Birthday Bash and . . .
America 250 Celebration
Commemorate the 250th Birthday of the United States AND the 105th anniversary of the construction of the Walden's Ridge Civic League Auditorium with a big double-birthday party! Saturday, June 13, 2026, at from 4-8 PM, at the Walden's Ridge Civic Center, 2501 Fairmount Pike in Walden.
America 250 & Birthday Bash
Birthday Bash
The Birthday Bash commemorates construction of the Auditorium by the people of Walden's Ridge in 1921. Since 2021, the community has come together to celebrate with a big birthday party featuring music, balloons, games for kids and grown-ups, hayrides, jump houses, food and drink, and FREE ice cream and cake. This is the sixth year of the celebration at the Walden's Ridge Civic Center.
America 250
America 250 commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In 2026, the residents of Signal Mountain, Walden, and Hamilton County can all celebrate America's birthday together. The Walden's Ridge Civic League (WRCL) has the honor of hosting the mountaintop community because the organization has served all of Walden's Ridge for 105 years.
What to Expect
Expect a celebration of our accomplishments as a people. The Patriotic Program starts at 4 PM in the auditorium. Greet your mayor, council members, and state representatives. The program brings us all together to reflect on our community's and our nation's past, honor the contributions of Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generations.
In the Auditorium at 4:00
The program begins promptly at 4:00 with a welcome from Walden Vice-mayor Lizzy Schmidt. Members of John Sevier Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in revolutionary uniform will present the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scouts. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will tell a few stories about our patriots. Dr. Peggy Douglas will direct actors presenting a 10-minute play, "The Story of Walden's Ridge Civic League." A special surprise presentation and a benediction will close this part of the program before we go outside to visit the Liberty Bell and continue the party.
Out to the playground
After the commemorative ceremonies, the celebration continues out of doors. Educational booths will give you
a chance to pick up more information about the subjects briefly mentioned in the opening program and other interesting subjects. Be sure to see the new floor constructed over the historic Boy Scout Cabin foundation by
an Eagle Scout candidate.
SAR members in uniform or in colonial-period attire will offer musket firing demonstrations throughout the evening.
Visit the commemorative Liberty Bell replica near the front door
of the Civic Center.
Traditional activities
As you enjoy live music from the bluegrass bands, kids of all ages can play games and ride the hay wagon. The inflatables invite enthusiastic jumping juniors. Buy a balloon and some good food (BBQ ribs!) and beverages. Find a seat to watch the small children play in the sand pile or on the playground. Admire the Antique Cars on display. Be sure
to take a close look at the new siding being installed on the Auditorium by Volunteers. Have a good time visiting with your neighbors before
SAR concludes the
evening with a musket salute as
we say good night at 8:00 PM.