ELYRIA BICENTENNIAL BALL AND PARADE TO CELEBRATE ELYRIA’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE!

PRESENTED BY UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS ELYRIA MEDICAL CENTER 

 

Photo courtesy of the Lorain County Historical Society

Elyria residents, businesses and other city supporters looking for ways to honor the City’s 200^th birthday have had many events and activities to choose from to show their civic pride.  Among them: a historic marker installation ceremony and reception; a historic documentary preview and reception; historic lectures, tours and displays; the opening of Pioneer Plaza; a bicentennial fireworks show like no other; and soon the bicentennial ball on July 29 and the bicentennial parade on August 5. 

The July 29 Elyria Bicentennial Ball - Presented by University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center

There are already 175 reservations for Elyria’s Bicentennial Ball, scheduled for Saturday evening July 29, 2017 from 6:00pm – 11:00pm at Elyria Country Club – 41625 Oberlin Elyria Road.  Elyrians and other supporters who want to attend but have not yet made their reservations are encouraged to visit the city’s website to purchase tickets online via the city’s secure server at www.cityofelyria.org. The deadline for making reservations is Tuesday, July 25.  Tickets are $125.00 per person, while all of the other official bicentennial events have been low or no cost.  

All Elyrians are welcome to attend this very special black tie optional celebration which will feature an evening of fine dining, fellowship and dancing to the Swing City Big Band.   All proceeds from the Ball benefit the rebuilding of the Ely Square Fountain, the legacy project of the City and the 100-member Elyria Bicentennial Committee.  “The City and the Committee members w

 

anted to be responsive to all Elyrians, and the Ball is one way for those who are able to make larger contributions to the fountain project to participate, while honoring all of our fountain donors,” said Mayor Holly Brinda. But regardless of our citizens’ level of participation, small or large, it is needed and appreciated.  

The Presenting Sponsor for the Bicentennial Ball is University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.  Other supporters include band sponsor Chemical Bank; beverage sponsors Northwest Bank, Vandemark Jewelers and Best Equipment Company; and auction sponsor Attorney Mark Craig.  The official souvenir sponsor for Elyria’s Bicentennial is Discount Drug Mart.  Other sponsorships and program advertising are still available by calling (440) 326-1402.

The evening will also recognize donors who have contributed so far to the Capital Campaign to rebuild the Ely Square Fountain.  And while the fundraising campaign will run through the end of 2017, the City has already raised over $226,145.00 towards the new fountain, with other grants and donations pending.  The fountain will be rebuilt in early 2018, with the size and scope of the project being determined by the amount of donated funds.  An animated rendition of the preferred project that was determined by community input can be viewed on the city’s website.   

The August 5 Elyria Bicentennial Parade
 

A celebration 200 years in the making will take place in Elyria on Saturday, August 5 – and you are invited to participate or attend!  The City is still accepting registrations for the once-in-a-lifetime Grand Bicentennial Parade.  Registration Forms will be accepted through July 28 and are available from the City’s website at www.cityofelyria.org, but must be completed and returned by mail or in person to the Mayor’s Office on the third floor of Elyria City Hall – 131 Court Street.  Questions should be directed to the Mayor’s office at 326-1402. 

To commemorate the founding of the City of Elyria in 1817 by Heman Ely, a Grand Bicentennial Parade, sponsored by Elyria Charities, has been organized by the City and Elyria’s Bicentennial Committee of more than 100 volunteers.  So far, over 90 units have registered for the August 5 parade, complete with Clydesdale horses and other animals, five bands, 20 floats, circus performers, baton twirlers, super heroes, ghostbusters, a living statue of Heman Ely, antique cars and so much more. 

The parade will be one of the largest in Elyria’s history, and will be longer than most the city’s previous parades, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead when making plans to view the parade and traverse the City the morning of August 5.  The procession begins at 10:00am and travels from Poplar Street, down Gulf Road, turning right on Ohio Street, turning left on Washington Avenue to Broad Street, turning left on Middle Avenue, up Middle Avenue past Elyria High School, and turning right onto West Avenue, where it will disperse in the parking lots of Elyria High School. 

“The parade route is longer because we want to involve as many Elyrians as possible and showcase some of our important landmarks and our new additions like the renovated Middle Avenue and our beautiful Elyria High School,” said Mayor Holly Brinda.  

After the parade the Cincinnati Circus will perform in Ely Square and a special recognition program will take place.  Four First Aid Stations will be available including the corner of Ohio Street and Washington Avenue, Ely Square, Elyria Catholic and the Elyria High School Parking Lot.  Mayor Brinda said “We are looking forward to a wonderful day that demonstrates how strong our community pride is in Elyria, Ohio.  Major companies, organizations, churches and many others are really having fun planning and building their floats and involving their employees and members in the festivities – and we can’t wait to see the outcome.”