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. 

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 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.

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 periodically.  

Make your mark (signature or hand outline) on the commemorative Liberty Bell replica.

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 admire 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.