BERLIN — The Town of Berlin is planning several events this spring and summer to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with activities focused on local history, community traditions and family entertainment.

One of the largest events will be Yankee Peddler Day on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berlin Veterans’ Park and the VFW. Admission to the event will be free.

The event will feature more than 60 vendors and nonprofit organizations from across Connecticut, including many based in Berlin. Visitors will also find food trucks, handmade items for sale, family activities and games with a 1776 theme coordinated by Berlin UpBeat. Music will be provided by Original Groove Works featuring Chris Barlow.

Several local organizations are expected to participate, including the Berlin Historical Society, Berlin Land Trust, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library and Rotary clubs.

As part of the celebration, organizers will also hold a baking contest using approved colonial-era recipes. Residents can prepare items such as Colonial Molasses Cookies, Colonial Rye Bread, 1784 Applejack Cookies and George Washington Apple Pie. Participants may also decorate cakes or cookies with patriotic themes. Winners will receive prizes and ribbons.

The event also highlights Berlin’s connection to the history of the “Yankee Peddler.” According to town information, brothers Edward and William Pattison emigrated from Ireland to Berlin around 1740 and created the first tinware business in the American colonies. Tinware was first sold door to door in baskets, then transported across the country and into Canada by mule and wagon.

Additional Berlin 250 events are planned throughout the coming months.

A program titled “Berlin in the Revolution” is scheduled for May 19 at the Berlin Senior Center. The presentation will focus on Berlin’s role during the Revolutionary War.

The town’s Memorial Day Parade on May 25 will also include a float or truck connected to the anniversary celebration.

In June, Berlin will host a scavenger hunt at different locations around town from June 5 through June 14. Another June event at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library will focus on women’s clothing and fashion during the Revolutionary War era.

The celebration will continue into July with bell-ringing ceremonies, patriotic gatherings and community potluck events in honor of Independence Day.