Paulding County sets Bicentennial date

VW independent/submitted information

PAULDING — On Wednesday, February 12, the Paulding County Commissioners will host a celebration of the Bicentennial of Paulding County with a ceremony to formally launch the county’s 200th birthday year.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will be the featured speaker, while a number of county leaders involved with the Bicentennial celebration plan to discuss the past, present, and future of what makes Paulding County such a great place to live.

The Bicentennial opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. February 12 at Branch Christian Church, 109 N. Main St. on the square in Paulding.

“We are inviting the entire community to mark the beginning of a very special year for Paulding County,” said Paulding County Commissioner Tony Zartman. “Our County’s 200th birthday will be a time to celebrate everything that is truly special about our community.”

The opening ceremony is free and open to the public, but seats are limited. Tickets for the public will be available starting January 16 at the Paulding County commissioners’ ofice. Following the ceremony, guests will be invited to the Paulding County Courthouse, where a large-scale gallery of past and present photographs will be on display.  

In addition, merchandise featuring the official Bicentennial 2020 logo (mugs and t-shirts) will be available to purchase, with all proceeds benefiting John Paulding Historical Society. Other prizes will be given away and the Bicentennial Committee will also unveil a special opportunity for Paulding County residents. 

“This celebration is all about getting the community fired up with hometown pride,” said John Paulding Historical Society President Kim Sutton. “Understanding and appreciating events from our county’s history helps us as we find our way in the future.”