Get ready to party like it’s 1776.
Volunteers in Buncombe County and other Western North Carolina communities are gearing up for a full year of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, officially called the semiquincentennial. Organizers say the commemorations will be as much about reflection and civic engagement as fireworks and hot dogs.
The America250 NC Buncombe County Committee — known locally as Buncombe250 — was formed in spring 2025 to connect residents with statewide resources and encourage local participation in the year’s events. The all-volunteer group operates under the umbrella of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ (DNCR) America 250 NC initiative and received a $10,000 state grant to support early planning, outreach and public listening sessions…