East Palestine Celebrates 150 Years with Hometown Spirit
East Palestine marked a major milestone on Saturday, July 12, with an unforgettable day of community, culture and celebration in honor of the village’s 150th anniversary. From the moment festivities kicked off at 9 a.m., downtown came alive with hometown pride and the unmistakable warmth of neighbors reconnecting, reminiscing and looking ahead together.
The day began at the EP Memorial Library, where Fiona Ruminski, Regional Liaison for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, presented a commemorative certificate recognizing East Palestine’s 150 years of history and progress. The official proclamation, delivered to local leaders and community members, set a meaningful tone for the day—honoring the village’s legacy and resilience while highlighting its importance to the region and the state.
Following the presentation, the excitement continued with the Moose Parade, a crowd favorite that featured East Palestine alumni, classic cars, floats, bikes and golf carts winding their way through the village in a joyful display of unity and tradition. Spectators lined the route, waving and cheering as the parade rolled by.
Art and history were central to the celebration. Visitors explored the town-wide Student Art Walk, which showcased the creativity of East Palestine students in grades 5 through 12. At the Memorial Public Library, guests stepped back in time with the “150 Years & 150 Facts” exhibit, uncovering stories that connected generations. The Historic Train Depot also welcomed crowds eager to see displays linking the village’s past with a vision for its future.
Families had plenty to enjoy as well. Bounce houses, carriage rides, axe throwing, old-fashioned games, and even a dunk tank featuring well-known local personalities kept the energy high and the laughs flowing. The Penny Candy Store, run by the Youth Boys Program, was a hit with both kids and nostalgic adults.
Food trucks lined the streets, offering everything from Mexican street food and burgers to custom sodas. Attendees also browsed vendor booths hosted by local organizations like The Way Station, Garden Club, and the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation, picking up raffle entries, giveaways and items for purchase.
The evening wrapped up with a feel-good “Oldies Music Show” at the high school auditorium, where residents of all ages sang along to timeless hits. It was a fitting close to a day that honored the past while building excitement for the future.
Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy said it best: “This day was about more than looking back—it was about celebrating who we are and what we can accomplish when we come together.”
The celebration was more than a party—it was a powerful symbol of East Palestine’s enduring spirit. After 150 years, our village still shines, and on July 12, it shone brighter than ever.