Kick off the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and hometown magic at the Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights in downtown Sidney! This beloved annual tradition transforms the streets into a glowing holiday spectacular, as illuminated floats, music, and community spirit light the way into the most wonderful time of the year.

Bundle up and bring the whole family to experience the glow of the season as local organizations, schools, businesses, and civic groups join together to spread joy with dazzling displays and holiday-themed floats—each adorned with sparkling lights and a touch of winter whimsy.
Parade Highlights Include:
Lighted floats and walking groups
Holiday music and live performances
Appearances by favorite holiday characters
Santa Claus riding in his sleigh to close the parade
Hot chocolate and treats available from downtown vendors
The parade winds through the heart of historic downtown Sidney, offering the perfect setting to take in the sights, shop local, and enjoy the warmth of community celebration. Don’t forget your camera—there will be plenty of magical photo ops along the way!
Many downtown businesses will be open late with holiday specials, giveaways, and festive window displays, making it a great night to shop small and support local.
This event marks the official start of Sidney’s holiday season, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit. Whether you’re making memories with kids, meeting up with friends, or simply soaking in the glow of the lights, the Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights is a can’t-miss community celebration.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend! Parade watchers are encouraged to arrive early for the best viewing spots and to enjoy pre-parade festivities around the square.
Join us for an evening of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer as Sidney shines bright in this heartwarming winter tradition!

Get ready for a fun-filled day of music, games, and play at the collaborative Kids Day of Play & Porch Fest in downtown Sidney! This unique community celebration brings together two beloved events into one fantastic day designed for families, kids, and music lovers of all ages.
Kids Day of Play offers a variety of hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative crafts to keep children entertained and inspired all day long. From outdoor play zones to art stations, kids can explore, create, and enjoy a day dedicated to fun and imagination.
Meanwhile, Porch Fest fills the streets with live music performed by local bands and solo artists playing on front porches and outdoor stages throughout the downtown area. Stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy a vibrant mix of genres—from folk and bluegrass to pop and rock—bringing the community together through the power of music.
This family-friendly event encourages everyone to relax, connect, and celebrate local talent and creativity. Food trucks and local vendors will be on-site offering tasty treats and unique goods to complement the day’s festivities.
Whether you’re here for the playful activities or the lively music, or both, Kids Day of Play & Porch Fest promises a joyful celebration of community spirit and creativity.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome! Bring your family, friends, and a lawn chair, and join us downtown for a memorable day of play, music, and connection.

Kick off the holiday season in sparkling style at Grand Illumination—a magical evening when the heart of downtown Sidney is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland!
Gather around the historic Court Square with family, friends, and neighbors as we flip the switch and light up the night with thousands of dazzling holiday lights. This cherished tradition captures the joy and warmth of the season, bringing the entire community together under a canopy of twinkling lights and festive cheer.
Children and adults alike will feel the excitement build as the countdown begins and the square comes to life in a brilliant glow. It’s the perfect way to welcome the holidays and create lasting memories with those you love.
Come early to explore downtown shops, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the sights of decorated storefronts and window displays before the lights go on.
Some businesses may also offer special promotions or extended hours to help you get a jump-start on your holiday shopping while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Grand Illumination is part of Sidney’s seasonal celebration lineup and a beautiful reminder of the community spirit that shines brightest during the holidays.
Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend. Don’t forget your mittens, your camera, and your holiday spirit—it’s going to be a night to remember!
Come celebrate the joy of the season as Sidney lights up the square and our hearts at the Grand Illumination!

Join the community in honoring those who served at the Veterans Day Ceremony on Court Square, a meaningful tradition that brings together residents, veterans, families, and civic leaders in a shared moment of gratitude and remembrance.
Held annually on November 11, this solemn event pays tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have defended our nation in times of war and peace. With flags flying and heartfelt words spoken, the ceremony provides an opportunity for all generations to reflect on the service, sacrifice, and commitment of our veterans.
Held at the historic Court Square in downtown Sidney, the setting offers a fitting backdrop for this day of reflection and pride. Surrounded by community and history, it’s a chance to say “thank you” and stand together in unity.
Veterans, active-duty military, Gold Star families, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Schools, youth groups, and organizations are also welcome and invited to participate in honoring our local heroes.
Hosted by Shelby County Veterans Services and supported by area veterans’ organizations, the Veterans Day Ceremony is not only a remembrance, it’s a call to preserve the stories and legacies of those who’ve worn the uniform.

Get ready for a summer adventure through time! The Shelby County Historical Society invites kids to join a week of fun, learning, and hands-on activities at the America 250 Kids Summer Day Camp—a special camp designed to celebrate our nation’s story in the lead-up to the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026.
This themed day camp is perfect for curious minds and creative hands! Campers will step into the shoes of early Americans and discover the people, events, and inventions that shaped our country—through games, crafts, music, and storytelling.
Each day will feature a different era or theme from America’s journey, helping young learners connect with the past in fun and engaging ways. From colonial life to frontier adventures, and from Revolutionary heroes to local legends, there’s something exciting to explore every day.
Camp Highlights Include:
Interactive history lessons through crafts, play, and reenactments
Themed storytelling
Hands-on activities exploring life in early America
Outdoor games and group activities
Snacks provided daily
Designed for children ages 8-12, this camp provides a perfect balance of education and summertime fun, all while fostering a love for local and national history.
The America 250 Kids Summer Day Camp encourages creativity, teamwork, and discovery. It’s a wonderful way for kids to celebrate the spirit of America while making new friends and great summer memories.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling finale at the America 250 4th of July Fireworks Show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds! As part of the nationwide America 250 celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, Shelby County invites everyone to come together for a spectacular evening of lights, music, and patriotism.
Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs to enjoy a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the summer sky in a tribute to our nation’s history and future. The show features a vibrant mix of colorful pyrotechnics choreographed to patriotic music, creating a memorable experience for all ages.
This free event is the perfect way to end your 4th of July celebrations with community spirit and pride. Food vendors will be available before the show for snacks and refreshments, so come early and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss this iconic moment as Shelby County joins communities across the country in honoring America’s legacy with a grand fireworks spectacle!

Kick off the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and hometown magic at the Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights in downtown Sidney! This beloved annual tradition transforms the streets into a glowing holiday spectacular, as illuminated floats, music, and community spirit light the way into the most wonderful time of the year.

Bundle up and bring the whole family to experience the glow of the season as local organizations, schools, businesses, and civic groups join together to spread joy with dazzling displays and holiday-themed floats—each adorned with sparkling lights and a touch of winter whimsy.
Parade Highlights Include:
Lighted floats and walking groups
Holiday music and live performances
Appearances by favorite holiday characters
Santa Claus riding in his sleigh to close the parade
Hot chocolate and treats available from downtown vendors
The parade winds through the heart of historic downtown Sidney, offering the perfect setting to take in the sights, shop local, and enjoy the warmth of community celebration. Don’t forget your camera—there will be plenty of magical photo ops along the way!
Many downtown businesses will be open late with holiday specials, giveaways, and festive window displays, making it a great night to shop small and support local.
This event marks the official start of Sidney’s holiday season, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit. Whether you’re making memories with kids, meeting up with friends, or simply soaking in the glow of the lights, the Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights is a can’t-miss community celebration.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend! Parade watchers are encouraged to arrive early for the best viewing spots and to enjoy pre-parade festivities around the square.
Join us for an evening of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer as Sidney shines bright in this heartwarming winter tradition!

The Sidney Historical Theater is proud to host a special America 250 Ohio Goes to the Movies event featuring a screening of Just Mercy, the acclaimed film based on the true story of attorney Bryan Stevenson and his fight for justice.
This powerful story follows Stevenson’s efforts to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian, a Black man sentenced to death in Alabama. With a stellar cast and unflinching portrayal of racial injustice, Just Mercy underscores the values of courage, compassion, and perseverance—ideals central to the American experience.
As a highlight of the evening, actor Dominic Bogart, who appears in the film, will join attendees for a post-screening discussion. He’ll share behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections on working on a film with such social and historical significance.
Part of Ohio’s contribution to the national America 250 initiative—a multi-year celebration leading to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026—this event invites communities to reflect on our shared history and the stories that continue to shape the nation.
The beautifully restored Sidney Historical Theater offers an ideal setting for this special night of film, conversation, and community connection.
This event is free and open to the public.
Don’t miss this engaging and memorable evening for students, families, and all who care about justice, history, and storytelling.
Join us for America 250 Ohio Goes to the Movies at the Sidney Historical Theater—where powerful stories come to life on the big screen.

We invite you to join us for an invigorating hike at Lake Loramie State Park. What a great way to begin the new year! We’ll meet at the new Lake Loramie State Park Welcome Center at a time to be announced later so please check back. Be sure to dress warmly with comfortable, waterproof boots or shoes.

Step into the timeless charm of Bonnyconnellan Castle for a delightful evening celebrating art, local heritage, and unforgettable stories. Hosted by John and Heather Moffitt, this special gathering features nationally recognized artist and author Dr. Robert Kroeger, whose passion for preserving the past shines through his work.
Dr. Kroeger is known for his vivid oil paintings and books that honor America’s historic barns—those weathered sentinels of rural life. Each piece tells a story, capturing the spirit of the families and communities that built them.
Guests will enjoy the chance to meet Dr. Kroeger, hear tales from his artistic journey, and purchase signed copies of his books. His blend of artistry and storytelling has made him a beloved figure in rural preservation circles across the country.
Original barn paintings by Dr. Kroeger will be on display and available for purchase—including a special work featuring Bonnyconnellan Castle itself. This one-of-a-kind painting, a tribute to the event’s stunning setting, will be a highlight of the evening’s gallery.
As a meaningful bonus, proceeds from the event benefit the Shelby County Historical Society, supporting efforts to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich history.
Adding a local twist, hosts John and Heather Moffitt will share their personal journey of discovering, restoring, and reviving Bonnyconnellan Castle. Their story—equal parts fairy tale and fixer-upper—perfectly complements the evening’s theme of honoring the past with heart and creativity.
The night will wrap with a Q&A session featuring both the Moffitts and Dr. Kroeger, giving guests a chance to dive deeper into the stories behind the art and architecture.
A castle, a cause, and a canvas full of stories—what more could you ask for? Join us for a whimsical and inspiring evening at Bonnyconnellan Castle.
Tickets for this event will be limited.