Lorain County Community Development

09/14/2026

✨ THE WAIT IS OVER—meet the Leadership Lorain County Signature Class of 2027!

These 36 leaders represent the businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community organizations that help Lorain County thrive. They bring different experiences, perspectives, talents, and ideas—but they share a commitment to becoming stronger leaders and making a difference in our community.

Their journey begins this Wednesday with our Kickoff and Road Rally! Over the next nine months, they will experience Lorain County in a whole new way, build relationships across sectors, challenge themselves, and discover how they can create meaningful change together.

We are so excited to officially welcome the Signature Class of 2027! 💙💚🌈

See someone you know? Help us celebrate them in the comments!

09/14/2026

Lorain County has a long and proud tradition of sports and recreation, including a historic chapter written by the 1922-23 Lorain High School Steelmen.

With a 22-2 record, the Steelmen captured the first OHSAA-sponsored state basketball championship in 1923, defeating Bellevue 15-14 on a game-winning basket in the final seconds. The team went on to represent Ohio at the National Interscholastic Basketball Tournament in Chicago, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be remembered in Lorain today.

As we celebrate America 250-Ohio and September’s Sports & Recreation theme, we’re proud to recognize the athletes, teams and traditions that have helped make Lorain County a community where sports history runs deep.

09/11/2026

There’s plenty happening across Lorain County this weekend!

Friday begins with a 9/11 Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony at Lorain County JVS, followed by an evening of community events including United We Dance at Lakeview Park and Rockin’ on the River at Black River Landing featuring Seven Wonders — A Fleetwood Mac Tribute.

Then on Saturday, head to Downtown Lorain for Second Saturdays from 11 AM–3 PM.

Take a look at what’s happening and make plans to get out and enjoy Lorain County this weekend!

09/10/2026

As we celebrate America 250-Ohio and September’s Sports & Recreation theme, we’re highlighting the local connections behind the equipment that helps athletes take the field.

In North Ridgeville, Riddell’s 347,205-square-foot facility produces football helmets and shoulder pads, reconditions equipment and serves as a distribution center for football gear and apparel. The company’s roots in Lorain County date back to 1946, when its predecessor, All-American Sports Corp., established operations in Elyria - making Riddell’s story a nearly 80-year part of our community’s history.

Today, football equipment made right here in Lorain County helps protect athletes at every level, from youth leagues to the NFL.

09/08/2026

Lorain County has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, with local athletes making their mark both on and off the field.

As we celebrate America 250-Ohio and September’s Sports & Recreation theme, we’re highlighting one of Lorain County’s most accomplished athletes, Elyria’s Vic Janowicz.

A standout multi-sport athlete at The Ohio State University, Janowicz won the 1950 Heisman Trophy as a “triple-threat” halfback, punter and placekicker before going on to play both Major League Baseball and professional football. Janowicz has been inducted into the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame (1972), National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame (1987), College Football Hall of Fame (1976) and the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame (1977).

His remarkable versatility and success are a lasting part of Lorain County’s sports history and a fitting example of the athletes, teams and active communities that continue to shape our county today.

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

THIS Saturday, September 5th, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra returns to Ely Square! Concert begins at 7:00 pm, food trucks will be on site. Come early, this is a popular event!

09/02/2026

Join us **this Saturday, September 5, in Ely Square** as Lorain County celebrates America’s 250th birthday by planting a living piece of history!

As part of America 250-Ohio’s Heritage Trees: Planting History initiative, Lorain County will plant a Swamp White Oak, a native Ohio tree that will serve as a lasting reminder of our shared history and our commitment to future generations.

34 Communities. One County. Growing Together.

Saturday, September 5, 2026
📍 Ely Square | 131 Court Street, Elyria
5:30 PM — Welcome & Speakers
6:00 PM — Heritage Tree Planting
**7:00 PM — Cleveland Pops Orchestra**

Bring your family and join us for this special Lorain County for America 250 - OH celebration!

09/01/2026

September’s America 250-Ohio theme, Sports & Recreation, is a great opportunity to celebrate Lorain County’s long and proud connection to athletics.

In 1892, John William Heisman began his legendary football coaching career at Oberlin College, leading the Yeomen to a perfect 7-0 record in just the program’s second year. His early success in Lorain County helped launch a Hall of Fame career that would ultimately inspire the Heisman Trophy, one of college football’s most prestigious honors.

Today, Lorain County continues that tradition through its local teams, athletes, coaches, parks and recreation programs that bring communities together through sports and active lifestyles. America250