Yes, Tiffin, there really will be a 2012 Heritage Festival. Erin Snook, president of the festival board, wants the community to know the festival is in the works for Sept. 14-16.
This is to be the 34th year for the event.
As in past years, the Living History Village is to set up in Hedges-Boyer Park for School Days Friday. The hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday for the public. The rides, vendors and live entertainment are to be located downtown.
Snook and her committee have made some changes and are seeking more downtown food and craft vendors.
"We've kind of revamped the whole downtown this year. ... The main concern, we're really trying to beef up the arts and crafts area," she said. "We're putting it back on Frost Parkway. We've had a lot of positive response from our vendors already."
Vendors interested in signing up can register at a discounted rate of $45 by Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, the cost is $60. Vendors need to provide their own tents, tables, displays and such. Call Lisa at (419) 680-6994 or (567) 230-2794.
The stage in City Lot 7 is booked with entertainment all weekend, Snook said, and a second stage is to be placed on Frost Parkway. She said that also is booked. Friday, the queen pageant is to take place there at 6 p.m., and a Japanese lantern release is planned for 9 p.m. Bands from area high schools are to play Saturday afternoon. Sunday's activities include a pie-eating contest and a pet parade.
"We're going to have entertainment all weekend on Frost Parkway. There will be an antique tractor show (at the museum). We are also going to showcase some military vehicles to kind of coincide with the new 9-11 memorial," Snook said. "It's been a great year so far."
New attractions include a rib-off 1-6 p.m. Saturday downtown, a poker run at 1 p.m. from the YMCA and canoe rides on the Sandusky River. Camp Glen is to offer the rides, weather and water levels permitting.
"We're also going to be hosting a hot-air balloon on the courthouse lawn Saturday. We're going to do a raffle for the balloon ride that's going to come right up out of downtown. It's going to come in on Saturday around noon. ... so families can come and see the balloon," Snook said.
Mid-Ohio Balloon Adventures is bringing in the balloon. The raffle winner is to be drawn in the evening and receive a one-hour ride that lifts off and returns to the grassy area downtown. After dark, the balloon is to be be lighted for a colorful display.
Shook said many new volunteers have come forward this year in a show of community support.
Events are listed online at www.tiffinfestival.com and a Facebook page also has been set up.
