The 53rd Annual Woollybear Festival, Ohio’s largest one-day festival, takes over downtown Vermilion on Sunday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is presented by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Fox 8, drawing thousands each year to celebrate fall — and the fuzzy caterpillar that folklore says can predict winter.
The day begins with registration from 8–10 a.m. behind the main stage at Ohio and Main streets for the Woollybear 500 Caterpillar Race, King and Queen costume contest, and the animal and pet costume contest. No pre-registration is required. At 9 a.m., Johnny Live performs classic rock and country on the main stage, while kids line up for the World’s Greatest Kids’ Race at Vermilion High School Stadium, with registration starting at 8 a.m.
The Woollybear 500 preliminaries kick off at 10 a.m. with Lil’ John, followed by King and Queen costume judging at 11 a.m., also with Lil’ John. At noon, the animal and pet costume judging takes the main stage, emceed by Fox 8’s Mackenzie Bart and Roxie.
The Wonderful, Wacky Woollybear Parade begins at 1:30 p.m., led by Grand Parade Marshal Wayne Dawson of Fox 8 and emceed by Lou Maglio and Tracy McCool. Expect marching bands, majorette groups, vintage automobiles, royalty, animals, and much more. Afternoon highlights include Stotridge Acoustic Rock at 3 p.m., the Woollybear 500 finals at 4:30 p.m. with Lil’ John, and the much-anticipated winter weather prediction at 5 p.m.
Festival goers will also find the Fox 8 tent and photo booth near the main stage, the Ohio Lottery tent, over 40 food booths, and more than 100 marketplace vendors. Official festival T-shirts will be available at the Vermilion Chamber booth near the food midway by the railroad tracks.
More information is available at woollybearfestival.com.
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