All are invited to join as we dedicate the restored 1879 Zenas King bridge, recently relocated to Tawawa Park. Guest speakers include Ohio History Connection CEO Burt Logan, Ohio Historic Bridge Association President David Simmons, Ohio Department of Transportation Division 7 Deputy Director Randy Chevalley, Old World Research Principal and Shelby County Historical Society Board Member Mary Ann Olding, City of Sidney Director of Parks and Recreation Duane Gaier, District 12 State Senator Matthew Huffman, and Bach Steel’s Derek Pung. Tim Hemmelgarn, who donated the bridge to the City of Sidney, will also briefly speak.  Hemmelgarn “inherited” the bridge when he purchased the farm on which it was located. Dan Bennett, retired Auglaize County bridge engineer who volunteered to “superintend” the project, will also speak.

Event planning continues. Please check back for updates and additional details.

All ages welcome. Visiting children will take home a complimentary goody bag full of Christmas fun that includes Gingerbread House Kits, Wreath Ornament Kits, and Wooden Ornament Kits. Say hello to Santa. Enjoy popcorn and chestnuts roasted on an open fire. Be sure to check out the wood carving demonstrations and don’t miss the train display across the street at 115 East North Street. Merry Christmas!

In commemoration of Sidney’s Bicentennial, five historic churches will be open to visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. each afternoon, with Church members on hand to greet and provide information about their Church.

Faith in God was an important aspect of the first residents of Sidney and has been instrumental in shaping Sidney’s growth and prosperity for 200 years.  Currently there are 28 Churches within the City of Sidney serving the residents of Sidney and Shelby County.

All visitors are asked to be respectful of each Church’s Covid-19 policies.  Face coverings and personal distancing will be required.

LIST & MAP OF PARTICIPATING CHURCHES

Local officials will gather for a brief ceremony marking the official planting of Sidney’s Bicentennial Tree.  One of the city’s official trees will be planted on the grounds on the south side of the Shelby County Courthouse.  The tree will be planted on the opposite side of the walkway where Shelby County’s Bicentennial Tree was planted last year.

Presenters include Shelby County Commissioner Boib Guillozet and Sidney Parks and Recon Director Duane Gaier.  Others scheduled to speak include Sidney Tree Board Chair and Bicentennial Committee Member Ann Asher, Certified Arborist and Bicentennial Committee Member Joyce Reier, Shelby County Commissioner and Bicentennial Committee Member Tony Bornhorst, and Bicentennial Committee Co-Chair and Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst.

Providing music for the occasion will be the Jock Family Singers.  The group, including Melissa (Goffena) Jock, Cameron, Elizah, and Elizabeth Jock, have been singing together for several years.

Join the Monumental Building Trustees as they unveil the newly restored Sgt. Baker statue before he gets placed back in his niche at the top of the Monumental Building where he keeps an ever watchful eye on Downtown Sidney. Special remarks will be given by a guest speaker as well as a brief history presentation on the Monumental Building. The first 200 guests in attendance will receive an Osborne commemorative coin. This event is FREE and open to the public!

-The AVTT-TWF Traveling Wall is a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Accompanying the Vietnam Wall this year will be the Field of Crosses, surrounded by flags.  There will be 1000 crosses, each will have military dog-tags with the names of US soldiers that have perished while on active duty between 1975 and today.  Please join us to honor these men and women.

Please check back for more details!

The Shelby County Bicentennial celebration comes to Lockington. Opening remarks by Lockington Mayor Tracy Johnson, Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst, and Shelby County Commissioner Bob Guillozet. Presentations by Andy Hite with the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, Don O’Connor with the Miami-Conservancy District, and Dr. Sarah Hippensteel-Hall with the Miami-Conservancy District. Closing remarks by Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann.

The Shelby County mobile history museum will be on display along with food, beverages, and Jumpy.