America250 in Idaho has been spreading the word about the United States’ semiquincentennial anniversary — the country will turn 250 years old in July.

What is lesser known is that the city of Blackfoot will also have an anniversary in 2026 — it will turn 125 years old in January, half as old as the country.

In preparation for the celebrations in 2026, Mayor Marc Carroll read a resolution of support for the state’s America250 in Idaho commemoration plans to the City Council, which approved it unanimously. The resolution supports the celebration of the nation’s birth and the “ideals of the American revolution — equality, liberty and justice — through meaningful community engagement.” This coming year will be a combination of state resources and city activities to “recognize, appreciate and commemorate America’s legacy.”

For a fuller look at all the America250 activities that have already started and will fill 2026, visit america250.idaho.gov. The website is also where interested parties can sign up to become an ambassador — someone who will help spread information about America250 celebrations. Ambassadors can be people of all ages, schools, businesses, veterans, counties and cities. Blackfoot is an Ambassador City, for example.

America250 in Idaho is making available $2,500 grants for each county that is planning celebrations. Blackfoot is applying for the grant this month to fund the activities. By passing a resolution that requires City Council approval instead of a more symbolic proclamation, the city is authorized to receive grants and expend funds.

According to the resolution, Idaho Gov. Brad Little established the America250 in Idaho commemoration program in July 2024. Its purpose is to not only commemorate the nation’s 250 years, but also to “honor and recognize the contributions of Idaho’s residents to the nation’s past, present and future.”

An example of an event that recognizes the state’s contributions to the nation is the upcoming EBR-I Day on Dec. 20. The Idaho National Laboratory invites the public to “celebrate a glowing moment in nuclear history” at the EBR-I museum near Arco. The Experimental Breeder Reactor-I, known as the EBR-I, is where, in 1951, scientists lit four light bulbs with atomic power for the first time. The free museum program includes hot chocolate, museum tours and a “festive” EBR-I-themed holiday poem read by Liza Raley. For more details, go to america250.idaho.gov/events-calendar/ebr-i-day.

The resolution also acknowledges the city of Blackfoot was founded in 1901 and will reach its 125th anniversary this year — something the Blackfoot city committee discovered as they were planning local America250 events. The village of Blackfoot signed its official incorporation document on Jan. 17, 1901.

It is fitting that Blackfoot’s first activity in 2026 will be on the city’s 125th anniversary. On that Saturday, there will be a community reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a community bonfire. Every month after that will include America250 events until Sept. 12, when the year’s activities will end with local experiences being shared of the Sept. 11 attack. In between these events, there will be days of service in May, a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride and demonstrations of black powder guns such as those used in the Revolutionary War in April, a Big Band Dance for all ages in February, a patriot-themed sidewalk festival in August, and a flag raising and pancake breakfast on the Fourth of July.

The year 2026 promises to be a memorable year through the numerous anniversary and celebratory activities about Blackfoot, Idaho and the United States of America.