KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Kennett Square will mark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a community-wide celebration on June 18 featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic performances and a special red, white and blue mushroom drop that highlights the borough’s historical ties to the nation’s founding.
The event, organized by Kennett Collaborative as part of its monthly Third Thursday program, will transform downtown State Street into a pedestrian gathering space with live entertainment, outdoor dining and family activities.
The centerpiece of the evening will be “Dare to Declare,” a public reading of the Declaration of Independence scheduled for 6 p.m.
Organizers say the event commemorates a little-known piece of local history: shortly after the Declaration’s adoption in 1776, Congress ordered the document to be read publicly, and one such reading took place at the Unicorn Inn, which stood at the corner of State and Union streets in Kennett Square.
“Shortly after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Congress ordered it read in public,” said Lynn Sinclair, founder and chair of the Kennett Heritage Center. “It was read at the Unicorn Inn that stood at the corner of State and Union Streets.”
The celebration comes as communities across the country prepare for the United States semiquincentennial in 2026 and seek to highlight local connections to the nation’s history.
Additional programming will include performances by the Lenape Brass Band, colonial-era demonstrations hosted by Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, and a flag dedication ceremony at the American Legion.
Organizers will also stage two patriotic-themed mushroom drops at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., adapting Kennett Square’s signature New Year’s Eve tradition for the America 250 observance.
The mushroom, typically used during Midnight in the Square festivities, will be suspended near the downtown clocktower and decorated in red, white and blue.
“New York City has the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, but Kennett Square has the Mushroom Drop,” said Rich Nichols, owner of Bob’s Crane Service, which is assisting with the installation.
State Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Broad Street to Center Street beginning at 5 p.m. to accommodate the event.
The celebration is free and open to the public.
Event Schedule
- 6:00 p.m. — Dare to Declare Reading
- 6:30 p.m. — Mushroom Drop
- 6:30 p.m. — Lenape Brass Band’s Star Spangled Spectacular
- 7:00 p.m. — Flag Dedication Ceremony at the American Legion
- 8:30 p.m. — Mushroom Drop
Free parking will be available in the parking garage on East Linden Street during the event.
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