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Celebrate America 250 in Johnson County — One Stamp, One Story, One Experience at a Time

  • Writer: Sheila Caldwell
    Sheila Caldwell
  • May 17
  • 3 min read

There’s something special about celebrating America’s 250th birthday in a place like Johnson County.


Here, history isn’t locked away in textbooks or museums alone — it’s woven into our mountain communities, family traditions, music, patriotism, and the stories passed down from generation to generation. From the waters of Watauga Lake and the memories of Old Butler to bluegrass music, veterans celebrations, festivals, and hometown gatherings, Johnson County’s story is deeply connected to the American story.


That’s why we’re excited to invite residents and visitors alike to be part of the America 250 – Johnson County Passport Program — a countywide celebration honoring our nation’s Semiquincentennial with events, experiences, commemorative souvenirs, and opportunities to explore the places and traditions that make our community unique.


What is the America 250 – Johnson County Passport?


The Passport is a fun and meaningful way to experience Johnson County’s America 250 celebrations throughout 2026. Guests can pick up a FREE America 250 – Johnson County Passport, attend select events across the county, collect unique commemorative stamps, and receive a free Johnson County souvenir while supplies last.


The program officially launched this spring at the Shady Valley Festival of Quilts, and the celebration will continue all the way through the Veterans Day Celebration at Heritage Hall Theatre in November. If you picked up a Passport at the Festival of Quilts, collect your unique stamps and pick up your commemorative souvenir beginning Saturday, May 23.


The first opportunity to receive the commemorative souvenir will be during the:



Spots Where Can You Pick Up a Passport

Free America 250 - Johnson County Passports are available at several locations across Johnson County as of May 23, 2026, including:


Passports, commemorative stamps, and limited-edition souvenirs — featuring exclusive artwork by Lewis Chapman — will also be available at select America 250 events and venues throughout the year while supplies last.


Featured America 250 – Johnson County Events

This year’s celebration includes a wonderful mix of music, arts, history, patriotism, family traditions, and community gatherings. Pick up your free Passport, get a unique stamp and receive a commemorative souvenir (while supplies last) at:


🇺🇸 Museum of Butler Homecoming Featuring The Kody Norris Show | Saturday, May 23

🇺🇸 America 250 Art Exhibit | Opens July 3 at Johnson County Center for the Arts

🇺🇸 America 250 & July 4th Celebration | Ralph Stout Park

🇺🇸 Mountain City Sunflower Festival | Saturday, July 11 • Johnson County High School

🇺🇸 Old Butler Days | Friday, August 21 – Saturday, August 22 • Selma Babe Curtis Park

🇺🇸 3rd Annual First Responder Ribfest | Saturday, September 5 • Chamber Park

🇺🇸 War Bonds: The Songs & Letters of World War II | Saturday, September 19 • Heritage Hall Theatre

🇺🇸 Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention | Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3 • Heritage Square

🇺🇸 Shady Valley Cranberry Festival | Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 10

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Celebration | Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00am • Heritage Hall Theatre


More Than a Celebration

America 250 in Johnson County is about more than events and souvenirs. It’s about remembering where we came from, honoring the people who shaped our communities, celebrating the freedoms we share, and creating new memories together.


Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a returning family member, or a first-time visitor discovering our mountains for the first time, we hope this celebration inspires you to explore Johnson County’s history, heritage, music, arts, outdoor recreation, and hometown hospitality.


The Johnson County Tourism Office is proud to sponsor the advertising campaign supporting America 250 events across the county, especially the Johnson County VFW’s July 4th celebrations and patriotic programming throughout the year.


Funding for the America 250 – Johnson County Passport and commemorative souvenir program has been provided through TN250 and the Tennessee State Museum.


This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.


For event details, Passport locations, and updates throughout the year, bookmark:



 
 
 

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