Ariel-Foundation Park will celebrate Mount Vernon native Paul Lynde with a free screening of the 1963 musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie on July 26 as part of Ohio’s America 250 celebration.
The event will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at the Schnormeier Event Center inside Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon. Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are required. Residents and visitors are invited to attend the family-friendly screening and enjoy an afternoon of classic cinema in one of Knox County’s signature public spaces.
The screening is part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide film series created for the America 250 commemoration, which celebrates Ohio’s connections to the motion picture industry while bringing communities together through free film events. July’s theme, “Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming & Picnics,” encourages neighbors to gather and share in local traditions. No quotes were included in the event announcement.
Bye Bye Birdie stars Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, Ann-Margret, and Mount Vernon native Paul Lynde, who portrays the outspoken Harry MacAfee. The musical comedy follows the commotion that unfolds when fictional rock-and-roll sensation Conrad Birdie visits a small Ohio town before leaving for military service.
The statewide initiative is the first film series of its kind in Ohio, with more than 250 free screenings scheduled through October across all 88 counties. Each featured film was selected because of its connection to Ohio, whether through its cast, filming locations, story, or historical significance.
In addition to well-known classics, Ohio Goes to the Movies showcases lesser-known films and historic footage that highlight the state's lasting influence on the film industry. The program is intended to strengthen community connections while recognizing Ohio's contributions to cinema as part of the America 250 celebration.
Guests attending the July 26 event are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and pack a picnic to enjoy before and during the screening. The relaxed, outdoor atmosphere reflects the July America 250 theme and offers families and friends an opportunity to spend time together.
The venue itself adds to the experience. Ariel-Foundation Park spans 250 acres on the site of a former glass manufacturing facility that has been transformed into a destination featuring lakes, walking trails, public art, architectural ruins, and an observation tower. By hosting the screening, the park continues its role as a gathering place for recreation, entertainment and community celebrations while honoring one of Mount Vernon’s most recognizable entertainers.
