Department of Economic Development: Maryland 250 Once in a Generation Grant Budget Amendment and Solomons Business Association Memorandum of Understanding

Department of Economic Development · Julie Oberg, Director, Department of Economic Development · 2026-04-09

Background

In January 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved staff to submit a grant application on behalf of the Solomons Business Association (SBA) for an opportunity to receive grant funding through the Maryland 250 Commission to support local events that commemorate the 250th anniversary and engage local communities.

Discussion

Calvert County Government was a warded a Maryland 250 Once in a Generation grant in the amount of $15,000 to support an America 250 Celebratory fireworks display to be coordinated by the SBA in Solomons on July 4, 2026.

The annual Solomons Fourth of July fireworks display typically costs approximately $40,000 to produce. In 2026, the holiday coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this historic milestone, the SBA plans to coordinate an enhanced fireworks display celebrating the nation’s heritage and spirit of patriotism, with projected costs approaching $60,000. The $15,000 grant will provide meaningful support, as funding for this event relies heavily on community donations.

Coordination

Department of Finance & Budget

Extracted from the source document (public record).

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND AND SOLOMONS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU” OR “Agreement”), is made on this day of _____, __________, 2026 by and between the County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland (hereinafter “County”) and Solomons Business Association (hereinafter “SBA”). WHEREAS, America 250 is a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; WHEREAS, the initiative seeks to engage Americans nationwide in celebrations that reflect on the nation’s history, honor contributions from all communities and inspire civic engagement; WHEREAS, the Maryland 250 Commission was formed by Governor Wes Moore in 2023 to plan and execute an inclusive, statewide movement to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, focusing on Maryland’s unique contributions to American history, democracy, service and civic life, acknowledging both successes and setbacks, and promoting greater civic engagement for all Marylanders. The Maryland 250 Commission operates independently as Maryland’s official state body for America’s 250th anniversary, coordinating its own inclusive commemoration, but working in conjunction with the national America 250 initiative; WHEREAS, in 2024, a Calvert 250 Committee consisting of Calvert County Government employees, local business leaders, organization representatives and residents was initiated by the tourism staff in the Department of Economic Development to coordinate inclusive 250-related commemorations throughout Calvert County to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026; WHEREAS, the Maryland 250 Commission’s Once in a Generation grant program offered grants of up to $15,000 to local 250 county committees across Maryland to support one (1) local event that commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to include, but not limited to, existing or new 4th of July events or programs that are free and open to the public; WHEREAS, the SBA organizes and executes an annual 4th of July celebration on Solomons Island every year that incorporates a fireworks display; WHEREAS, the SBA will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with an expanded 4th of July celebration on Solomons Island on July 4, 2026 that will include more community activities, educational experiences and a larger, more patriotic fireworks display than previous years; WHEREAS, the County applied for and was awarded a Maryland 250 Once in a Generation grant in the amount of $15,000, specifically earmarked to financially support the fireworks display at the 4th of July celebration in Solomons Island on July 4, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Calvert 250 Committee wishes to support the SBA and the expansion of its 4th of July celebration in 2026 on Solomons Island by applying awarded grant funds to costs associated with SBA’s expanded patriotic fireworks display. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: A. The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland shall: 1. Disburse the entirety of the Maryland 250 Once in a Generation grant award, not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), directly to the fireworks vendor (Digital Lightening) upon receipt of an official company W9, contact name, phone, email address, web address and formal invoice(s) to support a 250-themed fireworks display on Solomons Island on July 4, 2026. 2. Provide the vendor with the County’s financial contribution on or before July 4, 2026. B. The Solomons Business Association shall: 1. Plan, coordinate, manage and execute all aspects of the annual Solomons Island fireworks display, including vendor contracting, logistics and onsite management. 2. … [truncated — see the source PDF]

Extracted from the source document (public record).