Rockford, Ohio Bicentennial
Celebration was
held in 2020 !
We had a year-long tribute to Rockford’s
200 years!
1820 — 2020
The Rockford Bicentennial Committee began work in 2014 to create a memorable, year-long 200th Birthday Celebration for the Village of Rockford, OH.
Bicentennial ProjectsA Year of EventsRockford Bicentennial Projects
Several projects and programs were completed that will leave lasting impressions on our community.
Historical
Mural
A historical themed mural has been researched and painted by artist, Dan Keyes. It welcomes northbond visitors as they travel on Main Street. The south side of the Rockford Fire Station mural features people of historic signifigance who crossed the St. Marys River in the area.
Market Street
Mosaic Mural
A community project lead by Parkway Local school art teacher, Shannon Painter Carpenter, involved middle school students and community members. Individuals designed color patterns and glazed tiles that were placed on the old train station depot foundation.
Barn Quilt
Trail
Originating in the south, Barn Quilts are a type of folk art from a time when people couldn’t afford to paint their barns. Using left-over paint from their house , they would create patterns much like the quilts on their beds. A Barn Quilt Trail is currently located in and around the Rockford area.
Veterans
Memorial
The Rockford American Legion Post 508 and the Rockford Bicentennial Committee worked together to construct a Veterans Memorial at Hedges Park. The memorial has five monuments, representing each military branch, as well as American, Ohio and P.O.W. flags.
2020: A Year of Events had been scheduled but some events ended up being canceled because of the
covid virus.
January
Beard Contest Begins
Bicentennial New Year’s Eve
Birthday Celebration featuring:
RADC Sponsored Firework Show
Catered by RCO
Decorations sponsored by
the Chamber of Commerce
Start Sale of Bicentennial Souvenirs
February
Early Shane’s Crossing Settlement Presented by Mike Schumm
March
Anthony Shane Presented by Harrison Frech
Shanes Crossing Historical Society
Rockford Through the Ages
Musical
April
Johnny Appleseed Portrayal presented by Henry Fincken
Apple Pie Baking Contest
Johnny Appleseed Society presentation
Rockford Bicentennial Queen Contest
May
May 3, 2020 Ladies Tea @ The Rockford Community Building – 21st
Century Club
Memorial Day Parade: Veterans Memorial Dedication
Bicentennial Mural Dedication
Flyover
WWII presented by John Vining
June
June 20- Grand Parade
Historic Encampment
St. Marys River Boat Tours
House/Business Tours
June 13 – Barn Quilt Tours
1860’s Baseball / Softball Game
Time Capsule Placement
Amusement Rides
St. Marys River Duck Race
Mark Twain – Passing Through
June 28 – Garden Walk sponsored by Brand It Marketing
Beard Contest Judging
Market Street Mosaic Mural Dedication
Name Reveal of St. Marys River Bridge.
June 19 -20 Rockford Community Days
July
War of 1812 presented by John Vining
July 30th – August 2 National Plowing Contest, corner of U.S. Rte 127 and St Rte 707
August
Captain James Riley Portrayal presented by Darrell Groman
Sunflower Festival Maze @ 1862 Schoolhouse Ross Road
September
Pictorial History from Shanesville to Rockford presented by Shanes Crossing Historical Society
October
Native Americans in Ohio presented by Jim Bowsher
Native American Pow Wow
Rockford Chamber of Commerce Banquet
LBCF Harvest Celebration Scholarship Banquet
November
Remembering our Veterans presented by Harrison Frech
December
RADC – Candycane giveaway at 4-way intersection
Community Worship Service
Country Christmas – Downtown Alive!
Stained Glass Window Donation
A one of a kind stained glass picture of the Anthony Shane log cabin has been donated to the Shanes Crossing Historical Society by Bob Blackwell. This beautiful stained glass artwork was made with 400 plus pieces of cut glass. A handmade easel is included to display the art.
The local connection – Bob met Carey Fosnaugh a Parkway graduate of Willshire in Vietnam in 1969. Carey was killed in action in January of 1970, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Bob made a vow that when he came back from his service, he would look up Carey’s family and friends in rural Ohio. Bob met Carol (Miller) Fosnaugh and they married.
A replic of the stained glass photo was raffled off to benefit the Carey, Bill and Benny Parkway High School Scholarship and the Rockford Bicentennial.