Throughout its more than two centuries of history, one thing has remained a constant in the City of Dublin: the community has embraced coming together for celebrations and milestones.
From Friday night football games to St. Patrick’s Day and Independence Day parades to Veterans Day ceremonies and the beloved annual Dublin Irish Festival, residents and visitors alike, attend in masses. One of the biggest community festivities took place in 1960 when the then-village of Dublin hosted its Sesquicentennial Celebration. A weeklong slate of activities observed the 150th anniversary of the founding of Dublin in 1810. The celebration’s program heralded what was to come with these prophetic words:
“Ahead, people of Dublin!
Your past has been glorious,
Your future knows no bounds.
The new horizons are broad, ever widening.
They are yours to conquer; and conquer them you shall.”
Just as this year’s Dublin 250 celebration commemorates the founding of America, the sesquicentennial marked a chance to recognize the village’s heritage and build community spirit. It began with the Sesquicentennial Ball in the high school gym featuring round and square dancing and culminating with the announcement of the winners of the Queen Contest and best sesquicentennial costumes. Each night of the week, “The Symphonic Spectacular, Scioto Heritage” was performed dramatizing Dublin’s first 150 years.
This month, Dubliners are invited to come together once again as one of the City’s most significant events honoring veterans – the Memorial Day ceremony and picnic – is expanding in honor of America 250. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a procession from the Shoppes at River Ridge to the Dublin Cemetery. As is tradition, a wreath will be tossed from the Bridge Street Bridge memorializing fallen soldiers. A ceremony at the cemetery at 11:30 a.m. will pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The Jerome High School Marching Band will then lead everyone from the cemetery to the front lawn of Indian Run Elementary, 80 W. Bridge St. for an afternoon of games, entertainment and family-fun activities from 12:30 to 3 p.m. In addition to kite and coloring kits provided by America 250, COSI will distribute Learning Lunchboxes. The City of Dublin will provide lunch while supplies last, with Jet’s Pizza and City Barbeque helping with sponsorships. We invite everyone to bring blankets and lawn chairs for your comfort.
Various organizations, including the Dublin Historical Society, Columbus Metropolitan Library Dublin branch, Dublin Arts Council, Washington Township, the Dublin Community Recreation Center, America 250-Ohio and Renewal by Anderson will sponsor booths at the event. At 3 p.m., the City of Dublin will take part in Taps Across America, followed by a National Moment of Silence in remembrance of our military heroes.
And, once again, there will be recognition that the best of times and traditions are those that are upheld and observed by the community together.
Don’t forget: Learn more about the founding of America through musical theater when the Abbey Theater of Dublin presents “1776” at the Coffman Park Amphitheater, May 29-31 and June 5-7. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit upcoming shows.
