Ariel-Foundation Park will host a free screening of the 1963 musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie on Sunday, July 26, at 4 pm at the Schnormeier Event Center. The screening honors Mount Vernon native Paul Lynde, who stars as the outspoken Harry MacAfee.

The event is part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide film series celebrating Ohio’s connections to the motion picture industry as part of the state’s America 250 celebration. Through October, the program is bringing more than 250 free screenings to all 88 Ohio counties, with each film chosen for its Ohio connection.

July’s America-250 theme, “Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming & Picnics,” encourages communities to come together and celebrate. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring lawn chairs, and enjoy an afternoon of classic cinema at Ariel-Foundation Park.

Starring Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, Ann-Margret, and Paul Lynde, Bye Bye Birdie follows the chaos that unfolds when rock-and-roll star Conrad Birdie visits a small Ohio town before leaving for the Army.

Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are required.

Ohio Goes to the Movies is the first statewide film series of its kind, showcasing iconic films, hidden gems, and historic footage that highlight Ohio’s lasting impact on the motion picture industry.

For more information, visit ArielFoundationPark.org.