Columbiana honors Russ and Diane Barnes for donation to build park storage for Christmas displays

The Columbiana City Council recognized Russ and Diane Barnes on Nov. 4 for a donation toward property and construction of a storage building adjacent to Firestone Park to hold the city’s Christmas displays.

Mayor Rick opened the remarks by thanking the Barnes and highlighting the role of volunteers and civic groups in staging the town’s events. “There are many communities that wish they could have the great things that we have in Columbiana,” the mayor said, noting the donation will “enable us to continue that great project.”

Diane Barnes, who with her husband Russ described themselves as lifelong residents, told the council they were “really happy to have this opportunity to give back to Firestone Park and the community of Columbiana.” Bryce Miner, identified during the meeting as president of the tourism bureau, and other tourism bureau members joined council for a group photo to mark the recognition.

Council members emphasized the many volunteer hours behind community festivals and attractions, including the Joy of Christmas. The tourism bureau’s committee manages the event that brings thousands of visitors downtown each year, council members said, and the new storage building is intended to help preserve and store the seasonal displays used in those events.

No formal action was required by the council during the recognition ceremony; the segment was presented as an item of community appreciation and did not involve a vote or ordinance.