Initiatives include an official America 250-Ohio flavor, community events and special activations
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 3, 2026) — America 250-Ohio and Johnson’s Real Ice Cream today announced a partnership that will bring America’s 250th anniversary celebration to Central Ohio communities through special promotions, community events, educational resources and activations throughout the remainder of 2026.
The collaboration reflects many of the themes being highlighted by America 250-Ohio, including entrepreneurship, food traditions, community gathering places, public art and the local stories that contribute to Ohio’s rich history. Through the partnership, America 250-Ohio and Johnson’s will work together to encourage Ohioans to explore the people, places and traditions that have helped shape the state while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
As part of the partnership, Johnson’s Red, White & Blueberry ice cream has been designated an official flavor of America 250-Ohio and is currently available at all Johnson’s locations. Johnson’s will also donate a portion of proceeds from Red, White & Blueberry sales to the Ohio History Connection to support its mission of preserving and sharing Ohio’s history.
Additional partnership initiatives include jointly hosted community pop-up events throughout Central Ohio, distribution of official America 250-Ohio visitor guides at participating Johnson’s locations, participation in America 250-Ohio’s Murals Across Ohio initiative and opportunities to feature Johnson’s as an example of Ohio entrepreneurship, family business and community tradition as part of Ohio’s 250th anniversary celebration.
“America 250-Ohio is about inspiring Ohioans to discover, celebrate and share the stories that make our state unique,” said Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of America 250-Ohio. “Johnson’s Real Ice Cream reflects many of the themes we are highlighting throughout this commemoration, including entrepreneurship, family business, community connection and the traditions that help define Ohio. We are excited to work together to engage communities and encourage Ohioans to explore the people, places and experiences that have shaped our state’s history.”
Founded in 1950, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream has served generations of Central Ohio families and grown into a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business with 10 locations across the area.
“For more than 75 years, Johnson’s has been fortunate to be part of countless family traditions and community celebrations,” said Matt Wilcoxon, CEO of Johnson’s Real Ice Cream. “America 250-Ohio is shining a spotlight on the people, places and traditions that make Ohio special, and we are honored to be part of that effort. Through this partnership, we look forward to helping our guests learn more about Ohio’s rich history, discover new experiences in their communities and celebrate this historic milestone together.”
Partnership initiatives include:
- Red, White & Blueberry designated an official flavor of America 250-Ohio.
- A portion of Red, White & Blueberry sales benefiting the Ohio History Connection.
- Community pop-up events and activations throughout Central Ohio.
- Distribution of official America 250-Ohio visitor guides at participating Johnson’s locations.
- Participation in the Murals Across Ohio initiative. (Highlighting mural at Bexley, Ohio location.)
- Sharing Johnson’s story as an example of Ohio entrepreneurship, family business and community tradition during America 250-Ohio’s Food & Farms Month programming in October.
Together, America 250-Ohio and Johnson’s Real Ice Cream will encourage Ohioans to explore local history, celebrate community traditions and participate in America’s 250th anniversary commemoration.
About America 250-Ohio
In 2026, the United States is celebrating its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state is creating a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. Cenovus Energy has signed on as the Visionary Sponsor for Ohio’s statewide programming. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM 250- OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.
About Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
Founded in 1950 in Bexley, Ohio, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated ice cream company known for family-recipe flavors and the REAL experiences created around every scoop. What began as a neighborhood shop has grown into a beloved Central Ohio favorite with 10 locations across the area. Johnson’s operates a growing catering division as well as a robust wholesale division.
For more than 75 years, Johnson’s has remained committed to quality, community and the simple belief that every scoop should be real, memorable and shared.
For more information, visit johnsonsrealicecream.com.
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