John Paulding Summer Blast Celebrates Community, History and Patriotism
PAULDING — Downtown Paulding was filled with patriotic spirit and hometown pride as residents and visitors gathered for the John Paulding Summer Blast, a two-day celebration featuring a parade, family activities, historical tributes, and entertainment.
Festivities kicked off Friday evening with the John Paulding Summer Blast Parade, which wound through downtown as spectators lined the streets to cheer on floats, community organizations, local businesses, first responders, and classic vehicles. Prior to the parade, children took part in the popular Bike Decorating Contest, proudly riding their creatively decorated bicycles as part of the procession.
Following the parade, families enjoyed a variety of activities, including the Kiwanis Kid Zone, inflatables provided by Everlite Collective, children’s games, food trucks, and the Boy Scouts pizza tent. Music by DJ Larry kept the celebration going into the evening before the day concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the Paulding sky.
Saturday’s activities began early with the America 250 Revolutionary Run, featuring both a 5K race and a one-mile fun run/walk. Proceeds from the event benefited the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Pay-to-Play Program.
Throughout the day, visitors browsed shopping vendors and food trucks while enjoying numerous family-friendly attractions on the courthouse lawn. The Paulding County Carnegie Library sponsored games and activities, while the Boy Scouts offered archery and BB gun demonstrations. Self-guided historic tours also gave guests an opportunity to explore Paulding’s rich heritage.
One of the day’s highlights came during the lunch hour when Abraham Lincoln made a special appearance in downtown Paulding. Portrayed by professional Lincoln presenter Kevin Wood, the nation’s 16th president greeted visitors, posed for photographs, and delivered a stirring recitation of the Gettysburg Address. The presentation drew an attentive audience, many of whom paused to reflect on the historic words that continue to inspire Americans more than 160 years after they were first spoken.
A community picnic also brought residents together over lunch while patriotic music performed by the Paulding High School Band added to the festive atmosphere.
Saturday also featured two significant community milestones with the dedication of the new Paulding Veterans Memorial and the unveiling of the official Downtown Historic District sign. Both projects represented years of planning, fundraising, and volunteer dedication, celebrating the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans while preserving its historic downtown.
The John Paulding Summer Blast once again showcased the strong community spirit that defines Paulding, providing two days of entertainment, education, and patriotic celebration for residents and visitors of all ages.
