Community Projects
The Christmas House has been a major project. All electric has been replaced, the interior was refurbished, and a new deck was installed just in time for Christmas on the Canal 2023.
The Main Street Kiosk was installed in 2022, at the corner of Canal and Water Streets. Here you will find flyers for upcoming events happening all around the county.
In September of 2023, the Discover Bolivar sign as seen from Interstate 77 was lit.
Also in 2023, Bolivar Main Street was able to help Zane Anderson, a local Eagle Scout; with a donation toward his project to help fix up Bolivar’s oldest cemetery.
In celebration of Bolivar’s 2025 Bicentennial, Bob Smith suggested auctioning off a limited edition of numbered crocks instead of the previous plates. Bolivar Main Street members agreed, and a total of ten crocks were commissioned. Jane Donahue, owner of Bluebird Pottery in Gnadenhutten hand-threw the stoneware crocks, which included the village bicentennial logo on the front, and individual sponsors on the back, with a unique number on each.
The crocks were auctioned by Don Wallick on Friday evening during Strawberry Festival. Sponsors of each crock were: Bolivar Metalworks, Canal Street Diner, Lebold-Smith Funeral Home, Mary Local & Associates, Towpath Tavern, Oberlin Antiques, Ackerman Services, Bolivar Army Navy Club, Commercial & Savings Bank, and Eleet Cryogenics.
Bicentennial Crock
Plate Auctions
The Plate Auction has been a popular feature. Each year from 2022 to 2024, a new plate was made, then the first few were numbered and auctioned off during Strawberry Festival. Plate #1 (2022) featured the old Bolivar High School 1927-1956. Plate #2 (2023) was of the “new” Tusky Valley High School in service from 1961-2023. Plate #3 (2024) was the new Tusky Valley Middle/High School which opened in 2023.
Some plates are still available for sale while supply lasts!
Plate #1 – 2022
Plate #2 – 2023
Plate #3 – 2024
2026 ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AUCTION
Below is a photo of one of the 10 crocks honoring America 250 that were auctioned at the Strawberry Festival on Friday, June 5, 2026. Don Wallick again donated his services as auctioneer. Each crock was sponsored by a local business with all proceeds being used to promote and support the local business community.
The sponsors were:
Bolivar Metalworks, LTD
The Canal Street Diner
Lebold-Smith Funeral Home
Mary Locy & Associates
Towpath Tavern
Wallace Insurance
Ackerman Services, Inc
Army Navy Club/ Bolivar
The Commercial and Savings Bank
Eleet Cryogenics
The crocks were hand made by Jane Donehue of Bluebird Pottery which she operates from her home at Gnadenhutten. Jane began learning about pottery from taking classes at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts where she had wonderful teachers and fell in love with making pottery. When she retired from teaching, she decided to sell some of her work to purchase more equipment and supplies. She currently sells her pottery in Zoar and at various craft shows and festivals in the area.