Posted January 16, 2025

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi quincentennial (America 250PA) was established by the PA legislature and governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. In January 2025, Mercer County will begin celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by acknowledging our history through events designed to engage Mercer County residents and recognize the contributions of everyone from our agricultural community to our economic sector.

View the Events Calendar

Click Here to Donate to the Mercer County's America 250PA Support Fund



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Posted October 21, 2025

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES/CONTESTS FOR GRADES K-12: FALL 2025

Several educational activities/contests are planned for all Mercer County school-aged students.

• Grades K-3: Coloring Activity. Grade-appropriate patriotic coloring pages will be provided to Mercer County schools.

• Grades 4-6: Patriotic Creativity Project. Art teachers will be asked to facilitate a no-limits, creative, patriotic project that could range from a poster to a diorama to a decorated light bulb. Each art teacher/school will submit their top three creations for judging. First, second, and third place

county-wide winning projects will receive a monetary prize and be displayed at the Mercer County Courthouse.

• Grades 7-8 and 9-10: Essay Contest. Two grade appropriate prompts will be provided for this contest. First, second, and third place county-wide winning essays in each age group will receive a monetary prize and be recognized at the Dec. 4, 2025, Mercer County Board of Commissioners meeting.

• Grades 11-12: FOREVER Stamp Art Contest. Advanced art classes will be asked to create a patriotic America250 FOREVER stamp design. Each art teacher/school will submit their top creation for judging. The winning design will win $500, be displayed at the Mercer County Courthouse, and be presented to our federal legislators for consideration as an actual FOREVER stamp. The winning artist will be recognized at the Dec. 4, 2025, Mercer County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Dates: Details will be distributed in September 2025; submissions due Nov. 6, 2025 Coordinator: Deborah L. McEwen (dlmcewen@zoominternet.net)

MIDDLE SCHOOLER CIVICS SUMMIT: 11.21.2025

The Middle Schooler Civics Summit is an event designed to engage young students (grades 5 & 6) in civic education, leadership, and active citizenship. It will include discussions and interactive activities that introduce students to key concepts such as government structure, voting rights, civic responsibility, and community

involvement.

Key Features

• Guest Speakers: Elected officials, community and civic leaders

• Workshops: Hands-on sessions covering topics like voting, democracy, local government, and public service

• Q&A Sessions: Allows students to interact with policymakers and civic professionals

The goal of the summit is to empower middle schoolers with knowledge and skills that help them become informed and active citizens in their communities. Each Mercer County school is invited to send five total students from 5th and/or 6th grade. Transportation is the responsibility of the school.

Date: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 7:30 am – noon at Penn State Shenango

Coordinators: Ann Coleman (acoleman@mercercountypa.gov) & Frank Gargiulo (fxg5107@psu.edu)

Click here to view Flyer

Posted July 11, 2025

We are excited to celebrate America250PA with you through our virtual Bingo Game. The game is designed to encourage you to explore Mercer County and visit places you may not have explored before and learn something new about your county along the way.

BINGO contest winners will be announced in December 2025 and July 2026. A member of the America250PA-Mercer County Advisory Committee will reach out to you to let you know if you have won. Multiple winners will be selected for each way to reach Bingo.

Any questions please contact 724-662-3800, ext 2100 or 2509.

Click here for the Mercer County Bingo Rules

Click a Bingo Card below to download:

Card 1	Card 2	Card 3
Card 4	Card 5	Card 6

Posted February 26, 2025

The PA250 Mercer County Photo Contest celebrates the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania by showcasing the beauty, culture, and history of Mercer County through photography. Submissions must highlight scenes from the county and will be judged for their creativity, composition, and connection to the region.

Contest Timeline:
• Submission Period: March 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
• Preliminary Judging: December 2025
• Final Judging & Exhibit: March 2026 at Sans MOCO Gallery, Greenville, PA

Starting August 1, 2025

Be a part of the America250PA-Mercer County celebration through The Mercer County Chronicles: A podcast dedicated to preserving the stories of the past and celebrating our nation's bright and innovative future. The Mercer County Chronicles is an edited audio-only podcast to create a seamless listening experience for our subscribers. If you choose to share your story, you will join one of our hosts in the podcast studio for an audio- recorded conversation that can be casual or have pre-approved interview questions. By participating in the podcast, you are aiding your community in educating, preserving, and celebrating our County’s and our nation's rich history.

For more information or to set up an interview please email america250pa@mercercountypa.gov or call 724-662-3800 Ex:2100

August 9, 2025
Jefferson Township Fair

The self-paced and self-guided tour will include three stops that all highlight why Ag is so important throughout Mercer County. The three stops include:

• DJ's Greenhouse - tours of the gardens will be available
• McCullough Grain- tours of the grain facility and farm will be available
• Jefferson Township Fair- “Touch A Tractor- Equipment through the ages”, and various agricultural promotion organizations.

In conjunction with America250PA - Mercer County Advisory Committee, Mercer County will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by acknowledging our history through events designed to engage Mercer County residents and recognize the contributions of everyone from our agricultural community to our economic sector. The Mercer County Agricultural Development Council is hosting this event in conjunction with the America250PA Committee to recognize the agricultural sector.

This event is FREE and open to all ages