Past Events
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.
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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!
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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.
