COLUMBUS, OHIO (WLIO) - Ohio is planning on a big celebration for the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, and they want local communities to get in on the fun. The commission that is spearheading the state’s celebration is urging towns and cities in all 88 counties to host events under the name Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic. To help coordinate the numerous events in July of 2026, a company with Lima roots has stepped up to make Buckeye State the place to be for the nation’s birthday party.
The commission that is spearheading the state’s celebration is urging towns and cities in all 88 counties to host events under the name Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic.
“Cenovus Energy is donating $500,000 to America 250 for this project,” says Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lima. “We appreciate having Cenovus Energy as an important part of Lima’s economy and your continued commitment to our community and also to the state. We are looking forward to having our Homecoming Picnic and hope to set the standard for a really great event.”
“Being a part of the local community is a really important part of who we are and what we stand for. As we think about, we are the largest refinery in Ohio; our employees work in Dublin, Lima, and Toledo and are an important part of our local communities every day. And this is a great program and a great opportunity for us to help bring our communities together,” says Eric Zimpfer, Cenovus Energy, Sr. VP of U.S. Refining.
If there are organizations or groups that would like to plan a celebration, they can go to American250 for more information.
Media Release for America 250-Ohio, as they Announces Signature Event for July 2026,
“Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic,” with Visionary Sponsor Cenovus Energy
COLUMBUS, OH (October 3, 2024) – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, today announced a new signature event aimed at bringing together both current and former Ohioans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at community picnics across the state in July 2026. Called Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic, the event will encompass numerous gatherings both large and small in all 88 counties across the state. Planning and coordinating an event of this scale and scope is made possible thanks to a generous Visionary Sponsorship from Cenovus Energy.
The announcement was made this afternoon at a picnic-style event under a tent on the West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse. Guests enjoyed nostalgic lawn games provided by Ohio History Connection and music by members of Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. All attendees, including several dozen local students, were treated to individual boxed picnic lunches.
Introducing the vision and plans for the event were speakers Governor Mike DeWine, America 250-Ohio Co-Chairs Doug Priesse and Michael B. Coleman, Eric Zimpfer, Cenovus Senior Vice President, U.S. Refining and Mayor Sharetta Smith-Lima, Ohio.
Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of Ohio History Connection and the America 250-Ohio Commissioner leading the Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic project and introduced a prototype Homecoming Kit that America 250-Ohio will be providing at no cost to community groups who want to organize a picnic in July 2026. The kits will include décor items, game supplies and other accessories helpful in planning a celebratory picnic event.
“Celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary is an occasion for Ohioans to come together and reflect on and celebrate our shared history, current experiences, and future aspirations. We want the entire month of July 2026 to be filled with gatherings of all sizes and types — from individual and extended families to faith, school and social groups to entire towns and cities — where Ohioans can commemorate our state’s role in our nation’s history,” said Wood. “We are tremendously grateful to Cenovus Energy for partnering with us as a Visionary Sponsor to make Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic a successful and memorable centerpiece of Ohio’s America 250 celebration.
Cenovus’ Visionary Sponsorship will provide funding for event planning and execution including community outreach, communication and coordination, and supplies and materials.
“We are proud to partner with America 250-Ohio to inspire Ohioans across the state to gather and celebrate in July 2026,” said Eric Zimpfer, at Cenovus. “We are dedicated to energizing the world to make people’s lives better and our sponsorship of Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic demonstrates our belief in and appreciation of the communities across the state that we serve.”
Groups interested in planning and organizing an Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic event in July 2026 are invited to visit www.America250-Ohio.org for more information.
