EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Van Wert has numerous "big events" each year. Here is a brief description of a few. . .
The Peony Festival
The first weekend in June brings many visitors to Van Wert for the annual Peony Festival. Events include a craft show, coronation of the new Peony Queen (selected from a court of high school seniors from Van Wert and neighboring counties), and the Grand Parade - one of the largest parades in Northwest Ohio. The Peony Festival has a rich heritage - in the 1940's it was one of America's largest festivals and drew tens of thousands to Van Wert!
The Van Wert County Fair
One of Ohio's largest county fairs kicks off the Friday before Labor Day in the form of the Van Wert County Fair. The week-long fair features agricultural exhibits and judging, a high school band festival, harness racing, and big name entertainment (in recent years, rock acts such as Loverboy and Foreigner have been the headliners.) Games, rides and food galore line the midway. The fair closes on the Wednesday after Labor Day with a demolition derby. All activities take place at the county fairgrounds on S. Washington Street.
Holiday At Home
Van Wert lights up the skies on the Fourth of July with "Holiday at Home". The day starts with a parade down main street. Live entertainment in Fountain Park follows, as well as an open house, craft show, exhibits and a variety of live music at the Van Wert County Historical Museum on N. Washington Street. The Wassenberg Art Center on S. Washington Street is open for visitors, too. A chicken barbeque and family activities can be found at Smiley Park on Leeson Avenue during the late afternoon and evening. A fireworks display launched from the Van Wert Municipal Airport caps off the day's activities.
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