Posted by Clayton Kagi

Dare A250: Red, White, and Outer Banks Blue

Wow, what a day! The Dare A250 Faire brought a strong crowd, steady energy, and a real sense of pride to the Outer Banks. From the first events in the morning through the evening festivities, it felt like the whole community showed up—locals and visitors together—to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

As a company rooted here, we proudly supported this event as a corporate sponsor. Events like this reflect what we value: community, history, and the shared experience of being in a place that means something. The Outer Banks has always been tied closely to the story of this country, and Dare A250 was a reminder of just how much history is right here around us.

What is Dare A250?

If you’re coming across this after the event, we're sorry you missed out! Dare A250 was part of the national America250 effort, a multi-year initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Across the country, communities are recognizing this milestone through events that reflect their local role in the nation’s history.

Here in Dare County, that took shape as the Dare A250 “Liberty, Legacy and Lift-Off” Faire—a full day of family-friendly events held across Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park.

The event brought together a mix of history, entertainment, and hands-on activities. Guests moved between downtown Manteo and the Festival Park throughout the day, taking in:

Living history exhibits and reenactments
Educational displays tied to early settlement and aviation
Local vendors, food, and crafts
Live music and performances
Activities designed for families and kids

Why Dare County Matters: The Land of Beginnings

Dare County carries the nickname “The Land of Beginnings” for good reason. Few places in the country have such a direct connection to multiple first chapters in American history.

Roanoke Island and the First English Colony

Roanoke Island was the site of England’s first attempt at settlement in the New World in the late 1500s. The colony’s mysterious disappearance, often referred to as the “Lost Colony,” remains one of the most studied and discussed events in early American history. This story is honored in the nation's longest running outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony, which has received a Tony Honors award and can we watched each year on Roanoke Island!

Virginia Dare: The First English Child Born in America

Virginia Dare was born on Roanoke Island in 1587, becoming the first English child born in the New World. Dare County itself is named in her honor.

First Powered Flight

In 1903, Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered flight just north of here in Kill Devil Hills (which was then still Kitty Hawk). It’s a defining moment in modern history, and one that continues to draw visitors from around the world. If you've never visited the National Wright Brothers National Memorial, it's a must-see!

The Graveyard of the Atlantic

The waters off the Outer Banks are known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, where thousands of shipwrecks have occurred over centuries. This coastline led to the creation of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, including the culturally significant African American crew at Pea Island led by Richard Etheridge. Their work and legacy became part of what is now the U.S. Coast Guard.

Looking Ahead to July 4

Dare A250 was a strong start to a larger moment. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on Independence Day is just ahead, and there’s more to come across the Outer Banks this summer.

We’ve shared a full guide to local July 4 events, along with homes that still have availability during the holiday week. If you’ve been thinking about a visit, it’s a meaningful time to be here, surrounded by the places where so much of this history began. Come experience the Land of Beginnings for yourself!

A full photo gallery from the Dare A250 Faire is included below.