America 250 Celebration

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 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. 

America 250 / Birthday Bash 

was a celebration of our accomplishments as a people. The   Patriotic Program held in the auditorium was attended by city,  county, and state representatives. The program brought us all together to reflect on our community's and our nation's past, honor the contributions of Americans, and look toward the future we want to create for the next generations. 

The program began 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 presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) told stories about our patriots. Dr. Peggy Douglas and actors presented a 10-minute play, "The Story of Walden's Ridge Civic League." A plaque declaring the Civic Center is now on the National Register of Historic Places was presented by the Executive Director of the TN Historical Commission.  

After the commemorative ceremonies, the celebration continued out of doors. Educational booths provided more information about the subjects briefly mentioned in the opening program and other subjects. A musket-firing demonstration at the new floor constructed over the historic Boy Scout Cabin foundation showed off that 

fine addition to the campus. 

SAR and DAR members in colonial-period attire offered opportunities to join their organizations. Guests were able to visit the commemorative Liberty Bell replica near the front door 

of the Civic Center.

While guests enjoyed live music from the bands, kids of all ages  played games and rode the hay wagon. The inflatables invited enthusiastic jumping juniors. 

Good food (BBQ ribs!) and beverages were purchased.  The musket firing demonstration was exciting and informative. 

Small children played in the sand pile and on the playground. 

Guests had a chance to admire the new siding being installed on the Auditorium by Volunteers. Everyone had a good time visiting with neighbors before 

we said good night at 8:00 PM. Special THANKS to those who helped clean up!