63rd Annual Holmes County Antique Festival set for Oct. 3–5 in Millersburg

Historic Downtown Millersburg and Holmes County are always eager to celebrate the history and heritage of the county, and there’s no better time to do so than at the 63rd annual Holmes County Antique Festival: A Visit to Yesteryear, which will take place Oct. 3-5.

This event is two-plus days packed with entertainment, food and festivities as the committee provides a slice of the past.

The initial event of the festival actually will come a week prior Sunday, Sept. 28, when the annual Antique Festival queen and princess contest will take place at Millersburg Methodist Community Church, 5395 Township Road 336, near Millersburg.

The contest is slated for a 3 p.m. start with the princesses taking the stage first, followed by the queens. The queen contest will feature two contestants, Harlie Curry and Alexis Wagers, while the princess contest will have four hopefuls in Maggie Kurtz, Hayes Miller, Ainsley O’Brien and Charlotte Wagers.

Another prefestival event that will run right through the festival and even beyond is the scavenger hunt, an event for individuals, couples or the whole family in which participants comb the participating businesses throughout Historic Downtown Millersburg that have an Antique Festival decal on their storefront window.

“It’s a really fun time for the whole family to explore Millersburg,” said Keri Rodhe, Antique Festival Committee member. “We’ll have a number of local businesses participating, and hopefully, this will not only be a fun event for participants, but they will also take the time to stop in and visit the stores along the way. We’ve got some really neat businesses in town.”

Participants can pick up forms at participating businesses prior to the festival weekend, or they can pick up participation forms at the souvenir stand during the festival.

Anyone joining in can play for fun or return their completed form to the souvenir stand for a prize.

On Friday, Oct. 3, the festival will kick off with Trivia Night at American Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. That will be followed by the group Highland Grove & Co. performing on the large stage on East Jackson Street from 7-9 p.m.

Multiple festival food concessions will be in the downtown area, some as early as Thursday evening, so by Friday those enjoying the concert may want to come early and grab some food.

Saturday will feature the popular Antique Market and arts and crafts events around the courthouse, both taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’ve got some fantastic participants in both of these,” Rodhe said. “The arts and crafts features 25 vendors with some great items, and the Antique Market always provides plenty of interesting and unique items.”

The slate of Saturday entertainment includes the West Holmes Chamber Choir from 11-11:45 a.m., The Lovedays from noon to 1:30 p.m., Jonny Shedron from 1-2 p.m., the Walhonding Rube Band from 2-3:30 p.m., Ron & Kim from 5-6:30 p.m. and SB Music from 7-9 p.m.

The Darb Snyder Memorial Antique & Classic Car Show will roar into the CSB parking lot on North Clay Street from noon to 3:30 p.m., and the kid-favorite Touch a Truck exhibit will be at the CSB parking lot on South Clay Street from 2-4 p.m.

Families will want to find a great spot along Jackson Street at 4:30 p.m. for the annual Classic Car, Fireman and Touch a Truck Parade.

Returning for the second year is the "Holmes County History & Collections Exhibits" in American Hall, with Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring some unique explorations of Holmes County history and some exhibits only featured Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Speakers for the event Saturday will include local educator and historian Joe Edinger, who will offer two presentations including “Buttons, Birds & Bad Behavior” at 12:30 p.m., a look at Millersburg Glass and the laws that tried to tame women, as well as “Shiny Glass and Shiny Promises” at 1:15 p.m., a talk about Millersburg Glass’ history.

“Joe is such a fun and fascinating speaker,” Rodhe said.

Susan Edinger will share about her family ties to the Underground Railroad through her children’s book on the subject, “Freedom Friends.” Melissa Patrick also will show and discuss the Holmes County bicentennial video, and Millersburg Mayor Kelly Hoffee will share about HDM’s history.

The collections will feature some rare items, along with some whimsical ones, and Rodhe said you never know what collections may be there to explore.

“People will find some of the most fascinating, interesting and fun collections,” Rodhe said. “People collect all kinds of things, and we’ll present some pretty unique ones.”

Sunday’s lineup will include the return of a fan favorite in Dueling Piano Dames on the large stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This lively duo of talented singers and musicians — Julie Slattery and Lori Weber from Mentor, Ohio — offers everything from disco to blues, country, rock and soul music.

“They had such a blast here last year and really wanted to come back again,” Rodhe said. “They are such a blast, hugely entertaining, and it’s even better when we get a huge turnout because it only adds to the enjoyment.”

The Antique Market and the arts and crafts shows will return from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the grand parade serving as the ultimate attraction for the weekend, kicking off at 2 p.m.

“It’s a celebration of community,” Rodhe said of the parade.

The parade will trek from the east side of Millersburg along Jackson Street and clear down to the west edge of town, and this parade is always packed.

The parade will be followed by introductions of visiting festival royalty, the Holmes County Pottery raffle featuring this year’s signature piece (a mug), the Old Fashion Costume Contest on the large stage and the ever-popular Kids Tractor Pull on North Monroe Street, an event made for the kids and a perfect photo opportunity for parents.

For more information visit www.holmescountyantiquefestival.org.