'We the People' Party Kicks Off Delco's Semiquincentennial Celebration

It was a red, white, and blue celebration on January 9 as Valley Forge Military College played host to America250PADelco's 'We the People' Party. This historic year brings history to life through engaging experiences, live performance, and local partnerships that highlight the creativity and spirit of our community. 

The 'We the People' party provided a sneak peek of the 2026 events and programs that will shape Delco's celebration. The night included remarks from Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson, President of Valley Forge Military College; Andrea Silva, Director of America250PADelco; Steve Byrne, Executive Director of Visit Delco; and Christine Reuther, Vice Chair Delaware County Council. Partygoers mingled with historical re-enactors as they sampled food grouped according to five themed stations: 

• Agricultural Bounty - Fruitful Farms to Great Gardens
• Colonial America & Revolution - Philadelphia Campaign
• Path to Freedom - Underground Railroad Through Civil Rights
• Industry - From Mill Grit to Main Line Grandeur
• Delco Rocks - American Pop & Patriotism

The creators of Delco's year-long celebration are our Community Program Partners, many of whom were in attendance. The CPPs are actively planning events and programming in support of America's 250th anniversary.

Kait Paez, PennsWood Winery (Chadds Ford)

Dr. Daisy Century

Rachel ‘Betsy Ross’ Costa

Delaware County Historical Society

Dr. Jeffrey LaMonica, DCCC

Richard Blye, 3rd USCT Civil War Reenactors

Vincent James & JoaAnn Pierdomenico, Keep Music Alive

Christian Freyli, Edgmont Historical Society

Sarah Lerch & Paige McCurdy, Colonial PA Farmstead

Kate Clifford, Haverford Historical Society

Many local vendors helped make the night a success:

Ace Limousine and Airport Service (Chester)

Cricket Catering (Clifton Heights)

DJ Sound & Lighting (Ridley Park)

Declaration Ale, Runaway Train Brewing (America250PA official partner

Tony Shahan, Colonial Cocktails, Flavors of History (Chadds Ford)

Bird Gang Spirits, Botld (King of Prussia)

All Event Party Rentals (Sharon Hill)

Professional Duplicating (Broomall)

Paul  Marturano, Off the Edge Productions

Todd Zimmermann -  Pictures by Todd

Lastly, the night wouldn't have been possible without support from our sponsors: