06/22/2026
We’re excited to share a little good news for Decatur County!
GROW Decatur County Foundation has awarded a grant of $1,975.82 to support the upcoming America 250 Celebration. This grant was made possible through the generosity of the Janelle and Gary Walter Fund for Decatur County and the Grafel Family Fund.
According to the America 250 Celebration committee, Oberlin is planning a full day of birthday celebration events to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary—and it sounds like an amazing day for all ages! 🇺🇸
The fun starts July 4th at 7:00 a.m. at the Oberlin Fire Hall with a pancake breakfast (free will donation). After breakfast, you can take part in a 5K walk, a fun walk, or hop on a bike route to the city park. Kids games and activities will run from 9:30–11:00 a.m., followed by the Oberlin Area Concert Band’s 4th annual 4th of July concert at 11:00 a.m., and a patriotic youth program at noon.
Food and beverages will be available from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., and the Oberlin Swimming Pool will offer free swim from 1:00–6:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., John Bremer will display his collection of antique guns, and Gary Green will present the Constitution at the Oberlin Library.
The celebration continues at the fairgrounds starting at 4:00 p.m. with more fun, food, and games—all leading up to a traditional fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Neighboring communities are invited to join in for a great, old-fashioned 4th of July celebration!
What makes this grant especially meaningful is that it comes from family endowments. Funds like the Walter and Grafel Family Funds are created with a long-term vision—allowing gifts to keep giving year after year. Because of their generosity, events like this don’t just happen once—they continue to bring our community together for generations.
It’s a powerful reminder that when families invest in endowments, they’re creating something lasting that grows right alongside our community.
We’re so grateful to the Walter and Grafel families for believing in Decatur County and helping make celebrations like this possible. We hope to see everyone out enjoying the day! 💚
GROW Decatur County Foundation is an affiliate of GNWKCF.
