Dare County launches A250 celebration, passport program and April fair at Wright Brothers National Memorial

Dare County leaders on Jan. 5 announced a countywide celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary, rolling the program out from planning into full implementation.

Dorothy, presenting for the A250 committee, showed a short promotional video and described a website and volunteer-driven engagement plan. The county launched darea250.org and a passport program that runs Jan. 1 through Nov. 18; participants who visit the program's 13 qualifying sites collect virtual stamps by scanning QR codes and can earn certificates as they complete the passport.

The committee also announced a signature A250 Fair scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Organizers said the free, family-friendly event will include local musicians, living-history demonstrations, storytelling, and a grand-finale presentation, and that vendor applications and sponsorship packets are available on the site.

Tammy Woodward of the Outer Banks History Center described a historical timeline and a mapped set of 28 county historic sites that underpin the passport program. The history subcommittee said 13 sites will display a physical passport-sign and QR code for virtual stamps; the selections were chosen for public access and interpretive opportunities.

Marketing lead Caitlin and Jeff Swartzenburg outlined outreach: a monthly newsletter, rack cards, digital ads, and a media kit for towns and partners. Committee members said they were already receiving applications and expected strong local participation.

Organizers asked the public to volunteer and submit events or historical materials via the website; they said participating towns, museums and parks will host and help staff activities throughout the year.