According to a release from the City of Danbury, the city is inviting residents to celebrate a once-in-a-generation milestone as America marks its 250th birthday.

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Over the coming months, Danbury will host a variety of events that recognize the nation's history while bringing the community together to celebrate the ideals that shaped the United States. The festivities are being organized in partnership with the Danbury Museum & Historical Society and will feature something for history buffs, families, and anyone looking to take part in this historic anniversary.

Many of Danbury's favorite annual traditions are being incorporated into the celebration. The Day of Danbury Festival, the popular fireworks display at Candlewood Lake Town Park, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence are all part of the lineup. There will also be a National Bell Ringing ceremony, Museum Night activities, and a local production of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 presented by Richter Musicals.

It's a fitting celebration for a city with deep Revolutionary War roots. Danbury played an important role in America's early history, and this anniversary offers residents a chance to reflect on the sacrifices, perseverance, and spirit that helped shape both the city and the nation.

Whether you're interested in local history, patriotic celebrations, live theater, or simply looking for family-friendly events this summer, there will be plenty of opportunities to participate throughout the America 250 celebration.

The City of Danbury is encouraging residents to get involved, attend the various events, and learn more about the community's place in the story of America's independence. It's not often you get to celebrate a 250th anniversary, and city officials hope people of all ages will take advantage of the unique programming planned throughout the commemorative year.

A full calendar of events, along with additional information about Danbury's role in American history and ways to participate, is available through the city's America 250 celebration website.

In 1970, Two Men Robbed a Danbury Bank + Blew Up the Police Station

The story of the Pardue brothers, their connection to Danbury and what happened in the Hat City in February of 1970 came to us from Mike Allen. Every Tuesday Mike joins the Ethan and Lou Show on I-95 for a feature called "The Place You Live" and this week it was a local story unlike any I'd ever heard.

John Pardue was a 27-year-old man in 1970 who lived in Danbury, his brother James was 23, and living in Lusby, MD. Before the story finds its way to the Hat City, and the brothers rob the Union Savings Bank on Main Street, they had already racked up quite the list of astonishing crimes.

Prior to Danbury, they robbed banks in Lewisboro, NY, Georgetown, CT and Union, MO. They also killed their father, their grandmother, two other men who helped them pull off the robbery in Georgetown, CT and had, at minimum, a role in the death of an innocent Bridgeport man that they stole a car from. John and James Pardue were hardened criminals before their Danbury bank robbery.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

17 Stunning Danbury Photos Along With Random Odd Facts About the City

The day I took this round of pictures (September 15 or 16th I can't remember), the light all over the city was just perfect. The sun was dancing in all the right places on the buildings, the trees and the grass. I said to hell with it, I'm publishing these photos. But what should I write in the description? I decided to pair the images with odd Danbury facts I gathered from prior articles. 

Maybe this works out, maybe not at least I can say "look at this!"

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

10 Things Only People From Danbury Truly Understand

Danbury isn’t just a place on a map — it’s a shared experience. From parking lot survival drills to lake life politics, here are the things only people from Danbury, CT truly understand.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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