Pull out your red, white, and blue and join us in downtown Kennett Square on Thursday, June 18 for a patriotic evening of history, community, music, dining, anda very Kennett Square tribute to America250.
Kennett Collaborative‘s “250 in Kennett” will transform State Street into a festive Americana celebration honoring the 250th anniversary. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy outdoor dining, live music, family-friendly activities, patriotic photo opportunities, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Schedule of Events
5:30 p.m. – Flag Dedication Ceremony at the American Legion
6:00 p.m. – Dare to Declare Reading
6:30 p.m. – Patriotic Mushroom Drop
6:30 p.m. – Lenape Brass Band‘s “Star Spangled Spectacular”
8:30 p.m. – Patriotic Mushroom Drop
The event is free and open to the public.
Pro Tips & Things To Know
- Wear your red, white, and blue.
- Bring your family and friends.
- Make dinner reservations early.
- Take a photo with the patriotic mushroom.
- Enjoy free parking in the E. Linden Street Garage.
- Street closures begin at 5:00 p.m. from Broad Street to Center Street.
The Patriotic Mushroom Drop
The famous Midnight in the Square mushroom will be decked out in red, white, and blue and suspended near the clocktower. Watch as it “drops” at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m., complete with patriotic streamers and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Thank you to The Mushroom Festival committee, and Bob’s Crane’s for bringing the mushroom for this special occasion.
Be sure to snap a picture with the patriotic mushroom while you’re downtown! Tag @kennett.collaborative on social media!
Don’t Miss: Dare to Declare
At 6:00 p.m., gather along State Street for “Dare to Declare,” a live reading of the Declaration of Independence presented by the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society and community partners.
The reading pays tribute to a remarkable piece of Kennett Square history. Shortly after the Declaration was adopted in 1776, Congress ordered it to be read publicly throughout the colonies. One of those readings took place at the Unicorn Inn, which once stood at the corner of State and Union Streets.
Nearly 250 years later, the community will come together once again to hear those powerful words.
Live Music and Family Fun
Following the first mushroom drop, the Lenape Brass Band will perform their “Star Spangled Spectacular,” filling State Street with patriotic favorites and classic Americana tunes.
Families can also enjoy:
- Colonial-era quill writing with Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead
- A special flag dedication ceremony hosted by the American Legion at 7:00 p.m.
- Extended shopping hours throughout downtown
- Patriotic decorations and family-friendly entertainment
- Free balloon creations with Lahtesha
Make Dinner Reservations Early
One of the best ways to experience 250 in Kennett is by dining right in the middle of the celebration.
Several State Street restaurants within the street closure will have tables set up outdoors as part of Kennett Collaborative’s regular Third Thursday so you can enjoy dinner while taking in all the festivities around you.
We recommend making reservations at:
- La Verona
- La Tavola
- Portabello’s
- Sweet Amelia’s
- Lily Asian Cuisine
Natalie’s Fine Foods will also be on site serving fan-favorites from the food truck.
Want something a little quicker? Stop by Cafe Emis for a delicious meal inside or grab-and-go options perfect for enjoying while strolling through town.
A little further down State Street, The Market at Liberty Place offers a variety of food options sure to satisfy every appetite.
From historic traditions and patriotic music to outdoor dining and Kennett Square’s beloved mushroom, 250 in Kennett promises an evening full of community spirit and small-town Americana.
We invite businesses, community members, and supporters to contribute $25 or $250 to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Kennett Square while supporting Kennett Collaborative’s free community events and programs throughout the year. Click here to make your donation today.
