This Friday, November 4, downtown Bellefontaine will be holding a celebration to commemorate Bellefontaine being named one of Ohio’s best hometowns by Ohio Magazine. At 5:30 PM on the courthouse lawn, the celebration will feature special guest speakers and a presentation from Jim Vickers, Editor of Ohio Magazine, formally recognizing Bellefontaine’s honor.
Each year, Ohio Magazine recognizes places that make our state a great place to live. To determine this year’s honorees, Ohio Magazine solicited nominations in the spring and conducted visits across the state over the summer. The magazine’s editors chose Bellefontaine for its impressive downtown redevelopment efforts, thriving sense of community and appreciation for preserving local history.
“We’re truly blessed in so many ways that we are able to come together and celebrate the achievements of our community,” said Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler. “There’s a real sense of hometown pride in the air!”
In addition to the presentations, the event will include food trucks throughout the downtown and will be topped off with a performance by the Fountainaires, Bellefontaine’s community jazz band.
“The Best Hometown nomination for Bellefontaine, and especially for our beautiful downtown, is a well-deserved recognition,” added Micky Groves, Downtown Development Director at the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses and entrepreneurs have spent years of hard work and dedication bringing the downtown back to life with a multitude of retail shops, award-winning restaurants, and entertainment to experience.”
Following the Best Hometown Celebration, the Holland Theatre will kick off its marquee fundraiser inside the theatre with a historic slideshow, refreshments, and a showing of the film “The Majestic.” The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership will also be hosting their annual Holiday Open House weekend beginning Friday with deals at downtown retailers. Proceeds from open house passport sales benefit Neighborhood Outreach Centers in raising money for Thanksgiving meals for area families in need.
