WE ALREADY HAVE BEAUTIFUL ENTRIES! SEE THE GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM!

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America’s 250th Celebration Contest

Help us celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that inspired the founding of our nation.

All Wilbraham residents are invited to decorate their front door or entryway in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Get creative with patriotic colors, historical themes, symbols of liberty, civic pride, hometown heritage, or anything that reflects the enduring spirit of our country and community.

How to Participate & Win Prizes:

• Decorate your front door/entry. Everyone in Wilbraham is welcome! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

• Take a clear photo

• Submit your entry. ENTER BETWEEN JUNE 20-28

• ALL JUDGING IS ONLINE, NOT ON RESIDENT’S PRIVATE PROPERTY.

• Resident street addresses will NOT be shared or posted.

• WINNERS ANNOUNCED JULY 4

🌿 Featured Prizes

We are grateful to the local businesses, authors, and community partners whose contributions have helped make this celebration possible.

• Garden Design Consultation and Hydrangea Installation ($600 value)
  Design doesn't stop at the doorway. For 27 years, Mura has been creating outdoor sanctuaries that nourish the soul and bring beauty, balance, and joy to everyday life. This professional garden design consultation and hydrangea installation is generously donated by Flying Dragon Garden Design.

• A signed copy of Wilbraham: A Journey Through History, the newest book by Wilbraham historian, author, and speaker David F. Bourcier. Through his books and Wilbraham Historical Tidbits series, people from over 34 countries around the world have discovered and enjoyed our rich history, landmarks, community stories, and traditions that make Wilbraham one of New England’s hidden treasures.

• The Sugar Chalet - A festive holiday-themed cupcake box. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, lunch, fresh baked treats, or a custom cake for a special celebration, The Two Grannies on the Road recently visited, and raved about Alison’s Avocado Toast! Sugar Chalet has become one of Wilbraham's favorite places to enjoy something sweet or savory.

• A signed copy of Marty’s Big Day on the Lake by local authors David and Kelley Bourcier. This heartwarming story follows Marty, a fun-loving dog who reminds us that the best part of any adventure is sharing it with the people and friends you love. Even better, 100% of the authors’ earnings from book sales are donated directly to local animal rescues.

• Cima Restaurant and Chop House. - Gift Card. Cima offers a warm and welcoming dining experience featuring freshly prepared Italian specialties, seafood, pasta dishes, and chop house favorites. Known for its gracious hospitality, authentic cuisine, and inviting atmosphere, Cima is a place where friends and families gather to enjoy good food and good company.

• The Scented Garden Gift Shoppe - Gift Basket including a $25 gift card and Patriotic Canvas. The Shoppe has won Best Gift Boutique in 2021 & 2026 Masslive’s Reader Raves. It is a treasured, local favorite for one-of-a-kind gifts for all occasions. They offer clothing, Jellycat Plush, jewelry, home decor, lotions, perfumes, and many more unique items with complementary gift wrapping.

• Neighborhood Pizza and Pasta House - $20 Gift Card. From specialty pizzas and calzones to grinders, pasta dinners, wings, seafood, specialty salads, and desserts, Neighborhood Pizza offers a menu with something for everyone. Their extensive menu, consistently good food, and convenient seven-day-a-week hours have made them a longtime favorite among Wilbraham residents.

• Rice Fruit Farm - $30 Gift Card.‍ ‍ Established in the late 1800s, Rice Fruit Farm has been part of the Wilbraham community for generations. Today, visitors travel from across New England to enjoy fresh local produce, famous breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakery muffin tops, freshly baked bagels, and, of course, homemade ice cream. Relax in Adirondack chairs, enjoy lawn games with the family, gather around the fire pit on cooler days, and yes—even visit the petting goats! Rice Fruit Farm was recognized as the People's Choice Winner for Best Ice Cream in MassLive's Best of Massachusetts competition.

• Rice Fruit Farm - Four Tickets to Rice’s Fall America 250 Celebration. America's 250th celebration doesn't end on July 4. Anthony is already envisioning a patriotic fall experience featuring America 250-themed apple picking and a special corn maze. This prize includes admission for four to continue the celebration this September or October at one of Wilbraham's most beloved destinations.

• More prizes to be announced shortly!

🏆Kids’ Choice Award

Because children's voices matter too!

Children under the age of 18 will have the opportunity to select the winner of the Kids' Choice Award. Kids' Choice voting will take place during the regular Wednesday Community Meet-Up at Crane Park on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

This award is all about having fun and encouraging children to participate in the celebration. If two or more entries receive the same highest number of votes, all tied entries will be recognized as Kids' Choice Award winners. We will not hold a tie-breaker vote. After all, if Wilbraham's kids can't decide between several great doors, we think it's perfectly fine to celebrate them all!

🏆Peoples’ Choice Voting Rules

People’s Choice Voting is open to the public, and is not limited to Wilbraham residents. Voting Opens HERE on June 30, 2026 and Closes July 2, 2026 at 11:59PM Eastern Time.

Community Judges

In addition to the People's Choice Award and Kids' Choice Award, several special awards will be selected by community members with expertise in history, art, and horticulture.

🌸 Best Floral Display

Judged by a member of the Wilbraham Garden Club

Recognizing the creative use of flowers and greenery in celebrating America's 250th.

🏛️ Best Historical Theme

Judged by David Bourcier, President of the Old Meeting House Museum, local historian, and author.

Recognizing a display that thoughtfully celebrates America's or Wilbraham’s history.

🎨 Most Creative • 🇺🇸 Most Patriotic • ⭐ Spirit of 1776 Award

Judged by Liz Pacosa-McEvoy, Holly Murray, and Michelle Stallworth (Co-owner Magnolia & Maple Pottery)

This panel of local artists will select displays that stand out for originality, artistic expression, patriotic spirit, and the creative celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

🖌️Children’s Group Creativity Award

Judge TBD

For creative group project entries from local children’s organizations

We are grateful to these community volunteers for sharing their time and expertise to help celebrate Wilbraham's creativity and community spirit.

WilbrahamCenter.org‍

Community – Connection – Living with History