County kicks off local 250 celebration

GREEN SPRINGS — Community members gathered Saturday, Feb. 21, for the official American 250-OH Designated Community for Seneca County Kickoff, hosted by the Seneca County America 250 Committee. The event took place at the Historical Octagon House, and marked the beginning of a year of celebration of the country's 250th anniversary. Marisa Stephens, director of tourism and marketing for Destination Seneca County, said approximately 150 people attended the kickoff, and the day was "a great success." According to a Facebook post, the event featured treats from Kendra's Cakes and food from Smoking' Sows Mobile BBQ & Catering, and a "welcoming atmosphere" was created by Curated by Cameron. In the post, the Seneca County America 250 Committee thanked attendees, partner organizations, the Octagon property, elected officials, the Seneca County Commissioners, the America 250-Ohio Commission, Seneca Sue Smith, and the New Riegel Local Schools Jacket Company, which "added so much pride and spirit to the celebration." Stephens said the Seneca County America 250 Committee, which is spearheading the effort to mark the anniversary in the area, is comprised of representatives from Green Springs, the Stemtown Historical Society, Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, the Seneca County Museum, Seneca County Park District, Seneca East Local Schools, the Seneca County Commissioners, the cities of Tiffin and Fostoria, the Fostoria Historical Society and Downtown Tiffin. Currently, she said, 35 events are planned in the county for the 250th celebration, which include historical talks and presentations, displays, anniversary themes weaved into regular community events, and a historical driving tour. One event, the Heritage Trees Project, which includes planting trees in each of the county's townships, has already begun, Stephens said. Seneca County also is part of America 250-Ohio's Trails and Tales, she said, and will take part in themed monthly celebrations, publishing a blog with a Seneca County spin on each theme. Details about local America 250 events can be found at DestinationSenecaCounty.org/America250.