The Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival is returning to Centerburg for its 21st year, bringing two days of family-friendly entertainment, live music, food, rides, and fireworks to Memorial Park.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Olivia Skillings recently spoke with Candy McCracken, President of the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival, who has been involved with the event since its beginning.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
McCracken says one of her biggest motivations for helping organize the festival is making sure today’s children have the same opportunities she enjoyed growing up. She remembers attending community festivals and events throughout her childhood and wants future generations to create those same memories.
The festival begins Friday at 1 p.m. and continues until 9:30 p.m. Activities include rides, food vendors, crafters, Cowboy the Pony, face painting, and the return of the popular Reptile Adventure, where visitors can interact with snakes, lizards, frogs, and other animals while learning more about them.
Friday’s entertainment schedule includes the Waterloo 5 Band at 2 p.m., followed by the Baby Crawl and Toddler Race at 6:30 p.m. The Little Miss Liberty and Little Uncle Sam Pageant begins at 7 p.m., with live music from Katie and the Red Hots closing out the evening at 8 p.m.
Saturday starts with the festival parade at 10 a.m. featuring the Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. Following the parade, the American flag will be raised and the National Anthem performed before activities officially begin at noon.
Saturday attractions include a Princess Party featuring Moana and Merida, Old-Time Wrestling at 2 p.m., a karaoke competition at 4 p.m. with youth and adult divisions and cash prizes, Nicks and Tricks at 6 p.m., and Crossthread at 8 p.m.
The festival concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m., sponsored by Peter Hayden Chapman Amvets Post 59 and Charles Andrews American Legion Post 460, which together funded the $10,000 display.
This year’s festival also celebrates the upcoming America 250 observance, with patriotic themes featured throughout the weekend, especially during Saturday’s parade.
McCracken reminds visitors that parking at Memorial Park is very limited due to the new playground and is reserved for vendors and handicap parking. Additional public parking is available in designated lots near downtown Centerburg, with walking access to the festival grounds.
She also expressed appreciation for the many volunteers and organizers who help make the event possible each year. Those interested in supporting the festival or volunteering can find more information through the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival Facebook page, at heartofohiousa.com, or by contacting festival organizers directly.
Click HERE to find out more about the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival!
(Photo courtesy of Heart of Ohio USA Days website)
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