President Garfield Statue to be Unveiled in Mentor

[Mentor, OH] – The City of Mentor will unveil a statue of James A. Garfield at the Mentor Municipal Center on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The slightly larger-than-life figure was designed and built by renowned artist Alan Cottrill, whose body of work includes more than 400 pieces. Among them is the statue of Thomas Edison in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol Building.

Attendees are asked to assemble in the turnaround in front of City Hall at 5:45 PM. The program will begin at 6:00 PM.

Following the unveiling ceremony, the community is invited to a free picnic on the grounds of the Mentor Civic Amphitheater. The City will serve free hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and ice cream sandwiches. Outside food is also welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating on the lawn.

The evening will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including the 1776 Yard Race, which is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. The race will begin at 6:45 PM at the pavilion near the pickleball courts. Participants will loop around Civic Center Park on the all-purpose path, which will be lined with 250 American flags along Civic Center Blvd. and Munson Road. Participation is free with no registration required. All are encouraged to dress for the occasion and display the American spirit! A limited number of free T-shirts and Independence Day-themed wearables will be available to participants.

Attendees can also enjoy yard games such as cornhole, Connect 4, Kan Jam, and bocce. Kids can participate in a coloring station featuring James A. Garfield-themed coloring sheets.

The City will also screen “Forging a President”, a short piece which chronicles the creation of the statue, along with the “What America Means to Me” community video project.

All are welcome to attend this historic community event.

The Mentor Municipal Center is located at 8500 Civic Center Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060.