For more information or to donate to the event, visit: www.ponywagondays.com or send checks to P.O. Box 553, St. Paris, Ohio, 43072, care of Pony Wagon Days
Pony Wagon days has been a part of St. Paris history for almost three decades, but a combination of diminished funds and local participation will cut the event to just one day this year.
The event, which usually takes place in the fall, is traditionally a three-day event that recognizes the work of two local businessmen from the 1800s who designed and built decorative carriages. The carriages, which were extremely popular, were once displayed at the World’s Fair in Chicago.
However, now in its 29th year, the festival will be reduced to a one-day event, said Joe Steinberger, president of Pony Wagon Days.
It will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 and will continue throughout most of the day.
Typically, the event begins on Thursday evening and continues through Saturday.
“Unfortunately this year, with the lack of funding and participation, we just didn’t see it working out that way,” Steinberger said.
Several other issues contributed as well. Steinberger said it was difficult to book rides for children during the week this year, leaving few activities available the first two nights of the festival.
Instead, the festival will take place in a single day this year, and will include local vendors, a parade, and possibly live music, among several other activities.
He said he is hoping to organize a larger festival next year, when Pony Wagon Days will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Steinberger said it can cost as much as $6,000 to host the festival each year, but donations and local participation have been dwindling for several years. He said he believes the economy has played a significant role in the decline in private and corporate donations.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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