America's 250th & Doughboy 100th: Kids Bike Parade, Ice Cream Social & Memorial Service

Name: America's 250th & Doughboy 100th: Kids Bike Parade, Ice Cream Social & Memorial Service
Start: 2026-07-05T12:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-05T16:00:00-04:00
Location: Swanton Memorial Park, Swanton, OH 43558

Schedule

Sun Jul 05 2026 at 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Swanton Memorial Park, Swanton, OH 43558 | Swanton, OH

Join us on Sunday, July 5, 2026 for a family-friendly community event celebrating America's 250th anniversary and honoring the 100th anniversary of the Doughboy Memorial.
The day will begin with a Kids Bike Parade from the Swanton Public Library to Swanton Memorial Park. Families are invited to decorate bikes, wagons, strollers, and scooters and take part in the parade. The parade will leave the library at 12:30 PM, so families are encouraged to arrive a little early and be ready to line up before the parade begins.
No registration is required for the parade.
Please note that no motorized vehicles will be permitted in the parade, unless needed for accessibility reasons.
Leading up to the event, the Swanton Public Library will host a bike decorating program on Wednesday, July 1 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is a fun opportunity for kids and families to decorate their bikes and get ready for the July 5 parade.
After the parade arrives at Swanton Memorial Park, the community is invited to enjoy food, treats, and time together before the memorial service begins.
Food trucks and vendors scheduled to be on site include:
• Porky’s Sweet Spot with ice cream and Slush Puppies
• CK Sweets with Lotus drinks, sweet treats, and more
• Hot Dogs 2 Go with smash burgers and hot dogs
The event will conclude with a Doughboy Memorial Service at 1:30 PM, led by the Swanton American Legion Post #479. The memorial service is expected to include prayer, taps, and a volley. We invite the community to join us in honoring the Doughboy Memorial and the meaning it holds in Swanton’s history.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Parade Time: 12:30 PM
Parade Start: Swanton Public Library
Parade End: Swanton Memorial Park
Memorial Service: 1:30 PM at the Doughboy Memorial
Registration: No registration required for the parade
This event is made possible through the partnership of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, Swanton American Legion Post #479, Swanton Public Library, and Swanton Historical Society.
Families, children, veterans, community members, and visitors are all welcome to attend as we celebrate Swanton’s history, enjoy time together, and honor the Doughboy Memorial.
What is the Doughboy Statue?
The Doughboy Statue in Swanton Memorial Park is one of the community’s most important historic landmarks and war memorials. Officially titled The Spirit of the American Doughboy, the statue honors the men from Swanton and the surrounding community who served during World War I.
The statue was dedicated on July 5, 1926, and is especially unique because it is believed to be the only World War I memorial presented to an American town by a foreign government. The monument was gifted by the people of France in recognition of the large number of Swanton-area soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Of the approximately 250 local men who served, 12 gave their lives.
The sculpture was created by noted artist E. M. Viquesney, whose Doughboy statues became some of the most recognizable World War I memorials across the United States. Swanton’s version is a 1920 cast bronze sculpture located in Swanton Memorial Park near the intersection of Main Street and Bassett Avenue.
The front of the monument reads:
“Swanton Remembers”
and
“To the memory of the valiant sons of Swanton & community, World War 1917-1918.”
One of the most talked-about details of the memorial is the word “greatful,” which was misspelled on the original plaque inscription. While it has been known for generations, the community has intentionally left it unchanged as part of the monument’s history and character.
Over the years, the statue has undergone restoration efforts, including a major restoration completed in 2015 to preserve it for future generations. The memorial continues to serve as a centerpiece for Veterans events, Memorial Day ceremonies, and community remembrance activities.
The Doughboy remains a symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and the lasting connection between Swanton and the service members who gave their lives during World War I.