Branding contest to spur buzz ahead of Sharpsburg bicentennial

From an industrial juggernaut to the birthplace of Heinz ketchup, Sharpsburg is marking its storied history by creating buzz for the future.

The borough’s parks and recreation commission is launching a branding contest in advance of the 2026 bicentennial.

People of all ages are encouraged to submit a logo design that would be used for promotional events.

“We want this to be a huge event for the community and by the community,” said Mallory Helbling, commission chairperson. We want it to be an image that represents everything that Sharpsburg stands for. This way, people will be involved from the ground up heading into the big anniversary year.”

The commission soft-launched the contest during the Spring into Sharpsburg event on April 26 but Helbling said flyers designed by Councilman Corey Ochai will start hitting the streets.

They’ll also be distributed during Funnel Cake Fridays and at the June 21 Splash into Summer event.

“I’m excited about it. We look good for 200!” Ochai said, laughing. “It would be really cool for whoever wins to see their work used in the real world.

“I think people will be really thoughtful about gathering information for their design.”

All ages are welcome to enter the contest. There will be a general category as well as one for people 18 and younger.

The design must incorporate the word Sharpsburg and the number 200.

Deadline to enter is Sept. 1.

“We want the creativity to flow,” said Helbling. “We want to get people started thinking about this big moment.”

A borough resident since 2020, Helbling grew up in nearby Sharps Hill and said she’s long known that Sharpsburg’s greatest asset is its people.

“We are doing this for the community,” she said. “We want it to be a great celebration with people involved throughout the entire process.”

The commission is planning a series of celebratory events leading up to the bicentennial.

The borough’s longtime logo, used for official business, shows the canal that ran through town, along with horse-drawn wagons and tree-lined streets. The canal played a vital role in the borough’s rise during the industrial boom as it took people and goods to the city. It was later developed into a rail line.

“I love the idea of the branding contest,” Borough Manager Christine DeRunk said. “We are hoping we get many applicants and that it generates enthusiasm for such a big anniversary.”