Massachusetts prepares 250th anniversary celebrations with $6M initiative

BOSTON (WWLP) – The United States is turning 250 years old in July, and Massachusetts is halfway through a two-year-long series of celebrations.

State leaders: “audit is unconstitutional”

It’s all part of an initiative to honor the state’s origins with a $6 million price tag. All of these events are leading up to a major Fourth of July celebration on the esplanade in Boston, complete with Boston Pops, guest performances, and a fireworks show.

“I can tell you, Massachusetts, that July 4th, 2026, is going to be like something we have never, ever, ever seen before,” said Governor Healey.

Part of the efforts to revitalize the Bay State includes $3.5 million in community grants. Western Massachusetts projects receiving funding include a sidewalk art tour in Greenfield, a walk on Native land in Hatfield, community theatre in Springfield, and the Western Mass 250 project.

“It is going to show what American hope, resilience yields, what courage required, and made possible,” Healey said.

The state has also released a MA250 edition license plate for those who want to show their Bay State pride on their vehicle. In addition to tourism pushes from the MA250 initiative, the Bay State is expecting an influx of visitors from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium.

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