BUCYRUS — Plans are in the works for the city of Bucyrus’ bicentennial celebration in 2021 and will kick off on Dec. 31, 2020, with several New Year’s Eve events.
“We have worked very hard for some time now to form our bicentennial commission and to put our funding in place,” city of Bucyrus administrative assistant Kelli Patterson said during Bucyrus City Council’s meeting Tuesday evening.
She said donations are being collected through Projects Inc., a support organization of the Community Foundation of Crawford County and a form for tax-deductible donations may be obtained on the website created by A-1 Printing for the bicentennial festivities at www.bucyrus2021.com.
Rhonda Rowland is coordinating the events for the commission and informed council members and the public of several events being planned throughout the entire year of 2021.
“We are holding a Black-Tie Gala on New Year’s Eve this year at Pickwick Place. At the same time, Dillinger’s will be holding an event for those who prefer something more casual,” Rowland said. “While New York City has its big ball drop, we will be holding a Bratwurst Drop downtown at midnight. It will be live-streamed to Pickwick for those attending the gala.”
She said there will be a Big Bicentennial Weekend from July 2 through July 5, 2021, that will include a Founder’s Day Parade, First Friday event, a cemetery walk at Oakwood Cemetery and the Kiwanis Firework display.
“We are also working with the organizers of other events, such as the Bratwurst Festival and the annual car show to include bicentennial themes and events,” Rowland said.
Rowland and Patterson said volunteers will be needed for all the events planned in 2021.
Randy Fischer is leading the legacy projects piece of the celebration as part of tangible improvements to the city.
“So we can leave a legacy of improvements to our community,” Fischer said.
He said a park is planned for the site of Home City Ice Plant on North Sandusky Avenue.
“North Park will include a dog park and a play area for children. We want to take advantage of the lake traffic that comes through town,” Fischer said. “Food trucks can park there so people can stop to eat, let the kids run and take a break on the way to the lake.”
He said an agreement is already in the works with the owner of the ice plant and negotiations are underway with another property owner in that area to make room for North Park.
Fischer said donations are being accepted for the project and grants from the Community and Timken foundations have been applied for but more money is needed to fund the park project as it is not being funded by the city or tax money.
Brad Murtiff of First Federal Community Bank said the bank will match 10 percent of the funding received up to $50,000.