News Release: 6/12/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
America 250: Faith, Family & Freedom
Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce Launches Series of Events Commemorating America's 250th Anniversary
(June 11, 2026) CHAPPELL HILL, TEXAS – The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce is preparing a series of special events to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and celebrate Independence Day in one of Texas' most patriotic communities. The festivities will culminate with Chappell Hill's renowned Independence Day celebration, proudly known as the "Biggest Small Town Parade in America."
"Our volunteers wanted to do something truly special to honor America's 250th Anniversary," said Joel Romo, America 250 Committee Chairman. "What began as a brainstorming effort over a year ago has grown into a series of meaningful events that celebrate our nation's founding principles of faith, family, and freedom."
Flag Day Ceremony – June 14
The celebration begins with a Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Providence Church, 5175 Main Street in Chappell Hill.
The program will highlight the history, significance, and proper handling of the American flag. Featured speaker Ben Seeker, Commander of the James F. Dillon VFW Post 7104 in Brenham, will present "The Story of Our Star-Spangled Banner and Why She Must Never Touch the Ground." Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a flag etiquette demonstration and enjoy light refreshments.
"We Hold These Truths" Dinner – June 29
On Monday, June 29, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Chamber will host "We Hold These Truths: An Evening of Remembrance" at Grapevine on Main in downtown Chappell Hill.
Inspired by the tradition of gathering around a shared table, the event will explore three foundational American principles—faith, liberty, and unity. The evening will feature patriotic toasts, music, and an authentic six-course colonial-inspired dinner.
The keynote speaker will be Nate Boyer, a United States Army Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, former University of Texas Longhorn, and former Seattle Seahawk. Boyer's remarkable story includes service in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a spot as a Division I college football player after his military service, and later becoming the oldest rookie in NFL history at age 34. Today, he is widely recognized as co-founder of Merging
Vets & Players (MVP), an organization that helps veterans and professional athletes successfully navigate life transitions.
"We are honored to welcome Nate Boyer to Chappell Hill," Romo said. "His story of service, perseverance, and leadership embodies the spirit of America."
Sponsors of the dinner include BirdDog, Brenham National Bank, and Texas Heritage Center.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children under 12. Seating is limited and tickets may be purchased at www.chappellhilltx.com.
Independence Day Celebration – July 4
The celebration continues on July 4 with the return of the "Biggest Small Town Parade in America," featuring this year's theme, "America 250: Faith, Family & Freedom."
Activities begin with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the firing of the famous Chappell Hill Cannon at 10:00 a.m., signaling the start of the parade.
More than $850 in prize money will be awarded to parade participants, and the beloved World Famous Marching Kazoo Band will once again entertain spectators, including several alumni performers returning from the 1970s.
Following the parade, families can participate in a Paul Revere Scavenger Hunt, while Rob Moorman & Company will perform before and after the parade at BirdDog World Headquarters on Main Street.
Bells Across America
To conclude the day's festivities, the Chamber is encouraging churches throughout Washington County to participate in the nationwide "Bells Across America" observance.
At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, churches and communities across the nation will ring bells simultaneously in recognition of America's 250th Anniversary. The tradition traces its roots to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 as National Bell Ringing Day through Congressional Resolution No. 25.
"Washington County holds a special place in Texas history," Romo said. "We believe it would be a powerful and inspiring moment for church bells throughout our county to ring together in celebration of this historic milestone. Whether a congregation has a bell tower, hand bell, or bell choir, we invite everyone to participate."
For event information, parade registration, tickets for the "We Hold These Truths" dinner, and participation in the World Famous Marching Kazoo Band, visit www.chappellhilltx.com.
For additional information, contact 979-337-9910 or 512-423-1598.
America 250: Faith, Family & Freedom
Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce Launches Series of Events Commemorating America's 250th Anniversary
(June 11, 2026) CHAPPELL HILL, TEXAS – The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce is preparing a series of special events to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and celebrate Independence Day in one of Texas' most patriotic communities. The festivities will culminate with Chappell Hill's renowned Independence Day celebration, proudly known as the "Biggest Small Town Parade in America."
"Our volunteers wanted to do something truly special to honor America's 250th Anniversary," said Joel Romo, America 250 Committee Chairman. "What began as a brainstorming effort over a year ago has grown into a series of meaningful events that celebrate our nation's founding principles of faith, family, and freedom."
Flag Day Ceremony – June 14
The celebration begins with a Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Providence Church, 5175 Main Street in Chappell Hill.
The program will highlight the history, significance, and proper handling of the American flag. Featured speaker Ben Seeker, Commander of the James F. Dillon VFW Post 7104 in Brenham, will present "The Story of Our Star-Spangled Banner and Why She Must Never Touch the Ground." Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a flag etiquette demonstration and enjoy light refreshments.
"We Hold These Truths" Dinner – June 29
On Monday, June 29, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Chamber will host "We Hold These Truths: An Evening of Remembrance" at Grapevine on Main in downtown Chappell Hill.
Inspired by the tradition of gathering around a shared table, the event will explore three foundational American principles—faith, liberty, and unity. The evening will feature patriotic toasts, music, and an authentic six-course colonial-inspired dinner.
The keynote speaker will be Nate Boyer, a United States Army Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, former University of Texas Longhorn, and former Seattle Seahawk. Boyer's remarkable story includes service in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a spot as a Division I college football player after his military service, and later becoming the oldest rookie in NFL history at age 34. Today, he is widely recognized as co-founder of Merging
Vets & Players (MVP), an organization that helps veterans and professional athletes successfully navigate life transitions.
"We are honored to welcome Nate Boyer to Chappell Hill," Romo said. "His story of service, perseverance, and leadership embodies the spirit of America."
Sponsors of the dinner include BirdDog, Brenham National Bank, and Texas Heritage Center.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children under 12. Seating is limited and tickets may be purchased at www.chappellhilltx.com.
Independence Day Celebration – July 4
The celebration continues on July 4 with the return of the "Biggest Small Town Parade in America," featuring this year's theme, "America 250: Faith, Family & Freedom."
Activities begin with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the firing of the famous Chappell Hill Cannon at 10:00 a.m., signaling the start of the parade.
More than $850 in prize money will be awarded to parade participants, and the beloved World Famous Marching Kazoo Band will once again entertain spectators, including several alumni performers returning from the 1970s.
Following the parade, families can participate in a Paul Revere Scavenger Hunt, while Rob Moorman & Company will perform before and after the parade at BirdDog World Headquarters on Main Street.
Bells Across America
To conclude the day's festivities, the Chamber is encouraging churches throughout Washington County to participate in the nationwide "Bells Across America" observance.
At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, churches and communities across the nation will ring bells simultaneously in recognition of America's 250th Anniversary. The tradition traces its roots to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 as National Bell Ringing Day through Congressional Resolution No. 25.
"Washington County holds a special place in Texas history," Romo said. "We believe it would be a powerful and inspiring moment for church bells throughout our county to ring together in celebration of this historic milestone. Whether a congregation has a bell tower, hand bell, or bell choir, we invite everyone to participate."
For event information, parade registration, tickets for the "We Hold These Truths" dinner, and participation in the World Famous Marching Kazoo Band, visit www.chappellhilltx.com.
For additional information, contact 979-337-9910 or 512-423-1598.
