By: BHS Features Staff
September 25, 2024
Who knew the type of impact that a fuzzy, little caterpillar could make on a community and a region? Well, if you do not know, just ask the residents of Vermilion.
This upcoming Sunday (September 29) will be the 52nd annual Woolly Bear Festival. Included in this event is the Vermilion Woolly Bear Parade, which is one of the largest parades held in Ohio, and it will run from 1:30-3:30.
The Woolly Bear Festival started when Northeast Ohio television weatherman Dick Goddard of Fox 8 Cleveland was talking with some of his friends and co-workers about a celebration built around using a Woolly Bear to forecast the upcoming Winter forecast. In 1972, Firelands-Florence Township Elementary School had an idea for raising funds. With the help of Goddard, they created a small festival that blossomed throughout the years. The Firelands-Florence band, the Boy Scouts, and the local fire department hosted the first parade. The parade was so successful that after 2,000 people watched the initial one, it grew to 15,000 people after a decade, and the viewership continued to increase. This caused the parade to move to bigger cities, and 50 years later, the parade is still an annual hit.
There are two Woolly Bear Festival areas located in downtown Vermilion, situated in Victory Park and Exchange Park. One can find entertainment, food vendors, crafts, and places to purchase merchandise in these locations. If you want Woolly Bear clothing, the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce’s booth will sell various items. Entertainers can also be seen on the stage throughout the day.
Active kids can sign up for the World’s Greatest Kids Race. Children ages 1-12 can participate in this race, located at the Vermilion High School track. Pets can also be in the spotlight as there is a great opportunity to sign them up for the Woolly Bear pet and costume contest.
Additionally, Miss Vermilion will send letters to participants asking them to have a royal breakfast with her. After everyone eats, the police will escort Miss Vermilion and the invited participants so that they can be in their parade float.
A Woolly what? A Woolly Bear! Keep the tradition alive.
{Information sourced from Vermilion Woollybear Festival and Discover Vermilion.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 