Past Events
July
13
7:00pm
Free to attend
John Philip Sousa Reenactment and Presentation
Join us at the Cooke-Kuhlman House's Carriage House for a presentation by Rod Miller, a John Philip Sousa Reenactor, for a look into the life of the acclaimed American composer and conductor. Mr. Miller takes on the complete persona of Sousa in this reenactment and presentation of his life.
Brought To You By
July
4
10:00am
Free to attend
Sylvania, Ohio Homecoming Picnic and Time Capsule Unveiling
On July 4, 1976, Sylvania came together in a big way to celebrate the American Bicentennial. The capstone of that celebration was a remarkable community effort: residents and students contributed personal items that were carefully placed into a vault and buried in Burnham Park. The burial site was marked with a monument, instructing future generations to return and open the time capsule 50 years later.
Well… that time is now! On July 4 at 10:00 a.m., we will unearth the time capsule and unveil its contents for the first time in half a century. You’ll have the opportunity to view the items inside and relive memories from your own past—or connect with the stories of your parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
Guests are encouraged to bring a meaningful item that represents life today to place back into the vault. The capsule will be buried once again, to be reopened in 2076. We’re even expecting Sylvania alumni to travel from as far away as Arizona to be part of this unforgettable moment!
Join us as we step back in time, celebrate our shared history, and create lasting memories for generations to come.
Brought To You By
July
4
10:00am
Free to attend
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Brought To You By
July
3
4:00pm
Tickets Required
Star Spangled Celebration
Doors open at 6PM
Music by 56 Daze starts at 7PM
Fireworks at 10PM
General Admission Adult (12yo and up): $7
General Admission Child (11yo and under): $5
Pre-sale Reserved Table of 8 (includes admission and seating for 8 guests): $120
Active Military members are FREE with valid ID
Parking: $5/car
Brought To You By
July
1-15
Free to Participate
Time Travelers Passport
Northwest Ohio’s historic sites are joining forces to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a brand-new event inviting residents and visitors to step back in time. Time Travelers Passport will take place July 1-15, 2026, offering a rare opportunity to explore the region’s most treasured museums, landmarks, and heritage sites.
Time Travelers Passport brings together 12 venues across Northwest Ohio — each offering special programs, tours, or exhibits.
Participants can pick up a Time Travelers Passport at any participating venue or download it from the website www.timetravelerspassport.org. As participants visit each site, they’ll collect stamps in their passport. Completed passports can be turned in for a commemorative coin.
From frontier forts and canal towns to the industrial era and beyond, Time Travelers Passport highlights the people, places, and events that connect Northwest Ohio to America’s broader story.
Brought To You By
May
31
4:00pm
Free to Attend
Americana 250: A Free Orchestra Concert
Join us May 31 at the Franciscan Theater to enjoy music celebrating the founding of America 250 years ago. Hear works by Gershwin, Copland, Lous Armstrong, Bernstein and more!
Brought To You By
May
25
11:00am
Free to Attend
Memorial Grove Remembrance Project Unveiling
The Sylvania America 250 Memorial Grove Remembrance Project committee invites the community to join in honoring the service members memorialized at the historic Memorial Grove in Veterans Memorial Park. Established in 1950, Memorial Grove has long served as one of Sylvania’s most meaningful places of remembrance, recognizing local soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. As part of this special community effort, new supplemental plaques are being added alongside the historic memorial tree markers to provide historical context and share brief stories about the soldiers remembered there. These narratives are intended to inspire reflection, remembrance, and a deeper connection to the individuals behind the names.
This project also includes the respectful reinstallation of the Grove’s original markers following a City-led drainage improvement project. Supported and fully funded by the Sylvania Area Joint Recreation District, and with contributions from Frogtown Woodcraft, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving Sylvania’s veterans history for future generations.
Brought To You By
May
25
10:15am
Free to attend
Memorial Day Parade
Brought To You By
May
19
New Flag Poles - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
As part of Sylvania’s America 250 commemoration, two incredible Sylvania organizations have come together to support the revitalization of Veterans Memorial Grove through the donation of new and refreshed flagpoles. The Sylvania Lion's Club and the Rotary Club of Sylvania These flagpoles proudly display the flags of our nation, the State of Ohio, and the City of Sylvania, alongside flags honoring our fallen heroes and the brave men and women who continue to serve on the front lines protecting our country.
This generous contribution marks the beginning of a larger effort to refresh and restore Memorial Grove into a beautiful and dignified space of remembrance. The improvements planned for the Grove will help preserve its significance as a place where the community can gather to honor the sacrifice, service, and legacy of Sylvania’s fallen heroes for generations to come.
Brought To You By
May
16
12:00am
Free to attend
Community Vintage Baseball Game
Play Ball!!!
This spring, step back in time as past and present clash in a spirited game of old-fashioned baseball played just as it was in 1860s. Cheer on Sylvania's own Great Black Swamp Frogs as they take on a line up of familiar Sylvania faces in a one-of-a-kind matchup you won't want to miss.
This game will be played in the grassy field in Veterans Memorial Park, so grab your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an afternoon of vintage American fin. Classic ballpark snacks will be available for purchase to complete the experience and make you feel like you've truly stepped back through time.
Brought To You By
ARP
27
1:00pm
Free to attend
Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting
As part of America 250-Ohio, a white oak tree will be planted in each of Ohio's 88 counties to honor our state's role in the nation's founding and to commemorate the history of the communities where they take root. By planting these trees in meaningful locations, Ohioans are preserving local heritage while also investing in environmental sustainability for generations to come.
Lucas County has selected Sylvania as the planting site for our county's Heritage Tree. Join us for this special celebration as we plant a native white oak on the lawn of Sylvania City Hall. City officials from across Lucas County, along with local leaders, will be invited to participate in this countywide event - hosted right here in the heart of our community.
Join us on April 27 at 1:00pm and be a part of this memorable occasion. The event will feature remarks from Mayor Mark Frye, Commissioner Lisa Sobecki, Lance Woodworth of Destination Toledo, Heidi Hurst of Cenovus Toledo Refinery, Brady Kohlenberg of the Sylvania Tree Commission and a special cry from the Sylvania Town Crier. Several vendor tables will also be on site, offering resources and information from historic and environmentally conscious organizations.
Brought To You By
ARP
3
6:00pm
Free to attend
Murals Across Ohio
Join us as we honor one of Sylvania's most beloved landmarks - the Roots of Sylvania Mural, painted by local artist Dani Fuller in 2015. This vibrant work has been officially recognized by the AM 250-OH Commission's Murals Across Ohio initiative, putting Sylvania on the state's mural map!
Come celebrate this achievement, hear Dani share her inspiration behind her stunning mural, and take pride in the art that reflects our community's story.
The event will take place in front of the mural which is located behind Interrupt Marketing at 6622 Maplewood Ave. This will happen during the April Red Bird First Friday.
Brought To You By
OCT - DEC
2025
Free to apply
Logo Contest
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by leaving your creative mark on history! We’re inviting the community to submit designs for the official Sylvania: America 250 celebration logo—a symbol that will represent this once-in-a-generation milestone. The winning design will appear on event materials throughout the celebration, and its creator will become a lasting part of Sylvania’s story. Share your talent, showcase your pride, and help us capture the spirit of America and our community in one unforgettable design!
Brought To You By
1976 Celebrations
In 1976, America celebrated its Bicentennial, and Sylvania showed tremendous pride in the nation through a wide variety of celebrations. From historical events to participation in a nationwide parade, the community came together to honor the country’s 200th birthday in memorable ways.
In the image to the right, we see a list of activities that Sylvania submitted to the State of Ohio at the end of the year. This allowed Ohioans to see, collectively, how communities across the state celebrated the Bicentennial. Some of Sylvania’s activities included tree plantings, book signings, historical lectures, flag raisings, arts and crafts shows, and much more.
One of the most memorable parts of the celebration was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage. This massive, nationwide journey began in many parts of the country, all with the goal of reaching Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Covered wagons traveled from as far away as Oregon, following historic routes across the nation.
One of those routes came directly through downtown Sylvania. Knowing the wagon train was coming, Sylvanians came together to create their own floats and join in the festivities. Even more special, after passing through downtown, the encampment made its way to Olander Park, where the travelers were hosted overnight. The following morning they continued on their journey to Valley Forge, and some Sylvania floats even traveled onward with them.
When they finally arrived on the Fourth of July, participants were honored with a speech from none other than President Gerald R. Ford.
Another significant moment for Sylvania in 1976 was the burial of a time capsule. Citizens were encouraged to gather on the Fourth of July and bring an item to include in the capsule. The ceremony brought together people of all ages, and once the items were sealed and buried, a monument was installed to mark the spot and remind future generations where it lay, why it was buried, and when it should be opened.
That day is coming soon, and we cannot wait to discover what our ancestors, neighbors, and family members chose to preserve 50 years ago.
