Celebrate Westerville Coordinating 150th Anniversary Festivities.  Be a Part of the Fun.

Westerville citizens are rich in heritage, culture, pride, and vision.  In many ways, community leaders transcended the central Ohio landscape and served as a benchmark for the nation.  Otterbein College, for example, would become the first institution of higher learning in the United States to admit women without restrictions, the first to include women on its faculty, and one of the first to admit students of color.  City leaders made Westerville the first Ohio village, and third municipality in the entire United States, to adopt a Council-Manager style of government.  A number of Westerville residents risked their lives as part of the Underground Railroad to transport slaves to freedom.

The “Celebrate Westerville” Committee will bring examples of this history to life with three signature events in 2008:

*Celebrate Westerville New Year's Eve 2007
*Celebrate Westerville Independence Week 2008
*Celebrate Westerville Labor Day Community Picnic 2008

"Celebrate Westerville" is a citizen based, volunteer initiative formed to coordinate these signature events.  Their success depends in large part on the support, financial and otherwise, of the Westerville community.  “The events are coming together, and there are many opportunities for people to get involved in any of the activities,” said Celebrate Westerville Chair Vinny Herwig.  “I know people will enjoy the events, and I hope they take time to get involved and learn more about our wonderful community.  There is so much to celebrate here in Westerville.” 

Those interested in getting involved with any of the “Celebrate Westerville” activities can contact Herwig at vinny@wowway.com  or info@westerville.org for more information. 

For sponsorship opportunities, click on the "Celebrate Westerville Sponsor Brochure" link in the top box to the right on this page or call Fundraising Co-Chairs Frank Kersanty at 614.891.5401 or Shannon Hamons at 614.523.2317.  Donations and sponsorships can be tax deductible in conjunction with the Westerville Historical Society.