Village to celebrate Pony Wagon Days

Residents in St. Paris will celebrate their village’s history as a manufacturing center during a three-day festival beginning this week.

Pony Wagon Days, an annual festival that draws residents from throughout Champaign County, is scheduled for Sept. 8, 9 and 10 this year in downtown St. Paris. The festival honors its history as a center for carriage manufacturing, and its heritage as the home of the Walborn and Riker Company. In the late 19th century, the company was known as a prominent pony wagon manufacturer.

Events are scheduled from 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Events on Thursday will include a basket auction, a parade and live music. On Friday, there will be bingo and live music. Saturday’s events include a car show, a softball tournament, a donut eating contest, a cornhole tournament, and live music. There will also be rides, food and other entertainment throughout the weekend.

For more information, residents can visit www.ponywagondays.com, search for the event on Facebook, or email ponywagondays@yahoo.com.

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