In 1996, the “Picnic with the Past” attracted more than 20,000 citizens who participated in the re-opening following the restoration of the Ohio Statehouse.
Believed to be the third largest crowd ever to gather at the Statehouse, Ohioans consumed more than 65,000 bratwurst and hot dogs, thousands of gallons of Coca-Cola and hundreds of gallons of ice cream. In addition, elected officials encircled the Ohio Statehouse with a 1,400-foot red ribbon for a celebratory ribbon cutting. The restored Civil War cannons were fired, and a C-130 military aircraft flew overhead during this ceremony.
Today, remember the 20th anniversary with a free tour of the Ohio Statehouse and several exhibits about the renovation.