COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—America 250-Ohio, the official state commission for Ohio’s semiquincentennial celebrations, announced a new signature event today aimed at uniting current and former Ohioans in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The event, called Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic, will feature community picnics across all 88 counties in July 2026, thanks to a generous Visionary Sponsorship from Cenovus Energy.
The announcement was made at a picnic-style event on the West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse. Guests enjoyed nostalgic lawn games provided by the Ohio History Connection and music by members of the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. Attendees, including several dozen local students, were treated to individual boxed picnic lunches.
Speakers at the event included Governor Mike DeWine, America 250-Ohio Co-Chairs Doug Priesse and Michael B. Coleman, and Eric Zimpfer, Cenovus Senior Vice President, U.S. Refining. Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection and the America 250-Ohio Commissioner leading the Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic project, introduced a prototype Homecoming Kit. These kits, provided at no cost to community groups, will include décor items, game supplies, and other accessories to help plan celebratory picnics.
“Celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary is an occasion for Ohioans to come together and reflect on and celebrate our shared history, current experiences, and future aspirations. We want the entire month of July 2026 to be filled with gatherings of all sizes and types — from individual and extended families to faith, school, and social groups to entire towns and cities — where Ohioans can commemorate our state’s role in our nation’s history,” said Wood. “We are tremendously grateful to Cenovus Energy for partnering with us as a Visionary Sponsor to make Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic a successful and memorable centerpiece of Ohio’s America 250 celebration.”
Cenovus’ Visionary Sponsorship will fund event planning and execution, including community outreach, communication and coordination, and supplies and materials.
“We are proud to partner with America 250-Ohio to inspire Ohioans across the state to gather and celebrate in July 2026,” said Eric Zimpfer of Cenovus. “We are dedicated to energizing the world to make people’s lives better, and our sponsorship of Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic demonstrates our belief in and appreciation of the communities across the state that we serve.”
Groups interested in planning and organizing an Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic event in July 2026 are invited to visit America250-Ohio.org for more information.