Our Mission

To plan and execute community events designed to bring families, friends and neighbors for holiday and civic activities.

UACA Historical Trivia: Did You Know?

• In 1953, The Upper Arlington Civic Association helped with the annexation of land from Perry to Upper Arlington which helped acquire the land that the High School now stands on.
• In the 1930s the UACA worked with local and state safety and fire departments to limit fire hazards across the city
• In the 1950s, UACA worked with the city and citizens on the building of the High School, Tremont Elementary school, Tremont Library and the Tremont Pool
• In the 1970s UACA helped to start of Safety Town that is still used to this day
• The original slogan of the UACA in 1933 was “Continued Community Spirit” 
• in 1941, UACA helped move the previous 5 commissioners government model to the current 7 council members model 
• Awards utilized by the UACA over the years include: Big Wheel Award (for those who made contributions to community as a whole), Good Neighbor Awards (for those whose contributions have been on the book, street or neighborhood basis) and Flowers for the Living awards 
• From 1983-2007 the UACA had an annual appreciation banquet that alternated honoring local educators and city employees
• The UACA inaugurated the Youth in Government Program in 1955 and concluded in 2003.
• Miss Arlington ran from 1949 to 1998.
• Civic Pride day ran from 1999-2009
• UACA ran a Newcomers party to anyone who had been in Upper Arlington less than a year from 1936-1962

UACA Historical Overview

Since the plotting of the first lot on the old Miller farm, the Upper Arlington Civic Association with it’s predecessors, first established in about 1913, has been an indispensable part of the growth and vitality of the community.

In 1923, UA residents experienced the city’s first Fourth of July observance. Grandview and Marble Cliff were invited to participate in a cannon salute at sunrise, a flag ceremony, a grand march where everyone was urged to bring a flag, athletic events, contests and stunts for children and adults. The Fort Hayes Band, the Fife and Drum Corps of the Old Guard, a pot-luck picnic, an orchestra for dancing and a fireworks display capped the day’s activities.

Shortly thereafter, in July, 1923, the Upper Arlington Civic League was organized. The Civic League adopted this purpose:

“To promote the general welfare of the individual, provide an ideal environment for life in the home, make Upper Arlington a most desirable community in which to live and to assist in developing a citizenship worthy and well qualified to assume a foremost position in life.”

In 1932, the tradition of commemorating Paul Revere’s ride began as volunteers rode through the city calling on residents to arise, put out their flags, and join in the celebration. In 1933, The Upper Arlington Civic Association as we know it today was born. On this year, the Fourth of July theme was “Every Home a Flag”. In 1935, the “Spirit of ’76” tableau was added to the celebration. Through the decades, even during World War II, the celebration has continued.

Over the years, the UACA has developed right alongside the community it serves. Many programs and Civic Association responsibilities have come and gone. Some long term, and others in response to particularly noteworthy circumstances in the community, state, or nation. These include Newcomers Party, commemorating state champions, surveying the community for interest in libraries, pools, sidewalk construction and expansion of Upper Arlington city limits, Youth in Government, Appreciation dinners for educators and city employees, Miss Arlington and even coordinating a large group of Upper Arlington citizens on a trip to Europe in 1963. Current programs include the UA Stage, Easter Candy Hunt, Memorial Day Five Mile Race, The Fourth of July Celebration, Labor Neighbor Day, Golden Bear Scare, and Christmas in the Park. Additionally, Junior Directors Scholarship Program, and the outstanding educator Golden Apple Awards fill the organizations schedule of events. While this history is by no means complete, it does recap many of the highlights of the Civic Association and it’s eighty plus year effort in making Upper Arlington a community of which it’s residents can be justifiably proud. None of this would be possible over the years without the continued support from our great community!

Click here for a list of past directors.