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Performances by the Dayton Philharmonic, the Ohio State University Alumni Band and a two-day Native American celebration are among the events planned June 16-23 in the community founded Feb. 20, 1818 on the banks of the Great Miami River.
“I really think it’s going to show people in the area — in the Miami Valley — why Miamisburg is called the Star City, how it does shine and it is a great place to live or be from,” said Kimm Mote, public relations coordinator for Miamisburg 200.
“And that’s what we want people to walk away from this with — positive thoughts about their community (and) pride. A lot of civic pride.”
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Aside from music and historical tributes, bicentennial events in Miamisburg also cater to fans of the environment, Monte Carlo events, family fun, fitness runs, parades, ice cream socials, car shows and beer.
Those not from Miamisburg can expect “great entertainment, a lot of family fun, (and) the opportunity to get to know neighboring communities,” Mote said. “ They’re treated just like they’re part of the community when they come to Miamisburg.”
“Miamisburg’s been one of those fortunate communities that our downtown has bounced back. And it’s become a destination location for a lot of people in the Miami Valley,” she added. “And this is just going to add to that. We’ve got great opportunities already and this is just going to multiply those opportunities.”
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Annual events such as the two-day Spring Fling, Labor Day weekend’s River Blast and the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot are being worked into the bicentennial schedule, organizers said. But a key element of the celebrations are to pay tribute to the city’s heritage, said Miamisburg native and longtime Mayor Dick Church, Jr.
“It’s an opportunity to reflect upon the rich history of Miamisburg (and) have a great time, he said.
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One of those events is will be a Founder’s Day Celebration Dinner Feb. 20 at the Baum Opera House. Mote said the event is sold out, something organizers hope happens frequently at bicentennial events where there is a cost for admission.
Many of the events will be free and occur at Riverfront Park, which organizers are referring to as “center stage,” Mote said.
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