America 250 celebrations in Mesa capped by July 4 event

The city of Mesa had events all year leading up to this July 4 in the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They included service projects, neighborhood celebrations, cultural programming and educational events to honor America.

Under the leadership of Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman and chaired by Vice Mayor Scott Somers, Mesa’s America250 planning committee included representatives from the Downtown Mesa Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Preservation Foundation, Sons of the American Revolution, Visit Mesa, city of Mesa staff and other community partners, it states at https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/America-250.

Mesa libraries have several events in mid-June: https://www.mesalibrary.org/events/america-250.

The remaining city event is the annual July 4 celebration. The Arizona Celebration of Freedom is adding new attractions this year, including a patriotic drone show and an expanded military showcase, as part of Mesa’s America250 celebration.

For the first time, the event includes a drone show sponsored by NTT Global Data Centers that will feature approximately 200 drones operated by Pulse Drones, which will form aerial patriotic images to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.

The patriotic military showcase has also expanded and will have more than 25 vintage military vehicles on display including a 1942 GPW Jeep, a 1945 MB Willys and a 1952 M38A1 Jeep. Aircraft include a T33 “T Bird” and a MD500 Little Bird helicopter. Recruiters from the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps will be on hand and an Army enlistment ceremony will be held.

The Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom is 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at the Mesa Convention Center campus, 263 N. Center St., and includes live music, pro wrestling, historic flags on display, a fallen soldiers memorial, laser light show and endless family fun with more. The event culminates with a Salute to America and fireworks show.

Visit https://azcelebrationoffreedom.com to get more details.

Volunteers needed for July 4 event

The city of Mesa is seeking volunteers for its Independence Day festival with multiple times and shifts available including splash zone, carnival games, entertainment and info booths.

Volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, free meal, snacks, cold drinks and are entered into a raffle for prizes. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The volunteer opportunities are open to individuals, families, friends and corporations. Registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/4c9jrcts.

The event is 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Mesa Convention Center campus, 263 N. Center St.

Symbolism of desert reptiles

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation is celebrating America 250 with an event in Mesa focusing on snakes.

Explore the complex history and symbolism of desert reptiles in the American story, from revolutionary flags to Hollywood legends.

From the Gadsden “Don’t Tread on Me” flag to “Slytherin” and other Hollywood snake-lore, our nation’s relationship with serpents has been marked by both deep reverence and intense fear, according to a release.

“In this engaging presentation, Ranger Jacque will let the scales of justice weigh the truth behind these attitudes — and you be the judge! As we honor 250 years of American history, we will also explore the broader role of animals as American symbols and dive into the fascinating biology of our local desert residents,” it states.

This program is designed for nature lovers of all ages. Coloring pages and a snake craft will be available for kids and the young at heart to make a snake friend to take home. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy this deep dive into the reptiles of the desert. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center.

The “America 250: Scales of the Southwest” event is 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road in Mesa. The vehicle entry fee is $10, according to https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/fees.