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.

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. 

Expect an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments as a people. Greet your mayor, council members, and state representatives to congress and senate. 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. 

The program begins promptly at 4:00 with a welcome from Walden officials. Members of John Sevier Chapter Sons of the American Revolution in revolutionary uniform will present the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. Daughters of the American Revolution will honor our patriots. Dr. Peggy Douglas will direct actors presenting a 10-minute play, "Before There Was a Town," she wrote for WRCL. A special surprise presentation and a benediction will close this part of the program before we adjourn to continue the party.

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. Take a good look at 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 there periodically.  

As you enjoy live music from the 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 and beverages and find a seat to watch the small children play in the sand pile or on the playground. 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.