Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a commemorative 250 on the Mississippi T Shirt. These limited edition shirts are available for sale at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton for $20 each.

Shirts can also be purchased during the 250 on the Mississippi events in Alton including the July 1 activities at Haskell Park and the July 2 fun at Rotary Park.

Donut eating contests, balloon artists, music, delicious food and, of course, fireworks will highlight the activities in Alton during the 250 on the Mississippi celebrations. Enjoy three full days of events and activities starting July 1 and capping off with the Alton Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The party begins in Haskell Park on July 1 with an old-fashioned party.

Events start at 4 p.m. with a celebratory cutting of an oversized birthday cake for the nation provided by Duke Bakery of Alton. It will also be the official 'Duke Day' in Alton following a proclamation by the Alton mayor.

A Kids Bike Parade will take place at 5 p.m. Kids are encouraged to bring their bikes to the park and decorate them. A parade will take place on the sidewalk around the park led by the Middletown Neighbors Group.

Tricorn Hat Crafts: The Friends of Lucy Haskell Playhouse will host a craft to make a Tricorn hat (reminiscent of those work in the 18th Century worn by the soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Children of ALL ages (that includes adults!) are invited into the playhouse to decorate and fabricate a hat to wear during the party. All supplies will be provided by the playhouse association at no cost. What a great way to get into the spirit of 1776!

Sticker Crafts and Interactive Easel: Pride Inc. will host a booth where kids can color stickers and decorate cardboard garbage cans as well as interactive easels to encourage all to write a few messages about the fun they have at Alton area parks!

Who can eat the most donuts? Watch the kids gobble up donut holes during the 6 p.m. Kids Donut Hole Eating Contest featuring Duke Bakery donuts. There will be two categories for the kids:

• 5-12 Year Olds will have 1 minute to see how many donut holes they can eat!
• 13-17 Year Olds will have 1 minute to see how many donut holes they can eat!
• Register here through Sunday, June 28.

The adults try their hand at this starting at 7 p.m. with the Adult Donut Eating Contest. Adults 18 years and over will have 5 minutes to see how many regular glazed donuts they can eat.

There will be live music from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring Sheafor and Simes.

Additional family-friendly activities include a balloon artist, face painting and more. Enjoy food and drinks from the on-site food trucks.

The celebration moves to Rotary Park in Alton on Thursday, July 2.

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., meet an Uncle Sam on Stilts, Lady Liberty on Stilts, a balloon artist and more during this fun evening party.

Sticker Crafts and Interactive Easel: Pride Inc. will host a booth where kids can color stickers and decorate cardboard
garbage cans as well as interactive easels to encourage all to write a few messages about the fun they have at Alton area parks!

In honor of America's 250th, be sure to pick up your pocket booklet with the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution from the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club booth. Then take the booklet to Broadway Avenue in Alton and have it signed by Thomas Jefferson (he will be strolling the street). Bring the signed booklet back to Rotary Park and receive a $2 bill featuring President Thomas Jefferson!

Enjoy live music by the American Jackals, activities for kids and food and drink vendors.

One of the best fireworks displays in the region takes place Friday, July 3 in downtown Alton.

Fireworks on the Mississippi: Same Tradition. Bigger Spark. will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Alton Amphitheater located on the city's riverfront.

Activities include a performance by LustreLights; lawn games and other family-friendly fun; food trucks and beverage tents; ending with Fireworks on the Mississippi at 9:30 p.m.

An enhanced spectacular fireworks display will launch from the banks of the Mississippi River lighting up the river waters and drawing ohhs and ahhs from the crowds. A variety of fireworks viewing parties will take place at businesses in downtown Alton.

Fireworks begin at dusk and it's free to attend.

Event sponsors are key to supporting this vibrant family-friendly event held in downtown Alton in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

Thank you for your support!

Argosy Casino Alton

North Alton Godfrey Business Council

Riverbank Marketing

Chick Fritz

Local organizers and event partners for 250 on the Mississippi include:

Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau

Duke Bakery

Alton Parks and Recreation

City of Alton

Alton Amphitheater

Pride Inc

Middletown Neighbors Group

Lucy Haskell Playhouse

Alton Marina

Alton-Godfrey Rotary