’76 Partyware, Please

Prepping for America’s 2026 Semiquincentennial

Source: HiBid/ Aurora Country Auction (Rhome, TX)

“Silly Love Songs,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty.”

Yep, the year was 1976. In addition to the eclectic Billboard Top Hot 100 tunes – Aerosmith’s “Dream On” was only #51, if you can imagine – there was a little something else going on: America’s bicentennial.

I’ve been thinking of ’76 a lot since I recently realized that next year is, wait for this mouthful, our semiquincentennial. Easier said: our 250th birthday.

There’s already tons planned by folks in charge of federal, state and local celebrations. The site I found that seems to give the most broad overview is https://www.America250.org.

For resellers, crafters and makers, I’d say it’s not too early to consider whether you’d like to ramp up for 2026’s 250th.

Perhaps start acquiring 1976 bicentennial items. Or maybe plan on doing more red/white/blue in your craft or art. Resellers could carve out an “America 250” theme that aligns with their interests: stamps, American authors, yada yada yada…you get the idea.

Here are some things that make me feel semiquincentennial-y:

1976 Bicentennial Partyware

Unopened? Even better.

I’m intrigued by these 1976 party goods. Did the party not happen? Get moved indoors? Or not as many folks as expected showed up? And, above all, how did their owner manage to keep up with them all these years?

Whether you’d like them for your own retro touches to a 2026 semiquincentennial party or have an eye on resale, I think these are – as some of us said in ’76 – groovy.

As of April 1, the high bid was $5. The set is offered on HiBid by Aurora Country Auction in Rhome, TX. Sale closes today at 6:00 p.m., and the auctioneer’s fee is 18.5%.

Bicentennial Jelly Drinking Glasses

Source: Etsy/ ReVibeVintageNVinyl

This lovely set of four drinking glasses is the perfect balance between 1976 bicentennial and I’d-use-these-each-day glassware. The rare Libby set on Etsy from ReVibeVintageNVinyl (two pictured) is $30 plus shipping from Fairview, TN.

Hollie Hobby Limited Edition Doll

Source: HiBid/ Titletown Auction Company (Green Bay, WI)

When I searched “bicentennial” on HiBid on March 31, most of the 231 lots were coins. Things like party goods and this Holly Hobbie stood out; her high bid went from $3 to $12.50 in one day. She’s offered by Titletown Auction Company in Green Bay, WI. (Terrific business name and way to pay homage to the Packers!) Closing day/time is April 1 at 6:00 p.m. CST, and broker’s premium is 15%. Simply head to https://www.HiBid.com and search for Titletown in Wisconsin.