America 250 in Santee
Honor the Past. Celebrate the Future.
In 2026, the City of Santee will join communities across the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This once-in-a-generation milestone honors our nation’s history, service, resilience, and shared values.
Santee's Stars, Stripes and Sights Adventure Series
May Activities
Each month, families can explore Santee by finding and scanning hidden QR codes at locations and events across the City. Each check-in earns an entry into that month’s opportunity drawing.
Complete more activities to earn additional entries for a chance to win America250-themed prizes. New activities and winners are announced monthly throughout the year.
May Adventure Series Activities
Anytime Activities
- Mast Park – 9125 Carlton Hills Boulevard
- Hint: Where do you bring your furry friends to play?
- Shadow Hill Park – 9161 Shadow Hill Road
- Hint: Where do you find information about the park?
- Santee City Hall – 10601 Magnolia Avenue
- Hint: Where do you register for recreation activities?
Date-Specific Activities
- Salutes To Service - Letters to Veterans and Service Members
- Date: May 7, 2026
- Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
- Location: Santee Teen Center - 8115 Arlette Street
- Open to the public! No Teen Center Membership required.
- Bazaar at the Barn
- Date: May 16, 2026)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Location: Santee Historic Barn - 9200 Magnolia Avenue
- Bike Anywhere Day
- Date: May 21, 2026
- Time: 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Location: Corner of Carlton Hills Boulevard and Mast Boulevard
- Santee Street Fair
- Date: May 23, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Location: Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway
- Memorial Day
- Date: May 25, 2026
- Location: Santee Veterans Memorial Monument
- Hint: Where where does the Old Glory fly?
- Veterans East County Alliance Mixer
- Date: May 28, 2026
- More information to come!
- Heroes Golf Classic Tournament
- Date: May 29, 2026
- Time: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Location: Carlton Oaks Golf Course 9200 Inwood Drive
May Prizes
The May winners will be announced on June 1, 2026.
As you explore the city, watch for Santee Sammy. When you find him, scan the QR code to check in for that activity. Additional surprise check-in opportunities may appear throughout the community.
Your email will only be used for communication if you choose to opt in to receive event-related updates.
Local Santee America 250 Activities
Explore a year-long lineup of activities taking place throughout Santee. This list is not comprehensive, and the City does not formally support or endorse the events or activities listed.
Featured Events & Activities
VECA Military/Veteran Mixer (East County Salutes)
Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30PM
Location: Sedano Chevrolet
The City of Santee is teaming up with VECA (Veterans East County Alliance - San Diego) to honor the military community and recognize the strength of military spouses. RSVP link will be coming soon!
Date: May 29, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM - 2:00PM
Location: Carlton Oaks Golf Course
The City of Santee is teaming up with VECA (Veterans East County Alliance - San Diego) to honor the military community and recognize the strength of military spouses. RSVP link will be coming soon!
Patriotic Porch Contest
Date: May 22 - June 22, 2026
Location: Your House or Business
Celebrate America 250 by decorating your porch, yard, or storefront in patriotic style! From May 22 through June 22, show off your red, white, and blue spirit for a chance to be recognized as one of Santee’s most festive displays. Winners will be announced the week of June 29.
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Town Center Community Park East
Join us as we kick of our America 250 celebration at the first Summer Concert. The Pistole Blonde band will be rocking the house. We will have free patriotic activities. Full Summer Concert Line Up.
Date: July 4, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Town Center Community Park East
Annual Fourth of July celebration featuring expanded America 250 activities. Free red, white and blue dessert, America 250 light up marquee (great for photos), red, white and blue light up foam sticks, additional Fireworks and more!
Date: August 6, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Town Center Community Park East
Join us as we partner up with the San Diego County's Sheriff's Office to co-host National Night Out along side our Summer Concert. The Sea Monks will be hitting the stage with Rockabilly hits. Full Summer Concert Line Up.
Santee Lakes Events
Hosted by Santee Lakes and Santee Lakes Foundation
Dates: Presidents’ Day Weekend through July 4, 2026
The “50 Flags of Freedom” and America 250 anniversary flags will be displayed throughout Santee Lakes. This patriotic display is sponsored by the Santee Lakes Foundation.
America 250 Community Mosaic Mural
The City of Santee will be coordinating a community mosaic mural that will be displayed in Mast Park. More details to come.
Santee Salutes - America 250 Flags
How To Get One For Yourself!
Have you seen the Santee Salutes – America 250 flag displayed around town? If you are interested in ordering one, the City has coordinated with the vendor to make flags available for purchase.
How to Order
- Visit the Anley Flags custom flag ordering page .
- Select your preferred flag size and customization options.
- Add the item to your cart. Do not upload any artwork.
- Proceed to checkout and select your shipping method.
- Enter your shipping and payment information.
- In the order notes, include the following message:
Please use the artwork from order #201524. - Submit your order.
- Pricing varies depending on the size selected. The starting price for a 3 by 5 foot flag is $25.95.
Disclaimer: The City of Santee does not receive compensation from this vendor. All proceeds are paid directly to Anley Flags. The City does not endorse products available on the vendor’s website.
Challenge Coins
Get A Limited Edition Collectible to Celebrate America's 250th!
The Santee Community Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has produced 250 limited-edition challenge coins in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Each coin is engraved with a unique year from 1776 through 2026, making every piece a one-of-a-kind collectible that represents a moment in United States history.
Purchase A Coin
Hometown Heroes Banner Program
The City of Santee’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program honors individuals connected to the Santee community who have served, are currently serving, or have given their lives in the United States Armed Forces.
Eligible honorees include:
- Santee residents, past or present
- Family members of Santee residents
- Santee business owners or operators
- Adopted Marines from the City of Santee’s adopted Marine units
Learn more about the Hometown Heroes Banner Program