The time capsule to commemorate Richfield’s Bicentennial will be on display at events throughout the year before it is buried in October.

Photo courtesy of Richfield Village

The Richfield Bicentennial Commission has been meeting since April to organize residents and public officials, according to Chairperson Becky Sheryak, of Richfield Township.

Sheryak said between 50 and 70 people from the Richfield communities are involved in some part of the year-long celebration.

“It’s so amazing what we’ve done,” said Sheryak, who has lived in the area since 1986.

Residents and officials from both Richfield Township and Richfield Village are participating.

The celebration will start with a kickoff event Jan. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Town Hall, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road. The event will include music, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a raffle. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Richfield Recreation Center and Richfield Township administrative offices or can be ordered by sending a check made out to Richfield Bicentennial to 3333 Brecksville Road, Richfield, OH 44286. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

In addition to being a way to start the bicentennial observation, the party also will raise funds to support some of the events planned for the next several months, Sheryak said.

On display at the event will be a time capsule, a project that is being coordinated by Village Mayor Mike Lyons and Service Director Melanie Tibbs.

Tibbs said Service Department employees Randy Shero, Scott Keserich and Phil Gilreath made the capsule out of PVC pipe.

“It should last 100 years with no problem,” Tibbs said.

She added that residents can bring items to be considered for the time capsule to the Service Department.

Tibbs would like to see items that relate to the year 2009 or the Richfield community to be brought for consideration. The capsule is 12 inches wide at its widest part, so items must be smaller than that.

The time capsule is scheduled to be buried in October during an event at the village offices, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road. Tibbs said it is likely a marker of some kind will be placed at the site.

Richfield Township is sponsoring one of the first community-wide events, the Snowbird Festival, Feb. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rising Valley Park, 4540 Oviatt Road. Trustee Janet Jankura is planning the event, which will take place regardless of the presence of snow.

“We hope that residents and families and friends will enjoy an afternoon outdoors in an old-fashioned way,” Jankura said.

Weather-permitting, the free event will include sledding and tobogganing, rides on three horse-drawn sleighs, a dogsled demonstration and professional ice sculptors. Hot drinks and food also will be available, as well as a bonfire.

Sheryak said residents also could mark this year’s birthday with the purchase of commemorative items. A blanket throw featuring the history of Richfield is on sale for $45, and a calendar with historical images is available for $10.

Sheryak added a book on Richfield’s Bicentennial is being planned and should be published later in the year. It will include history and coverage of this year’s events, she said.

Another unique event planned is the arrival of the one-ring Kelly Miller Circus Aug. 1.

“They will be raising the big top at 8 a.m.,” Sheryak said. “That will be exciting.”

The circus will be in town for two performances that day, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available in advance, Sheryak said.

The weekend following that, Aug. 7-9, will feature events for the annual Community Days celebration. This year will include more events than most, including a Bicentennial Crafts Fair on the Richfield Green Aug. 7-8.

“We are hoping to have 25 old-time crafters,” Sheryak said.

Interested crafters can call event organizer Juanita Taylor at (330) 659-2009 for details.

Sheryak also is excited about a traveling museum that will highlight Richfield’s history as a transportation hub. Steve Schmidt is coordinating the collection of artifacts that will be on display in a semi-trailer.

Currently being considered is a series of Porch Stories events that would feature local residents telling tales about some of Richfield’s history. Topics could cover John Brown, who lived in Richfield for a time, and the Richfield Coliseum, Sheryak said.

In addition to hearing stories, local residents also may want to keep their ears open for a song written to commemorate the Bicentennial event by resident Steve Mehal. Sheryak said the song will be available on compact disc at community events, and Mehal will likely perform the song during the year.

For complete details and updates on Richfield’s Bicentennial events, go to www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org or call Sheryak at (330) 704-1111.