FALL FESTIVALSBy: Dave Mast

Autumn brings plenty of fascinating festivals to Holmes County and Amish Country, and as the leaves turn to various stunning hues of red, orange, yellow and brown this fall, visitors will have plenty of chances to take in plenty of festivities.
 

Killbuck Early American Days begins the local festival scene Aug. 30-31 in downtown Killbuck, with games and entertainment, a parade, plenty of great food and a hometown feel that harkens back to a little slice of Americana. This festival is about community and celebrating the past, present and future.

 

The highly anticipated Berlin Harvest Festival & Rib Cook-off is packed with mouthwatering ribs, but there is so much more.

The event is slated to take place Sept. 5-6, and features some of the most tantalizing ribs in northeast and central Ohio. All one has to do to find this festival is follow the savory and zesty aroma wafting through the air. There is plenty of live bluegrass and country gospel music on the square, kids’ activities, loads of food vendors, a craft show, a huge firework display Friday, Sept. 5, a grand parade on Saturday, Sept. 6 and shops galore.

 

The Great Mohican Pow-Wow brings a unique look into Native American life in Loudonville Sept. 12-14. Featuring Native American dancing, singing and more, this event honors the rich heritage of the nation in style.

 

The annual Ohio Swiss Festival will take place in Sugarcreek Sept. 25-27

Filled with all things Swiss, this popular event features unique festivities like the Steinstossen, where contestants hoist an enormous rock, a yodeling contest, Swiss costume contest, a giant grand parade a craft beer, wine and cheese tasting station, carnival rides, festive live music and plenty of great food like grand champion Swiss cheese, apple fritters and much more. This time-honored tradition continues to be an Ohio favorite among festivals.

 

Winesburg Fall Festival will take place Sept. 19-20 in beautiful Winesburg, Ohio, where quaintness of fun go hand-in-hand. The annual fireman’s barbecue chicken fundraiser is always a highlight, as is the incredible homemade ham and bean soup. There will be plenty of food trucks that will satisfy the hunger of those watching the weekend’s large softball tournament. There will also be a pickleball tournament, a massive raffle, live music and the annual benefit auction featuring all kinds of quality items from Amish-crafted furniture to specialty items and more.

 

The Fall Steam Festival at The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum is slated to take place south of Sugarcreek Sept. 27-28. Trains, tractors and tradition fill this unique weekend with plenty of nostalgia.

 

Need to experience a slice of Amish Country? Roll into Charm for the annual Charm Days benefit Oct. 3-4. Plenty of volleyball, cornhole, and even a truly unique wooly worm race fills the agenda for this fascinating event. There will be an auction, food booths galore, a bake sale and of course barbecue chicken is on tap.

 

Throwing back time to years gone by, the annual Holmes County Antique Festival in Historic Downtown Millersburg takes visitors back to a century ago when times were simpler.

 

The event is slated for Friday evening through Sunday, Oct. 3-5 with an evening of trivia in beautifully restored American Hall on Friday night kicking things off. Saturday and Sunday feature an antique market, arts and crafts, plenty of live entertainment and plenty of great food, whether it comes from one of the local downtown restaurants or one of the fair trucks.

 

The Darb Snyder Memorial Classic Car Show, Touch-a-Truck for the kids and a fireman’s parade fill Saturday, with a look at Holmes County history and collectibles in American Hall starting Sunday, and the huge grand parade capping off the festivities.

 

While visiting Holmes County, visitors can take in plenty of other attractions, including shows, restaurants, animal farms, auctions and benefits and so much more.

Don’t miss your chance to experience everything Amish Country has to offer in its upcoming festivals!