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
June 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.
June Adventure Series Activities
Anytime Activities
- Big Rock Park - 8125 Arlette St, Santee
- Hint: Where do you get a game of Pickleball in?
- Woodglen Vista Park - 10250 Woodglen Vista Dr, Santee
- Hint: Where would you go to practice your kickflip?
- City Hall - 10601 Magnolia Ave, Santee
- Hint: Where do you register for recreation activities?
Date-Specific Activities
- Movie In The Park - The Sandlot
- Date: June 5, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: Town Center Community Park East
- Santee Summer Concert - The Pistole Blonde
- Date: June 11, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Town Center Community Park East
- Santee Summer Concert - Journeymen
- Date: June 18, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Town Center Community Park East
- Santee Summer Concert - Electric Vinyl
- Date: June 25, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Town Center Community Park East
- Patriotic Porch Contest
- Trivia Posts
- Dates" June 6 and June 23
- Posted on the City's social media feeds @CityofSantee
June Prizes
The May winners will be announced on July 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.
Patriotic Porch Contest
May 22 - June 21
In celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, the City of Santee invites residents and businesses to show their patriotic pride by participating in the Santee Patriotic Porch Contest.
From May 22 through June 21, decorate your porch, front yard, balcony, business storefront, or outdoor space in red, white, and blue for a chance to be recognized as one of Santee's most patriotic displays. Whether you go all out with flags and lights or create a unique Americana-inspired design, we want to see your creativity on display.
The winning entry will be announced during the week of June 29.
To enter, submit photos your photos online.
Enter The Porch Contest
Rules
- Open to Santee residents and businesses only
- One entry per household or storefront
How To Enter
- Visit our online entry form
- Submit at least one (1) photo of your decorated space.
- Decorations must be visible from the street.
- Complete the entry form with your contact information.
- Contact information will only be used to notify the winner.
Judging
- Entries will be reviewed by Santee's Arts & Culture Workgroup. Entries will be judged based on:
- Creativity & Originality
- Patriotic theme
- Overall presentation and visual impact
Winner Announcement & Prize
The winning entry will receive one (1) free reserved canopy for Santee Salutes at Town Center Community Park East on Saturday, July 4. The winner will be contact by email or phone on June 29th.
*The City of Santee reserves the right to reject any entries containing profane, political and or obscene content. By entering, participants agree to allow the City to use submitted photos for promotional purposes. Decorations should be family-friendly and in good taste
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
Patriotic Porch Contest
Date: May 22 - June 21, 2026
Location: Your House or Business
Celebrate America's 250th by decorating your porch, yard, or storefront in patriotic style! From May 22 through June 21, 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
Special Thanks
District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson
The City of Santee would like to extend a special thank you to Supervisor Joel Anderson for supporting our America 250 festivities, along with arts and culture initiatives, through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program. This support is helping bring community celebrations and patriotic programming to life throughout Santee.