By 1812Blockhosue
At Tuesday night’s meeting of Mansfield City Council, Mayor Jodie Perry kicked off the celebrations for Johnny Appleseed’s 250th birthday with a proclamation, setting the stage for a weekend full of activities in honor of the legendary figure.
Celebrating Johnny Appleseed’s Legacy in Mansfield
With a jovial tone, Mayor Perry opened the event by quizzing attendees: “Who is turning 250 years old this month? That’s right, Johnny Appleseed.” The audience smiled, already familiar with the wealth of Johnny Appleseed-themed displays throughout the city, particularly at City Hall.
The mayor continued, acknowledging the importance of Johnny Appleseed, born as John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. “Johnny Appleseed,” she explained, “earned his name through his passion for planting apple seeds and nurturing nurseries across the Midwest, carefully selecting ideal planting spots and revisiting them to ensure their success.”
Johnny Appleseed’s presence was especially felt in Mansfield, where he lived for approximately 20 years. Not only did he plant nurseries, but he also delivered newspapers, befriended local children, and spread his religious beliefs as he traveled.
In honor of this milestone, the city has planted Johnny Appleseed apple trees at various locations, including Central Park, Oak Hill Cottage, Kingwood Center Gardens, and South Park. Mayor Perry concluded the proclamation by encouraging all citizens to participate in the weekend’s festivities and remember Johnny Appleseed’s impact on Mansfield and Richland County.
South Park Weekend Celebration
Cheryl Rettig from the Richland Early American Center for History followed the mayor’s proclamation by outlining the upcoming weekend events at South Park. Set for Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the celebration promises to engage visitors of all ages with a diverse lineup of activities that showcase local history and the enduring legacy of Johnny Appleseed.
“We’ll be opening all the historical buildings, from the log cabin and blockhouse to the blacksmith shop,” Reddick shared. “We’ll have live demonstrations of sourdough baking, candle making, and rope making.” For younger visitors, there will be period games, storytelling, and square dancing lessons, offering a taste of 19th-century life.
One highlight of the day will be a Johnny Appleseed Traveling Exhibit, which tells the story of his life and contributions. Other attractions include displays from the Ohio Genealogical Society and a Native American arrowhead collection, along with demonstrations of American fur-bearer hides and skins. Visitors can also look forward to live music from the Lincoln Highway Bluegrass Band, alpacas from Backwoods Alpacas, and several interactive history experiences.
Flag-Raising Ceremony and Special Appearances
The day will begin at 10:00 AM with a flag-raising ceremony by the Boy Scouts at the Johnny Appleseed Monument. Following that, Juli Parsons will lead an apple tree watercolor class at 11:00 AM, offering a creative way to commemorate the day.
At noon, attendees will be treated to a live portrayal of Johnny Appleseed by Ken Hammontree, a well-known historical reenactor. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the Johnny Appleseed Square Dancers will perform, followed by a storytelling session led by Mary Johnson at 2:00 PM.
The celebration wraps up with the Lincoln Highway Bluegrass Band, playing from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a perfect conclusion to a day filled with history and community spirit.
Supporting the Community and Looking Ahead
Rettig also took the opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations that made the event possible, including Louis and Mark Abrams from Parks and Recreation for their help in preparing the grounds. Special recognition was given to Mechanics Bank for sponsoring the Bluegrass Festival, and to Cark Fernyak, who graciously provided the flatbed trailer for the stage.
In addition to the Johnny Appleseed event, Reddick encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the 8th Annual American Heritage Days during the first weekend of October. This event will feature reenactors bringing to life moments from the American Revolution and the War of 1812, offering an immersive educational experience.
“We may even have the mayor firing a cannon this time!” Reddick joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. Mayor Perry, who had already fired a cannon earlier in the year, responded with a smile, recalling how daunting the experience had been.
Get Involved and Celebrate
With such a full weekend ahead, the city of Mansfield invites all residents and visitors to join the festivities at South Park. Whether you’re interested in historical demonstrations, family-friendly activities, or just want to enjoy some live bluegrass, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The weekend promises to be a fitting tribute to one of the region’s most cherished historical figures.
The Johnny Appleseed celebration not only honors the past but also fosters community connections, making it an event you won’t want to miss.
