Press release

The new pavilion at the Galion Big Four Depot is now open for business! An opening event was held May 20 to celebrate the completion of the project. Thanks to all who stopped by.

The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce joined city officials and members of Galion Depot, Inc. to perform a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Mayor Tom O’Leary, who has been recovering from surgery, made an appearance. He was presented with a plaque containing names of those who donated to a recent campaign to raise money for the tables and chairs to be used at the pavilion. The plaque will be displayed inside the building.

Throughout the day, artists were within or near the Depot property creating new work. Pieces ranged from buildings in the neighborhood to a scene of the railroad tracks.

Artwork was on display inside the pavilion, including the work of students who competed in two contests. The first was the Draw the Depot contest, open to students in grades 3-12.

Congratulations to first place winner Ashley Dyer (5th grade) and second place winner Ayden Snyder (5th grade).

Kids in grades K-2 were welcome to participate in a coloring contest. Winners were:

First Place – Kendall Kronick, 2nd grade

Second Place – Mark Martinez, 1st grade

Third Place – Christabelle Nunez, kindergarten

The Galion Area Band performed music from the early 20th century, as the Depot was dedicated on Dec. 27, 1900. Attendees also heard performances by keyboardist LaMar Wyse and guitarist Howard Cole.

The event was sponsored by Firelands Federal Credit Union. United Bank sponsored a kids’ activity table that included mini painting canvases, t-shirt coloring, and face painting.

Preserving Galion offered a self-guided tour of the Depot property, The Candi Bar provided coffee and table linens, and food was served by Mama Jo’s Café and B&B Concessions.

A total of 34 items were donated for the auction held at the conclusion of the event, including original paintings, decorative items, and collectibles. All proceeds will go toward Depot restoration projects.

The multi-use pavilion was constructed by Weithman Brothers, Inc. and funded with a $200,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. The City of Galion intends to use the venue for community events such as live music, theater performances and art displays. The building will also serve as a rental venue for family reunions, birthday parties, and graduations. Call the Mayor’s Office at 419-468-1857 to make a reservation.