Mills County Communities Celebrating Semiquincentennial With Special Events

Mills County’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary officially begins this week in communities across the county.

Festivities are planned in several communities over the coming days and weeks, including Glenwood, Malvern, Mineola, Silver City and Henderson.

“Glenwood is planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for America’s 250th birthday celebration,” said Jen Wilson, America 250 co-coordinator for the Glenwood Betterment and Beautification committee. “From June 26  - July 5, take part in community celebrations, good food, family activities, history, crafts, games, fireworks and so much more!”

The America 250 activities in Glenwood over the next couple of weeks include patriotic music at the Davies Amphitheater, a scavenger hunt, holiday lighting display, community drone photo, fire department pancake feed, lawn mower poker run, train rides and children’s activities on Town Square, a children’s entrepreneurial market and fireworks.

Henderson and Malvern have special semiquincentennial celebrations on the calendar Saturday, June 27.

“Back To Henderson” is the theme of the celebration in Henderson.

“This event will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s freedom, honor our fallen veterans in the Farm Creek Cemetery, embrace community and see a glimpse of the past with the opening of our Henderson time capsule buried in 1976,” the Henderson Events Committee stated on its social media site.

The Henderson event will include a flag raising and flag burning ceremony at 9:30 a.m., hosted by Henderson American Legion Post 430. A self-guided cemetery walk at Farm Creek Cemetery and a quilt show and auction at the community center will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Henderson Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a lunch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children’s games will also be taking place and the time capsule from 1976 will be opened and displayed.

The Malvern Independence Day celebration will begin at 6 p.m. at the Fairview Hills Golf Course.

“MABA will be hosting the Malvern Independence Day Celebration,” said Malvern Area Betterment Association President Natalie Lancial. “Live music, food trucks, bounce houses, beer garden and fireworks.”

The celebration will include live music by Touch Of Grey, vendors, food, beer garden, children’s bounce houses, a group singing of the Star Spangled Banner and America, The Beautiful and fireworks. Guests at the event will receive an America 250 birthday cookie, courtesy of the Malvern Public Library.

Mineola is having its America 250 celebration Thursday, July 2, starting with a patriotic parade on Main Street beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The parade will include participation by the American Legion, Terry’s Texas Rangers and the Oak Township Fire Department, the carrying of an American flag, vintage tractors and a bike brigade.

Silver City is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a street dance on Saturday, July 11. Food service will begin at 6 p.m. with live music by The Willards to follow from 7 – 10 p.m.

Mills County Celebrates America 250 Events Schedule

Friday, June 26
- Late Night Evening Lilies at Hillsdale Lily Garden, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Scavenger Hunt begins. Pick up your first clue at the Hillsdale Lily Garden.
- Wilson Christmas Lights - Stars and Stripes Edition lights up! Drive-by display at 212 N. Myrtle from June 26 - July 4.
- Glenwood Betterment will begin collecting artifacts for 2026 Time Capsule.

Saturday, June 27
- Glenwood Fire Department Pancake Feed from 8-11 a.m. at the fire station.
- Community Drone Picture - get dressed up in your red, white and blue and meet in the high school parking lot at 9 a.m.
- Build Your Own Bouquet with flowers provided by Howlin’ Hollar Farms at the Glenwood Public Library from 10 a.m. – 12  p.m.
- Lawnmower Poker Run. Registration starts at 11 a.m., first card will be drawn at 12 p.m. Starts at the Eagles Club, 426 First Street.
- Henderson’s Community Celebration, including a time capsule, quilt show, and community events taking place from 9:30 a.m. -2 p.m.
- Operation Pacific (John Wayne movie) at the Rex Theatre, 7 p.m.
- Bozak & Morrisey show at Davies Amphitheater ($5 at the gate or Gold Card) at 7 p.m.
- Malvern Independence Day celebration from 6 – 10 p.m. at Fairview Golf Course. Fireworks at dark.

Sunday, June 28
- Fun on Glenwood Town Square, starting at  1 p.m. with the Hanson House Train giving rides to children. Girl Scouts will be hosting carnival games and face painting, and the Eagles Club will be serving up hot dogs. Also enjoy red, white, and blue popsicles from Good Life Eyecare.
- Trinity Lutheran Church Patriotic Quilt Show, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Weary Ramblers band at Best Nest Farm from 4:30 - 9 p.m.
- USAF Heartland of America Band “Raptor” concert at Davies Amphitheater at 7 p.m. (free admission).

Monday, June 29
- Pie Social at Linwood Estates, 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
- US Navy Band “Northwest Passage” concert at Davies Amphitheater at 7 p.,m. (free admission).

Tuesday, June 30
- Eat Local in Glenwood. Support our local restaurants in town.
- Read Local. Author’s Story-time with Katie Marie at 10:15 a.m. at Glenwood Public Library.
- 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament hosted by Retail Remix. $20 per two person team. Tournament play starts at 5 p.m. Register on Facebook.

Wednesday, July 1
- Farmer’s Market, 4 p .m. – 6:30 p.m. on Town Square
- Kid’s Entrepreneurial Market, hosted by the Glenwood Alumni Association and the Glenwood Public Library. This is a time for kids to sell their products (bracelets, 3D prints, art, etc) at the American Legion from 4 – 6:30 p.m.  $5 fee for a table.
- First Aid for Fireworks hosted by Mills County Public Health, 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market. Come learn how to celebrate America safely!
- StoryWalk hosted by the Glenwood Public Library. Starting at 4 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market.

Thursday, July 2
- Mineola Main Street Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- America’s 250th Bingo Bash at the American Legion. 6 p.m.
- Trivia at Keg Creek Brewery, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 3
- Trinity Lutheran Church Patriotic Quilt Show from 1-3 p.m.
- Stars, Stripes, and Bingo on the Rocks at the Glenwood American Legion. 7 p.m.
- Bella Terre Vienyard / Reception Hall Red, Wine & Blue Bash. Food, activities, live music and fireworks.

Saturday, July 4
- Have a Picnic in the Park! Enjoy Glenwood Lake Park during the day.
- Mills County Historical Museum will be open with historical artifacts and military exhibits, along with a food truck and drinks. The air-conditioned event space next to the museum will be open for people to get out of the heat.
- High Heel show at Davies Amphitheater at 7 p.m. (free admission).
- Fireworks at the park following show at amphitheater.

Saturday, July 11
Silver City America 250 Street Dance. Food service begins at 6 p.m. with live music by The Willards from 7-10 p.m.