America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and Strongsville is joining in the party.
The city has become an official American 250-Ohio Community and is planning a number of events throughout the year to celebrate our nation's history.
The biggest will be on the Fourth of July, when the Commons will be decked out for the holiday and will host a party from 6 to 9 p.m. complete with bounce houses, a rock wall, balloon art, face painting, Marvel characters and food trucks, followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
Earlier in the day, there will be a free community cookout at Strongsville VFW Post 3345 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Other community groups will also help celebrate with informational talks and events:
April 22 -- The
Strongsville Historical Society will present A History of the Western Reserve at 7 p.m. at Strongsville Library. Register at (440) 238-5530.
May 14 -- The
Strongsville Senior Center will prepare for the Semiquincentennial with a program that traces the story of Independence Day from its revolutionary roots to the traditions we recognize today. Register at (440) 580-3275. Minimal fee.
May 25 --
VFW Post 3345 will sponsor the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church on Pearl Road and head south to Zverina Lane, ending at the Freedom Trail gazebo, where a ceremony honoring the nation's fallen military heroes will take place.
May 25 -- The
Strongsville Historical Village will have a Memorial Day Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a "red, white and blue craft center" for kids, a Fallen Comrade Table and a special exhibit on Strongsville's War of Independence veterans, several of whom are interred in the Strongsville Cemetery.
June 13 -- The
Strongsville Historical Society will revive the annual Chalk Walk with an event for kids at the Historical Village. The chalk creations will be patriotic or U.S. history themed.
June 16 -- The
Strongsville Historical Society will present "Ratification of the Constitution: The Great Debate" at 7 p.m. at the Strongsville Library. Register at (440) 238-5530.
October 22 -- The
Historical Society will present "The American Revolution in Ohio and Strongsville's Revolutionary War Veterans" at the Strongsville Library. Register at (440) 238-5530.
November 13 - 15 --
Strongsville Community Theatre will present a Tribute to America scholarship benefit show at the Senior Center. With a focus on the 250th, the program will feature patriotic music.