Judy Noel, chairwoman of the Lisbon Fireworks Committee, shows off last year’s commemorative event T-shirt offered for sale to raise funds for the 2025 event. The committee is accepting designs from youth age 18 and younger for the 2026 event T-shirt, which marks America’s 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

LISBON — The Lisbon Fireworks Committee is looking to area youth for the design of a festive T-shirt to mark America’s semiquincentennial celebration, which will be held at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds.

Earlier this month, the committee renewed the call for design submissions from contestants age 18 and younger for the commemorative T-shirt for this year’s second annual Lisbon Fireworks.

Cash prizes will be awarded to three designers, with the winner also earning the top honor of seeing their work on the T-shirt.

Followers of the 501c3’s fireworks Facebook page will select the winning design and runners up.

Entries may be submitted via Facebook messenger, emailed to lisbonfireworks@gmail.com or delivered in person.

Nonprofit spokeswoman Judy Noel explained all designs must include “2nd Annual Lisbon Fireworks Celebration;” the event date of July 2, 2026 and the official America 250 logo for consideration.

Designs must be original. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted, Noel explained.

Submissions must received by Friday, April 17, 2026.

In addition, the committee also is accepting contributions as well as selling tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle that will be drawn the day of the event at 9:30 p.m.

Noel explained 2000 tickets will be available with proceeds benefiting next year’s fireworks display. The winner doesn’t need to be in attendance at the time of drawing.

To purchase a ticket, contact a committee member or private message the non-profit’s Facebook page.

The cost per ticket is $1 each and purchasable via cash or check. (No online apps like Venmo or Cashapp at this time.)

Noel estimated this year’s celebration will cost around $25,000 and include inflatables, ax-throwing, music, a corn hole tournament amd 15 food trucks serving a variety of different cuisines.

Sandy and Beaver Insurance will host a benefit breakfast for the fireworks effort at future date yet to be decided.

“This year our nation will reach a historic milestone, the 250th anniversary of the United States,” Noel, who is chairing the committee, explained. “This is an once-in-a-generation moment, and we are proud to offer completely free admission.”

No public funds are being spent for this experience –the generosity of local businesses and residents is crucial to making this happen.

With the committee securing its non-profit status for 2026, all monetary contributions are tax deductible.

“This year’s event is more than a show; it is a gift to our community,” she concluded.

Donations can be mailed to Lisbon Fireworks, P.O. Box 8 in Lisbon, Ohio, 44432.

Volunteers are still needed. Noel encourages interested parties to follow the Lisbon Fireworks on Facebook, where they can view updated information about this year’s event and learn about upcoming meetings.

She added volunteers are still being sought especially to assist with event parking and cleanup.

Information regarding the event and its upcoming fundraisers can be learned by calling and leaving a message at 330-420-5715.