Photo by Tanja Musselman.
Photo by Tanja Musselman. Credit: File photo

Nevada Day Inc. is proud to announce the Freedom Cruise 250, a patriotic Independence Day celebration commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The event will take place Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Carson City, following the Liberty Bell Ceremony at the Nevada State Museum.

The day’s festivities will begin at the Nevada State Museum with a special ceremony presented in partnership with the Sons of the American Revolution, featuring:

  • Posting of the Colors
  • Reading of the Declaration of Independence
  • Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony

Following the official ceremony, members of the public will be invited to ring the Liberty Bell in honor of family patriots and America’s founding spirit.

The Freedom Cruise 250 patriotic vehicle procession will depart at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Car Procession Details

Participants will begin staging at 10:00 a.m. in the Arlington parking lot, located at 500 N. Carson Street in Carson City, across from the Nugget Casino.

The procession will begin at North Carson Street and Robinson Street and conclude at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.

Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell will lead the procession and serve as honorary judge for the vehicle decorating contest. The public is encouraged to line Carson Street and cheer on participants showcasing patriotic and America 250-themed vehicle decorations.

Awards & Cash Prizes

Cash prizes for the decorating contest include:

  • 1st Place — $1,000
  • 2nd Place — $500
  • 3rd Place — $250

Winners will be announced following the America 250 flag-raising ceremony.

Registration Information

Vehicle registration is now open, and space is limited.

  • One vehicle entry application: $125
  • Two vehicles entry application: $250
  • One Motorcycle entry: $75 
  • Two Motorcycle entry application: $150

Due to staging and route capacity, participation in the Freedom Cruise 250 procession is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications and additional event information are available on the Nevada Day official website www.nevadaday.com.

Each registered participant will receive an exclusive Freedom Cruise 250 commemorative T-shirt, not available for public sale.

Nevada Day Gift Shop

The Nevada Day Parade Gift Shop is offering limited-edition America 250 merchandise while supplies last, including commemorative apparel, collectibles, and patriotic memorabilia created for this historic celebration.

America 250 Flag-Raising Initiative

In partnership with Carson City and the Foundation for Carson City Parks & Recreation, two 20-foot by 30-foot Garrison U.S. flags will be installed at major gateway locations:

  • North Gateway: Southbound I-580 off-ramp near Carson Tahoe
  • South Gateway: Highway 50 and I-580 intersection

Event Summary

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Liberty Bell Ceremony: Nevada State Museum
Freedom Cruise 250 Departure: Approximately 11:00 a.m.
Procession Leader: Mayor Lori Bagwell
Vehicle Staging: 10:00 a.m., Arlington parking lot
Route: North Carson Street at Robinson Street to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
Organizer: Nevada Day Inc. Volunteer Board

For more information, visit the Nevada Day official website www.nevadaday.com.

Nevada Day, Inc. is located at 508 N Curry St., Carson City and can be reached at 775-882-2600.