Countdown to America's 250th birthday

PORT CLINTON — The Ottawa County commissioners and Ottawa County America 250 Committee members are organizing local events in preparation for the 250th anniversary of America's Independence on July 4, 2026. Here are the most notable events: At 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, the county commissioners will raise an America 250 flag provided by the commission at the City Government Complex Building located at 1858 E. Perry Street. The America 250 Commission has provided flags to all America-250 designated communities. Ottawa County is one of 88 counties across the state participating in and planning exclusive events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The first event scheduled before the celebration is a two-day event on April 18-19, 2025, titled "Two Lights for Tomorrow." This nationwide initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride, which warned American patriots of the approaching British troops at Lexington and Concord. On April 18, 2025, every statehouse, including the Ottawa County Courthouse, will display two lights. The commission encourages lighting participation at as many locations as possible, including community centers, municipal and county administrative buildings, and private residences. On April 19, the commission plans to promote a day of service with volunteer projects such as park and cemetery clean-ups, community builds, food drives, and outreach to residents of care facilities. The Ottawa County Historical Society will dedicate a National Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot Marker at the Wolcott Keeper's House Family Cemetery in Danbury Township at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The National Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot Marker will be placed at the gravesite of Benajah Wolcott, an American Revolutionary War veteran. The ceremony will also honor four other American Revolutionary War veterans buried in Ottawa County: Isaac Ambler, John Clemons, John Green and Israel Harrington. For more information regarding upcoming events, people can do so by visiting ottawacountyhistory.org. *Editor's note: This story has been changed due to the March 6 event being hosted at a different location.