9, 2026

Step back in time during this annual festival in historic North River Mills. Enjoy old-time music, living history demonstrations, and a guided look at this once-thriving 18th-century community.

This year’s event will honor local Revolutionary War veterans Gustavus Croston and Ensign Rees Pritchard.

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DAR Patriot Dedication Ceremony

📅 May 16, 2026 | 11 AM
📍 Hampshire County Courthouse Lawn

The Catherine Parker Forman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a plaque honoring the men and women who risked their lives for American independence.

A public reception will follow at the former Dillon’s Country Treasures building.

Memorial Day Service

📅 May 25, 2026 | 11 AM
📍 American Legion Pavilion, Romney

Join the community in honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country.

History Group: The American Paradox

📅 May 19, 2026 | 6 PM
📍 Romney Brew Station

Local historian Steve Settimi presents a discussion on the history of American political parties and the complexities of the nation’s founding.

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America250 Planning & Community Meetings

Get Involved

Interested in helping shape America 250 in Hampshire County?  Attend a meeting, share ideas, or connect with local organizers to be part of this community effort.

America 250 Planning Meeting

May 29, 2026 | 5 PM
Romney Brew Station

Join the ongoing conversation as the community continues planning local America 250 events and initatives.

History Group Meetings (Monthly Series)

Romney Brew Station

A recurring gathering focused on local and national history topics, often tied to America250 themes.

Upcoming History Group Dates:
June 30, 2026
July 28, 2026
August 25, 2026
September 29, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 24, 2026

Topics and times will be added as they are confirmed.

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America 250 in Hampshire County is being shaped by community members, historians, organizations, and volunteers working in different ways across the county.

Hampshire County America 250 Facebook Group
Join the local conversation and stay updated on planning and collaboration efforts:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/2013090069266652

America 250 Hampshire County WV
Learn more about local America 250 efforts and initiatives:
👉 https://stevebailes.org/…/america-250-hampshire-county-wvm/groups/2013090069266652