By Rachel Scofield

On Aug. 14, Visit Grove City transformed the new Charles W. Boso Pavilion at Beulah Park into a showcase of the city’s rich heritage. The pavilion, located on the historic grounds once home to Ohio’s premier horse racing and concert venue, was decorated to evoke Beulah Park’s legacy as a centerpiece of entertainment and culture.

Guests donned their finest derby attire and enjoyed dinner, networking, and a program featuring special speakers, including Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate the people, places, and organizations that contribute to Grove City’s thriving tourism industry.

“We believe a ‘Trailblazer’ is someone or something that forges a path of greatness and guides others along the way,” Visit Grove City stated. “Trailblazers deserve to be recognized for their greatness, which is why the nominees are acknowledged and the awards presented at Visit Grove City’s Annual Meeting.”

This year’s Trailblazer Award winners included:

Individual Trailblazer: Trisha Justice, The Fitness Movement

Business Trailblazer: Broadway Plates & Pints

Community Event Trailblazer: Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market

Altogether Adventure Trailblazer: The American Nitrile Grove City Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Festival

The Annual Meeting not only celebrates local tourism leaders but also highlights Visit Grove City’s role in supporting the city’s growth. “A key highlight for me personally was having an attendee tell me they didn’t realize our impact on the city by assisting large groups at our 18 hotel/motels with room blocks for events and conferences,” said Teresa Breckenridge, Sales & Communications Manager for Visit Grove City.

As a nonprofit organization funded solely by the City of Grove City’s hotel/motel bed tax, Visit Grove City is a lean team of three—all with personal ties to Grove City as their hometown. The organization works year-round to promote the city as a leading destination for tourism, business travel, and meetings while supporting local businesses, new residents, lodging partners, and parks. In addition to providing accurate information on lodging, attractions, and events, Visit Grove City helps market community happenings created by the City of Grove City, the Heart of Grove City, and the Grove City Chamber of Commerce.