Good morning, Mansfield.

Mansfield will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on July 4 with free events — a rededication of the Vasbinder Fountain at 11 a.m. at Central Park Square, a community picnic, a time capsule opening at the Municipal Building plaza at 1 p.m., and a fireworks show at Mansfield Speedway at dusk.

DQ, a 3-month-old tabby kitten who arrived as an orphaned stray, is exploring the Humane Society of Richland County’s new catio today.

Shelter officials say the outdoor space gives pets a safe place to play + relax.

Park National Bank will permanently close its downtown office on Sept.

15 after a structural crack was found near active construction on North Main Street & the bank will expand services at its nearby Drive-Thru Center once renovations are complete.

Natasha Repp started Clover Hill Early Learning Center in November 2023 with two gold-rated preschool locations (Park Campus and Allen Campus) for children 6 weeks to 5 years old; born in Mansfield and educated at Madison and Ohio State University, she now leads a top-rated early learning program.

Col. Jack W. Johnson, commander of the 179th Cyberspace Wing, met with community leaders Tuesday, June 23 at the Richland Area Chamber to introduce himself (fostering stronger military ties with local leaders).

Voting for the Mansfield News Journal Baseball Player of the Year is now open and will close at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 28; local readers can review candidate postseason honors from a memorable high school baseball season in Richland County.

The Richland 200 highlights Richland County athletes set to return to action in the 2026-27 school year and honors numbers 191-200 along with 132 honorable mentions.

Local sports coverage introduces athletes numbered 181 through 190 competing in the Richland 200 today, highlighting their profiles and efforts on a challenging course—fans can expect more details as the event unfolds.

Final Friday Concert

5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Brickyard — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live performances and food trucks in downtown Mansfield.

Summer Sprint Car Showdown

5-11 p.m. — Mansfield Speedway — $5,000 prize for FAST 410 Sprint Cars — Experience thrilling sprint car racing under the lights.

Open Mic Night at The 101

5-6 p.m. — The 101 Tea Company — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local talent with performances from singers, poets, and musicians.

Freedom 250 Festival Truck & Tractor Pull

9 AM - 9 PM — Mansfield Speedway — Family-friendly fun awaits with classic cars, hot dogs, demolition derbies, and live music.

4th of July Horse Parade

2-5 p.m. — Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center — Food options available — Enjoy a festive horse parade with delicious wood-fired pizza and fun raffles.

Plantasaurus

2-4 p.m. — Crestview Branch Library — Free entry — Create a cute planter and unleash your creativity with plants.

Mid-Ohio Annual Bike Fest

12-5 p.m. — Buckeye Imagination Museum — Free entry with donations welcomed — Enjoy a day filled with fun, food trucks, family activities, and live music in support of local kids.

Closing Reception for Jo Westfall’s Solo Show

2-4 p.m. — The 101 Tea Company — Snacks provided — Meet artist Jo Westfall, learn about her techniques, and explore her use of recycled materials.

Inkcarceration Music Festival 2026 - Friday

5:00 p.m. — The Ohio State Reformatory — Check ticket availability — Experience a unique blend of music and history at a stunning venue.

Mansfield Speedway’s Mini Mayhem

6-10 p.m. — Mansfield Speedway — Ticket info unavailable — Experience thrilling legends and go-kart racing at the Mansfield Speedway mini mayhem night event.