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Bicentennial Events

Canal Trail 5K – Run for Rescue

Lace up your sneakers and join us for the Canal Trail 5K – Run for Rescue, a fun and meaningful event supporting the animals of Shelby County!
Hosted by S.C.A.R.F., this 5K run/walk winds through the scenic Canal Feeder Trail in Sidney. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just out for a casual walk, this event is a great way to enjoy nature, get active, and make a difference in the lives of local shelter animals.
Proceeds from the 5K go directly to S.C.A.R.F., helping provide medical care, food, shelter, and forever homes to animals in need. Every step you take helps support this mission!
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to join the fun—after all, it’s for the animals! Water stations will be available along the route for both humans and their four-legged running buddies.
Bring your friends, your pup, or just yourself—and help us run toward a brighter future for Shelby County’s shelter pets!

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Independence Day Parade

Celebrate Independence Day in star-spangled style at the 4th of July America 250 Parade, part of Shelby County’s lead-up to the America 250 celebration honoring our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026!
This festive, family-friendly parade steps off at 10:00 AM from Court Square in downtown Sidney and winds its way to the Shelby County Fairgrounds, bringing patriotic pride and community spirit along every block.
Come cheer for floats, marching bands, classic cars, veterans’ groups, civic organizations, and plenty of red, white, and blue! Local businesses, schools, and clubs will show off their creativity and pride in what promises to be one of the biggest and most meaningful parades of the year.
Whether you’re waving a flag from the sidewalk or joining a group in the lineup, this parade is for everyone. Children, families, and community members of all ages are encouraged to wear their brightest patriotic gear and take part in the celebration.
After the parade, head to the fairgrounds for food vendors, family activities, live entertainment, and more 4th of July fun!
This event is part of the America 250 Ohio initiative, leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026—a time to remember our shared history and look forward to our collective future.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Route: Starts at Court Square, Downtown Sidney → Ends at Shelby County Fairgrounds

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Independence Day Fair

Celebrate Independence Day with a full day of fun, family, and patriotic pride at the America 250 4th of July Fair at the Shelby County Fairgrounds!
After the parade through downtown Sidney, head to the fairgrounds for a jam-packed day of live music, hands-on history, kids’ activities, and classic summer fun. This event is part of Shelby County’s ongoing celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Explore:
Family games and crafts
Interactive history timelines and exhibits
Live music and entertainment
Local vendors and artisan booths
Food trucks and summer treats
Children will love the Kids’ Corner, full of games and themed crafts, while adults and history buffs can stroll through America 250 exhibits featuring moments, people, and innovations that helped shape our nation.
Enjoy performances by local musicians, browse unique handmade goods, and grab delicious bites from a variety of food vendors.
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk—a perfect ending to a day full of hometown pride and historic reflection.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your patriotic spirit for a day of community celebration honoring America’s past, present, and future.

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Christmas of Yesteryear

The magic of the season returns as the Shelby County Historical Society presents the 27th Annual Christmas of Yesteryear—a heartwarming holiday tradition that captures the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Held at the Ross Historical Center in downtown Sidney, this free family event invites guests of all ages to experience the sights, sounds, and sweet nostalgia of Christmases past. Step through the doors and into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, handmade decorations, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air.
Little elves (and big ones too) can enjoy hands-on holiday crafts, including gingerbread houses and ornament making—perfect for sparking creativity and making festive memories. Friendly volunteers will guide visitors through each merry moment.
Live demonstrations of traditional holiday skills offer a peek into how families once prepared for the season—with simple, heartfelt touches that still inspire today.
And yes, Santa Claus will be there! Children are invited to share their Christmas wishes and snap a magical photo with the jolly old elf—your first picture is free, courtesy of SCHS.
Throughout the center, guests can nibble on fresh popcorn, sample roasted chestnuts, and take in the cozy glow of vintage decorations. With seasonal music and warm holiday spirit around every corner, it’s the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year.
A beloved tradition for nearly three decades, Christmas of Yesteryear brings neighbors together to celebrate not just the holiday—but the timeless traditions that make it meaningful.
Whether you’re reliving favorite childhood moments or creating new ones with your own little snowflakes, this event promises festive cheer, classic fun, and maybe even a surprise or two under the tree.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. So bundle up, bring the whole family, and step into the joy of holidays gone by at the 27th Annual Christmas of Yesteryear!

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Jackson Center Community Days

Each year, our town comes alive with excitement during Community Days—a weekend-long celebration that brings families, friends, and neighbors together while supporting local organizations and causes. Held in the heart of our community, this cherished tradition offers something for everyone.
Community Days is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of local pride and unity. The weekend features a street carnival packed with games, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering food. Enjoy fair favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and savory hometown specialties from a variety of vendors.
Music lovers will enjoy live bands playing throughout the weekend, highlighting local talent across multiple genres. Whether you’re dancing in front of the stage or enjoying the tunes from a lawn chair, the music adds to the festive atmosphere.
Families and kids can look forward to free pony rides, kid-friendly games, and all-ages entertainment. Feeling competitive? Join the ever-popular dodgeball tournament, where teams face off in spirited community fun.
Don’t forget to try your luck with our 50/50 raffles, held throughout the event. Winners walk away with great prizes—and every entry helps raise funds for local nonprofits, school groups, and community programs.
One of the biggest highlights is the grand parade, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, community groups, and local businesses. It’s a showcase of hometown pride and a celebration of everything that makes our town special.
From the first bite of festival food to the last notes of live music, Community Days is a weekend packed with joy, tradition, and connection. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, you’ll find a warm welcome and memories waiting to be made.
Come for the fun, stay for the memories, and leave feeling more connected to the people and places that make our town home. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Zenas King Bridge Dedication

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.

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Downtown Sidney Walking Tour

This free tour is limited to 50 people! Tickets are required to attend and are available at the Ross Center, 201 N. Main Ave, Sidney. Call 937.498.1653 to reserve your tickets today!
Visits are scheduled to the Monumental Building, Peoples Federal Savings Association, and City Hall.
When inside buildings, face coverings will be required.
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Unveiling of General Isaac Shelby Statue

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

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National Day of Prayer

Event planning continues – more details coming soon so please check back.

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Tour of Historic City Churches

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

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Start date: October 17, 2020

End date: October 18, 2020

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Please see linked list of participating churches

Contact

101 South Ohio Avenue, Floor 2
Sidney, Ohio 45365

(937) 492-9122
Toll Free: (866) 892-9122

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