Westlake Will Celebrate America-250 in a Big Way

The United States of America is celebrating its semiquincentennial this year.

What?

The nation’s semiquincentennial. Our country’s 250th birthday!

It’s going to be a year-long party in Westlake!

“We are really proud that we are able to do this and we are honored to not only recognize our nation, but also those locally who have made a difference,” said Tina Arundel, Mayor’s Office Liaison for the City of Westlake.

How is the community celebrating? All sorts of ways!

Complimentary light pole banners will be a big one! Look for banners honoring Westlake veterans and servicemen and women around town, especially along Crocker Road and Hilliard Blvd.

“It is due to the sacrifice of those who have fought for our freedom that we are able to enjoy the beauty of living in our great city. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is a wonderful way to show our pride in our city, in the state and most importantly, in the country. We have always had great collaboration among our businesses, organizations and schools, and having programming all year long allows everyone the ability to take part in such an important milestone,” says Mayor Dennis Clough.

“We want to honor as many of these folks as possible,” says Arundel of the Saluting Our Service campaign. “Please contact me if you have a family member or someone else we can recognize. We don’t want to miss anyone.”

Tina Arundel’s phone number is (440) 617-4196 and her email is tarundel@cityofwestlake.org. Contact her to be included in the Saluting Our Service campaign. “We are reaching out to all. If you are a resident who has served, or have a family member who has served, we want to honor you/them with a banner.”

Tina has engaged several community organizations including Westlake Porter Public Library, the Westlake Historical Society, Westlake City School District, Clague Playhouse and Kiwanis Club of Westlake to become involved in hosting their own 250th Programming.

“We also want to raise awareness of the city’s historic roots,” adds Tina. The Historical Society is planning events like a tour of Evergreen Cemetery on April 25, complete with tour guides in historic garb, as well as other events throughout the year.

The Westlake Community Services Center, in its movie theater, will be featuring Ohio-themed movies once a month. You may be surprised when you see some of the titles. Plan to register at the Community Services front desk, as these are expected to fill up fast.

And Porter Library has a calendar full of events for the full year.

Please visit www.cityofwestlake.org/page/250th for a full list of events happening throughout this busy year.

Do you want to become part of the City’s historic record? One way is to share with the community your personal expressions of the celebration. Send photos of your home or family celebrating the semiquincentennial.to the city’s official 250th website, www.cityofwestlake.org/page/250th, and become part of the city’s historic record.

The big event of the year will be the City of Westlake’s annual Fourth of July picnic. Westlake always presents a gala fireworks display and this year’s pyrotechnics will be bigger, longer, and more beautiful than ever before!

“We have been working hard to find ways to make this day extra special for our community, from the fireworks to a full day of wonderful activities for the whole family,” says Tina. This year, residents can expect a live band concert before the fireworks display, food trucks and even a beer tent.

“We’re going to do it bigger and better than ever this year, and we’re really excited to spend the holiday with our residents and their families. We are putting a lot of love into this in the spirit of celebration,’ says Tina.

The spirit of the celebration will also extend into annual activities including Westlake in Bloom, with awards for patriotic displays. The City also plans to have a Patriotic House Decorating contest.

Mayor Clough will cap the year with a Mayor’s 250th Celebration Ball on November 14, which is also the City of Westlake’s 215th anniversary. “Plans are still being made, but we will want everyone to be part of it,” adds Tina. Stay tuned!

Sponsorships are also wanted for community light pole banners and Westlake 250th events. A portion of proceeds will support West Shore Meals on Wheels and Westlake Community Services programs. Interested businesses may contact Tina Arundel at tarundel@cityofwestlake.org.

The City of Westlake is proud to be designated as an official America 250-Ohio Community and invites all residents to join to honor our past and look toward our future.

The City of Westlake has created a website dedicated to America’s 250th. Visit www.cityofwestlake.org/page/250th to keep up with all that is going on in 2026!