About the Committee

“to promote the civic observance of the United States
of America’s Independence Day and its history and traditions”

For more than fifty years now, the Committee has served as the host of the traditional Independence Day picnic in Costa Rica. Committee members volunteer their time to organize the picnic, which has grown from a relatively small affair on the grounds of the United States Ambassador’s residence, to a massive production located on the spacious grounds of the Cerveceria, near the San José airport. The photo at the top of this page illustrates one of the many meetings conducted by the Committee throughout each year to prepare for its most important day: the 4th of July.

The Committee receives no government funds of any kind, and all expenses associated with the picnic are covered by donations from its generous patrons and the admission fees paid by the U.S. citizens and members of their immediate families who attend. The many volunteers who assist on the day of the picnic also are essential to its success.

The year 2011 marked a major change for the Committee, as long-time chairman Susan Tessem turned over her duties to Lynda Solar. Click here to read about the Committee's special recognition of Susan's fifteen years of service.

American Colony Committee of Costa Rica
Apartado Postal 4567-1000, San José - Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2220-2200
E-mail: info@americancolonycr.com