As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, the City of Foley has reached a milestone goal by planting 250 trees throughout the community as part of its America 250 observance.

The tree-planting effort is one of several projects and events underway as Foley joins the nation in commemorating the semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the founding of the United States in 1776. The city has also installed more than 250 American flags around Foley along with patriotic bunting and other decorations ahead of Independence Day celebrations on July 4.

City crews have planted trees on rights of way, municipal properties and other locations across Foley. The America 250 initiative complements the city’s ongoing efforts to expand and maintain its tree canopy through regular planting and tree-trimming projects conducted by Foley horticulture and public works crews.

The city also encourages residents to contribute to those efforts. During its annual Arbor Day celebration each February, Foley distributes hundreds of trees to the public. In 2026, city employees and volunteers handed out more than 700 trees for planting throughout the community.

Among the America 250 planting projects, crews planted oak trees on South Chicago Street as part of improvements surrounding the new Foley Public Library, which is scheduled to open later this summer. Trees were also planted at locations including the Public Works Campus on North Poplar Street, which opened in May.

Residents are being encouraged to participate in the anniversary celebration by displaying their own patriotic decorations.

Several community events are also highlighting the semiquincentennial.

Foley Main Street will celebrate the anniversary during its “Hello Summer” Third Thursday event on June 18. Participating downtown businesses will feature red, white and blue pinwheels and distribute patriotic tote bags.

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market will mark the occasion during its annual Corn Festival on June 20.

A patriotic-themed corn-eating contest will challenge participants to eat two ears of white corn, five slices of red watermelon and a cup of blueberries. The fastest contestant to finish all the food will be declared the winner. A children’s division will also be offered.

The festival will also feature the annual Corny Dad Cook-Off, in which three fathers create signature dishes featuring corn. Attendees can sample each dish and vote for their favorite. Each voting ticket will include a miniature American flag.

The Foley Railroad Museum is incorporating the nation’s founding into its summer programming with an American Revolution-themed scavenger hunt offered on Event Train days — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Participants can pick up scavenger hunt materials at the Model Train Exhibit and search for hidden items located throughout both the exhibit and the Foley Railroad Museum. The first 250 guests who successfully complete the scavenger hunt will receive a commemorative pin.

The museum is also hosting an America 250 Visitor Response Wall where visitors can leave messages sharing their thoughts about the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Recent semiquincentennial activities included a patriotic concert by the Baldwin Pops orchestra in late May and a celebration held during the final Music and a Movie event of 2026 on May 22 in Heritage Park.

Additional plans are also in development. The city is preparing a Flags of Freedom self-guided tour at Graham Creek Nature Preserve and officials said more information about upcoming America 250 events will be released as plans are finalized.