MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion America 250 initiative, co-led by the Marion Community Foundation and the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a volunteer-based initiative powered by dedicated community partners serving in a variety of capacities including the Steering, Storytelling, and Marketing Committees. Each group is working collaboratively to make the year-long 2026 initiative a successful community-wide celebration of Marion’s story.

Following the announcement of $50,000 in special project grants and the year-long Marion 250 Trails, Tales, & Treasures initiative, the focus shifts to recognizing the local leaders and residents contributing countless hours to share Marion’s unique chapter in the American story.

Kate McCleese stated, “This massive celebration—from the Red, White & YOU Weekend to the historical research for the Trails, Tales, & Treasures app—isn’t being run by a professional firm. It’s being powered by Marion citizens volunteering their time and expertise. Their dedication is the true foundation of our America 250 effort.”

Leadership Committees

The following individuals and groups are the driving force behind the planning and execution:

  • Steering Committee (Oversight & Strategy):
    • Co-Chairs Kate McCleese, Marion Community Foundation and Bev Ford, Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
    • Mayor Bill Collins and City Service Director Mike Bodine
    • Commissioner Mark Davis and Chamber of Commerce President Heidi Jones
    • Mike Augenstein and Wendy Weichenthal (MTC), Wendy Petrie and Sherry Hall (Harding Sites), Robin Rick (Daughters of the American Revolution), Diane Watson (Marion Public Library), Valerie Wigton (Marion Women’s Club), Cheryl Wickersham and Allen Wilson (Downtown Marion, Inc.), and Brandi Wilson and Randy Winland (Marion County Historical Society)
  • Storytelling Committee (Research & Content):
    • Wendy Weichenthal, Chair
    • Mike Augenstein (MTC Downtown), Kevin Davidson (Marion Co. Commissioner), Tara Dyer (Marion City Schools), Kacey Fetter (First Citizens National Bank), Christine Gibson and Eryn Gillmore (Pillar Credit Union), BJ Gruber (Marion City Police Department), Wendy Petrie (Harding Sites), Diane Watson (Marion Public Library), Cheryl Wickersham (Downtown Marion Board), Randy Winland (Marion Co. Historical Society), and Nikki Workman (Marion County Board of DD).
  • Marketing Committee (Promotion & Outreach):
    • Bev Ford, Chair
    • Mike Bodine (City of Marion), Cathy Gerber and Wayne Rowe (OSUM), BJ Gruber (Marion City Police Department), Jenny Lust (Spruce & Sparrow), Ellen Messenger (E. B. Messenger Creative Marketing), Amy Roston, Allen Wilson (Downtown Marion), Kathy Wink (Goodwill), and Nikki Workman (Marion Co. Board of DD)

Building the Legacy

The efforts of these teams have been instrumental in planning and implementing the year-long celebration, which includes a Trails, Tales, and Treasures experience available as an app through Apple or Google Play Store but is also available in print format at the Visitor Center throughout 2026. The committees’ work will culminate in the Red, White & YOU Weekend (July 16-19, 2026), the capstone four-day celebration of food, music, and community spirit.

The committees continue to welcome volunteers and ideas from the community. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the MACVB website for more information on how to get involved.

About Marion America 250

The Marion America 250 Steering Committee is a collaborative effort co-led by the Marion Community Foundation and the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, dedicated to planning and promoting a year-long commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.