FRIDAY, June 19, 2026
by Angie Hobbs
Photo – Sharing the Spirit of America – Courtesy Carbon County 250 Committee
“On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.
Four days later, on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration was printed and distributed, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the State House Yard by the bells of the city. Then, Colonel John Nixon publicly read the Declaration of Independence.
Led by America 250-Hawaii, Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’ on July 8, 2026. America spans some 9,500-miles from one extreme to the other (the Caribbean across North America to the western edge of the Pacific). Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and nine different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time.” (America250.org)
In order that we, in Carbon County, Wyoming, might join together with our nation in the reading of the Declaration of Independence all together at the same time, our time zone has been assigned to gather with our communities on July 8th at 4:00 pm and listen as the Declaration of Independence is read aloud. Readings have been planned in Saratoga, Elk Mountain, Rawlins and Encampment. Please join with your family, friends and neighbors in this nationwide event and hear the words that laid the foundation for this country’s independence 250 years ago.
Saratoga – Gather at the Saratoga Museum Pavilion on July 8th at 4:00 pm to hear Museum Director Justin Horn read the Declaration and stay for the Saratoga Community Choir to hear a selection of patriotic songs. As a bonus, Mima’s Texas Tacos Food truck will be at the museum all afternoon as well.
Elk Mountain – Gather at Centennial Park Pavilion on July 8th at 4:00 pm to hear the Declaration of Independence read by a selection of willing volunteers and stay for the annual summer ice cream social.
Rawlins – Gather at the South side of the Carbon County Courthouse on July 8th at 4:00 pm to hear the Declaration of Independence read by R. Travis Moore, Chairman of the Carbon County Commission, with a leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by State Representative Pam Thayer.
Encampment– Gather at Grand Encampment Museum July 8th at 4:00 pm at the Caboose Stage to hear CJ Box read the Declaration of Independence followed by a rendition of our national anthem by Ashlyn Johnson.
We look forward to seeing you out to all the awesome events coming up around the county on the 4th of July, and the readings on the 8th of July and then again for the County’s official 250 celebration on July 10th in Rawlins. Check the Facebook feed for event details. Carbon County, Wyoming 250 | Facebook
