Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley has reached a milestone in its celebration of America's 250th birthday. The city has met its goal of planting 250 trees throughout the community as part of the nationwide semiquincentennial commemoration. The semiquincentennial marks 250 years since the United States was founded in 1776. More than 250 flags have also been placed around the city to enhance the patriotic spirit.

City crews planted trees throughout 2026 along rights-of-way, on municipal sites, and at other public locations. Upcoming community events tied to the celebration are scheduled for June 18, June 20, and throughout the summer. The tree planting project was separate from Foley's existing efforts to grow and maintain its urban tree canopy.

Foley horticulture and public works crews regularly plant and trim trees as part of ongoing city maintenance. Each February, the city also gives away trees during its Arbor Day celebration. In 2026, more than 700 trees were distributed to residents and volunteers for planting across the community.

Some of the 250 trees were oaks planted on South Chicago Street near the site of the new Foley Public Library, scheduled to open in July. Trees were also planted at the new Public Works Campus, which opened in May on North Poplar Street.

Beyond trees, the city is decorating Foley with flags, bunting, and other patriotic displays ahead of the July 4 anniversary. Residents are encouraged to join in by displaying their own decorations at home.

On Thursday, June 18, Foley Main Street will host its "Hello Summer" Third Thursday event downtown. Participating businesses will display red, white, and blue pinwheels and hand out patriotic tote bags to attendees.

On Saturday, June 20, the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market will celebrate the semiquincentennial at its annual Corn Festival. This year's corn-eating contest will have a patriotic twist. Contestants will race to finish two ears of white corn, five slices of red watermelon, and a cup of blueberries. A kids' division will also be part of the competition.

The festival will once again feature the Corny Dad Cook-Off, in which three dads each prepare a signature dish featuring corn. The public can taste all three dishes and vote for their favorite. Each voting ticket includes a miniature American flag.

The Foley Railroad Museum is offering an American Revolution-themed scavenger hunt on Event Train days — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — throughout the summer. Participants can pick up the hunt at the Model Train Exhibit and search for hidden items in both the exhibit and the museum. The first 250 guests to complete the hunt will receive a commemorative pin.

The museum is also hosting an America 250 Visitor Response Wall, where guests can leave a message about what America's 250th anniversary means to them.

Earlier semiquincentennial events included a patriotic concert by the Baldwin Pops orchestra in late May and a celebration at the final Music and a Movie event of 2026 at Heritage Park on May 22.

The city is also planning a Flags of Freedom self-guided tour at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve. Additional details on 250th-anniversary events in Foley will be announced as plans are finalized.