TPA celebrates America's 250th birthday throughout July

America is celebrating its 250^th birthday on July 4, and Tampa International Airport has planned lots of events this summer to help make it a party for all of TPA's travelers.

Ahead of daily live musical performances from Friday through Monday during July 4 weekend, the Airport's Main Terminal is all dressed up, with special America 250 banners and a commemorative photo backdrop now on the third floor.

Friends, family and passengers heading to Airside shuttles can use the backdrop to take a quick snap and are encouraged to share them on social media! Also, be sure to stop by our Information Desk near the backdrop and ask for an America 250 sticker, available for limited time starting July 4 weekend.

Celebrations abound throughout TPA for the entire month. Among the special events:

For the entire month of July, the Shoppes at Bayshore on the Main Terminal's third floor will host an interactive map of America activity and red, white and blue cookies. On July 15, they will have a local cookie sampling and TeBella Tea as a nod to the Boston Tea Party.

The News Channel 8 shop in Airside C will be offering free flags and photo ops on July 1.

Also in Airside C, PDQ is selling All-American milkshakes - creamy vanilla with red, white and blue sprinkles and a cherry on top - for the special price of $2.50 on July 4, 5 and 6.

On July 3, the Hard Rock Café in the Main Terminal will get a visit from brewer Sam Adams, with free beer samples and more.

The Main Terminal Event Space, between the shuttles for Airsides E and F on the third floor, will be the site of the Ron Jon Great American Sidewalk Sale. Stop by and shop for a deal July 10, 11 and 12.

P.F. Chang's is the place to be on July 15, when the restaurant hosts a National Hot Dog Day party with free hot dogs, one of the most American of all foods.

And on July 17, head back to the Main Terminal Event Space between 3 and 6 p.m. for a special exhibition exploring Tampa Bay's rich aviation heritage as part of the City of Tampa's Archives Awareness Week. TPA Presents: The Story of Aviation in Tampa Bay explores the past through archival materials, historic photographs, and original concept drawings of the Airport.

This year's exhibit also highlights Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City airports, honoring the people and innovations that shaped our region's aviation story.

The event will feature a special screening of the new documentary America 250: A Portrait of Florida, celebrating Tampa Bay's role as the birthplace of commercial aviation.

Finally, there will be further live musical performances the whole month, with programming for the Main Terminal running until August 3.

Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform at @flyTPA for more!