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‘America’s Harvest’ will be centerpiece of Iowa’s semiquincentennial celebration
Throughout 2026, the state will highlight Iowa’s agriculture, gardening and horticulture, leading up to a massive Harvest Festival in October that will celebrate Iowa’s ‘integral role in feeding and fueling the world for 250 years’
Dec. 18, 2025 6:46 pm, Updated: Dec. 19, 2025 8:08 am
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DES MOINES — The main event in Iowa’s participation in the nationwide celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary next year will be an “America’s Harvest” event in October, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer said Thursday.
Cournoyer, Iowa Sec. of State Paul Pate and Iowa Agriculture Sec. Mike Naig unveiled the state’s early plans for its celebration of America 250, the federal government’s commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, Thursday during a public event at the Iowa Capitol.
The three state government leaders are members of a task force appointed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to lead the planning of Iowa’s participation in the America 250 celebration.
Throughout next year, Cournoyer said, the state will highlight Iowa’s agriculture, gardening and horticulture through webinars and social media, leading up to “a massive Harvest Festival” in October that will celebrate Iowa’s “integral role in feeding and fueling the world for 250 years.”
“Here in Iowa, we’re leaning into our DNA,” Cournoyer said.
“This isn’t just the birthday party for the United States. It’s a celebration of you. It’s a celebration of the Iowans who built this country and the Iowans who are leading it into the next 250 years,” Cournoyer said. “So let’s tell our story. Let’s celebrate our harvest. And let’s show the world why Iowa is the best place to call home.”
Other America 250 celebrations across Iowa next year will include, according to Cournoyer:
- The Masons of Iowa will decorate the graves of the 42 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Iowa;
- Living History Farms will host teas with “George and Marsha Washington”;
- The State Historical Society will renew the historic John Brown Trail, or Freedom Trail;
- The Department of Education will engage students by launching poems, essays and video contests;
- The Department of Transportation will highlight Iowa’s scenic byways;
- Iowa PBS is producing two new documentaries;
- And the Iowa State Fair will honor 250 “special” Iowans.
A full list of events can be found on the website america250.iowa.gov.
“There’s so much happening here it’s impossible to list it all. It’s a great problem to have,” Cournoyer said.
Pate’s office will display the Iowa Constitution and is working with the State Historical Society of Iowa to display other historic state documents, like records from constitutional conventions, past elections, constitutional amendment ratifications, and suffrage movements.
“Whether you’re a student, a lifelong Iowan, or simply someone who values civic engagement, we invite you to connect with the stories that shaped our state and our nation,” Pate said.
Pate also plans to conduct a statewide voter registration effort over the course of the year, including his goal of 250 voter registration drive events across the state.
“In Iowa, across all 99 counties, elected officials, state agencies, the business community and Iowans of all ages will celebrate Iowa’s own rich history,” Pate said. “Iowa’s initiative, ‘Iowa America’s 250,’ will bring us all together to reflect on our journey to statehood and our own rich history as the 29th state to join the United States of America.”
Iowa became a state in 1846. Its 179th anniversary will be Dec. 28.
Naig said in addition to the state’s planning, Iowa communities are encouraged to create their own plans to celebrate the semiquincentennial.
“This is a great thing, and I’m just excited to see what will happen all across the state: exciting festivals and fairs and concerts and educational programs and community gatherings that will all take on an American 250 twist,” Naig said.
Cournoyer noted that this week marked her first full year as Iowa’s lieutenant governor. Reynolds chose Cournoyer for the post when previous Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg left to take on a leadership position with the Iowa Bankers Association. She said over the course of that year, she has traveled across the state and learned that Iowans have “a world-class story to tell.”
“We have the best people, the strongest schools, thriving jobs and a quality of life that is second to none,” Cournoyer said. “The America 250 celebration is our stage. This is our chance to shine a spotlight on our people, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, innovators, veterans, and our faith communities, our attractions, our events and everyone who makes Iowa the soul of this nation.”
President Donald Trump, also on Thursday, announced a series of events to commemorate the semiquincentennial in Washington, D.C. According to the Freedom 250 organization, appointed by Trump to orchestrate the celebration, events will include:
- Lighting the Washington Monument from Dec. 31, 2025, through Jan. 5, 2026;
- A “Spirit of America” parade on Memorial Day;
- A “Great American State Fair’ on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10, featuring pavilions from all 50 states;
- An Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, including a military flyover and presidential address preceding the annual fireworks;
- A National Prayer Event on the National Mall;
- And a mixed martial arts event at the White House on Flag Day.
Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com
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