July 4, 2026
United We Celebrate
This year’s Independence Day celebration will be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Stuhr Museum!
Join us as we combine Stuhr’s traditional Independence Day programs with additional historic elements and new community collaborations, featuring cultural, musical, and interpretive performances, hands-on demonstrations, and activities for the whole family. Guests can explore booths sponsored by local organizations and businesses, enjoy delicious food and unique crafts, and experience the very best of what makes Grand Island special. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display presented in partnership with the Grand Island Fireworks Celebration. Get involved below and check back as we announce more details in the coming weeks!
BE A PART OF THE HISTORIC CELEBRATION!
We are currently accepting applications for participants through January 14, 2026, including performers and demonstrators, nonprofit community tables, and food and craft vendors. Additional information for vendors and other participants can be found below.
Vendor / Performer / Community Participant Application
FOOD VENDORS
- Potential food vendors must submit an application by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 to be considered for selection. Notification of acceptance will be made during the first week of February.
- Selected food vendors must return a completed contract and a $100 food vendor fee by June 15, 2026.
- All operating equipment and needs will be supplied by food vendor.
- A valid food license from the Health Department must be available during hours of operation.
- Electrical hookups are NOT available for food vendors. You must bring your own generator if needed.
- Running water is not available for food vendors.
- Food vendors must take care of their own trash at the end of the day.
Craft/Artisan VENDORS
- Potential craft/artisan vendors must submit an application by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 to be considered for selection. Notification of acceptance will be made during the first week of February.
- Selected craft/artisan vendors must return a completed contract and a $50 craft/artisan vendor fee by June 15, 2026.
- Craft/artisan vendors will be located outside.
- All operating needs must be provided by the craft/artisan vendor (includes tables/displays, chairs, and a pop-up tent/canopy if desired).
Community Table
- Potential community table applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 to be considered for selection. Notification of acceptance will be made during the first week of February.
- Community tables may be informational, include an interactive activity, educational exhibit, or provide other resources for the community. Please include some information about how your organization intends to use their table.
- Community tables will be located outside.
- Community partners will need to provide their own tables, chairs, and a pop-up tent/canopy if desired.
Performers/Demonstrators
- Potential performers/demonstrators must submit an application by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 to be considered for selection. Notification of acceptance will be made during the first week of February.
- Please describe your performance or demonstration using the questions on the application. Include any sort of cultural, historical, or local themes that will help explain why your performance or demonstration would be valuable to this event.
- Include technical needs for your performance or demonstration so that we can ensure the stage, audio, etc. that are available during this event is appropriate for your needs.
OTHER
- Do you have an idea to participate on July 4, 2026 that we haven’t covered above? Submit a proposal using the “Other” category! We will contact you for more information if needed.
- Potential other participants must submit an application by 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 to be considered for selection. Notification of acceptance will be made during the first week of February.