Washington, DC – There are fisticuffs on the White House lawn, soon to be followed by a high-speed race through the National Mall. What is going on in Washington, DC?The United States capital has been transformed in honour of the country’s 250th anniversary.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listEvents all around the country are planned to mark two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.The nationwide bash has been dubbed the “semiquincentennial” — meaning half of 500 — and not just because Congress loves long words. The US has a history of throwing itself a party every 50 years.But US President Donald Trump has promised a particularly noteworthy event this year, though the proceedings have been marred by a cavalcade of controversies.Here’s what to know:What is the history of US semicentennial celebrations?The first 50-year anniversary, in 1826, was a considerably more muted affair than the festivities to come.At the time, some of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence were still alive, so the mayor of Washington, DC, invited them to attend the celebration in the capital.Former Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both demurred, citing their failing health. They died within hours of each other on the day of the semicentennial.Fifty years later, in 1876, the US would mark its 100th anniversary by hosting its first world’s fair, an exhibition featuring displays of art, culture and technology from around the glob …
