How to go
What: 29th Pony Wagon Days Festival
When: Events begin at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11
Info: www.ponywagon days.com
ST. PARIS — A lack of funding will cut a nearly three-decade old festival in St. Paris down to just one day this year, but that hasn’t stopped organizers from adding some new twists.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, the village will celebrate its 29th Pony Wagon Days Festival, an annual event that celebrates the village’s contributions to the pony wagon industry.
Organizers said a lack of funding and local participation have cut the festival to one day, but there will still be plenty of activities available for visitors and local families, said Nancy Massie, who helped organize the festival.
In part because the event is being held on Sept. 11, Massie said the event will pay tribute to local veterans this year. Along with a parade and other events, festival organizers have scheduled a meet and greet that will allow residents to meet with local veterans and thank them for their service. Massie said this is the first time a there has been a special event to honor veterans at the festival.
In the meantime, the festival will begin with the crowning of the Pony Wagon Days princess and queen at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street in the village. The annual parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
This year, those who are interested in participating in the parade can do so online for the first time, Massie said. Registration will be available at www.ponywagondays.com. In addition, the festival now hosts its own page on Facebook.
Despite fewer days for the festival, Massie said she is still expecting big crowds this fall. Along with the parade, there will also be rides, food vendors, and a theme basket auction which serves as a fundraiser for future festivals.
Next year will be the 30th anniversary for the festival, Massie said, and organizers are hoping to raise enough interest to celebrate with a three-day festival again.
Next year, a hall of fame will also be created to honor residents who have organized the festival and helped it grow. Massie said organizers are hoping to begin honoring some of those individuals as early as this year, however.
“A lot of people have helped over the years,” she said. “You can’t recognize them all but we’re going to try.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
About the Author