Ohio Magazine Editor Jim Vickers said Friday evening that presenting Bellefontaine with the honor of being named one of the publication’s Best Hometowns of 2022 was a “no brainer” after receiving scores of postcards from area residents nominating their city, and then paying a visit here this past summer.
During the visit, Vickers had the chance to meet with business owners, elected officials and community members and dined at a Bellefontaine restaurant that evening.
“I feel like I have one of the best jobs in Ohio. I get to go and explore all of these all of these different places around our state.
“Everyone was so welcoming and friendly throughout our visit. Thank you for your friendliness, your passion and for your families and neighbors; that’s what makes small town living so great,” he said to the large crowd gathered in front of the Logan County Courthouse for a grand celebration during unseasonably warm temperatures and sunny skies.
Ohio Magazine’s annual Best Hometowns issue, which was published Nov. 1, recognized Bellefontaine among its five great places to live, work and visit. Other cities receiving the honor this year include Athens, Kent, Perrysburg and Versailles.
The magazine’s editors chose Bellefontaine for its impressive downtown redevelopment efforts, thriving sense of community and appreciation for preserving local history.
“We’re truly blessed in so many ways that we are able to come together and celebrate the achievements of our community,” said Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler. “There’s a real sense of hometown pride in the air.”
Logan County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Ben Vollrath told the crowd that “this is a community award for everyone, recognizing beautiful, historic downtown Bellefontaine.”
He related that his family moved to the area four years ago when he was seeking an economic development job.
“Before that time, Bellefontaine was not on our radar. I’m very grateful that God had this in mind for our family,” he said.
Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership President Jason Duff pointed to the entrepreneurship of one of Bellefontaine’s pioneers — George Bartholomew, who poured the nation’s first concrete street in 1891, located by the courthouse.
“People weren’t talking about him in a positive light,” he said of Bartholomew. “They thought the street would fail.”
However, Bartholomew’s experiment at the time was a great success, and he helped pave the way for current entrepreneurs in the town and business owners who think outside the box, Duff noted. Bellefontaine is continuing to focus on “preserving history and innovating for the future.”
State Rep. Jon Cross, 83rd District, and Tim Barhorst, Ohio House of Representatives candidate for the 85th District in Tuesday’s election, also spoke at the celebration, extending their congratulations.
“I haven’t seen a community quite like this; there is a great collaboration between the public and private organizations,” said Rep Cross, R-Kenton. “Thank you all for making this one of the best places to live.”
Barhorst noted it’s a tribute to everyone in attendance that this honor is possible, quoting Woody Hayes, “you win with people,” he said.
In addition to the presentations, the evening included food trucks throughout the downtown and a lively performance by the Fountainaires, Bellefontaine’s community jazz band, directed by Myles Bowers. Vocal soloist Mackenzie McManus performed with the band.
The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership will also be hosting their annual Holiday Open House this weekend that began Friday evening, with deals at downtown retailers.
Proceeds from open house passport sales benefit the Neighborhood Outreach Centers in raising money for Thanksgiving meals for area families in need.