Candles, Cake and Legacy: Them Omni Homestead Celebrates 260 Years

Something special happens every day at 2:50 p.m. at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

It’s a simple moment—guests gather, a candle is lit, “Happy Birthday” is sung, and a slice of cake is shared—but it’s rooted in something much deeper. The daily ritual marks two milestones at once: the Homestead’s 260th year and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

On Tuesday, that moment was carried by Hayden Keyser, a third-generation Homestead employee who was invited to blow out the celebratory candles on behalf of her family. At one point, Hayden says as many as 37 members of her family worked at the Homestead at the same time, a reminder that the resort’s history isn’t just measured in years, but in people.

I also spoke with Lynn Swann, Director of Marketing at the Omni Homestead, who explained that this daily 2:50 p.m. tradition will continue throughout the year. The pastry team will rotate cake flavors monthly, and select days will feature special celebrations tied to the calendar.

Hear the full story on Allegheny Mountain Radio.

Special thanks to Jack Burke for some of the photos accompanying this report.

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