Marietta Celebrates United States 250th Anniversary with Parade

Marietta observed the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The celebration centered on a parade traveling up Front Street to the Washington County Fairgrounds, followed by a community picnic hosted by AMVETS Post 1788, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 52, and Elks Lodge 477.

Teresa Judson, the Washington County recorder and executive director for America 250 – Washington County, coordinated the festivities. The parade featured Army Spc. Christian Ward, who died in a 2019 training accident, as the grand marshal. Participants included local veterans, community organizations, and political figures, including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Republican State Representative Kevin Ritter.

The event also included a regional reunion for Honor Flight Columbus and concluded with fireworks at Fort Frye High School. Additional America 250 activities are scheduled to continue through July 11 in Belpre and Marietta.