New dates, changes and events for USA Days

Due to varying circumstances, there are some major changes for the 2026 Heart of Ohio USA Days festival. There is to be a new event in Croton at the Hartford Fairgrounds on the same weekend of the normal festival dates. This would likely hurt festival attendance. Also, the rides company was not available for normal dates.

In order to get public input regarding this matter, a social media poll was conducted on all the Centerburg social media sites. Overwhelmingly, the vote was to move the date so rides would be available. They also expressed doing away with Thursday night, as attendance is usually poor on that night anyway.

Therefore, this year’s festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. Opening Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday just after the parade. There will be some exciting new things happening along with the usual parade, entertainment, games, food, and of course, fireworks.

We can announce now that we will be doing two major fundraisers, one will be selling blankets, and the other will be a hypnotist live in the high school auditorium with local participants you will know and love. Date will be announced as soon as we coordinate with the school calendar. You will not want to miss this.

We can also announce an exciting new performance on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the park. It is Olde Wrestling. It is said that President William Howard Taft will even be in the ring. Go back to the old days when the sport began, boo the villains, cheer the heroes, lots of fun and slapstick comedy to delight all ages. This is a not miss event for the little ones, teens, adults and those old enough to recall those days of the past.

There will be a lot more information to come so keep watching for updates.

As a fundraiser for the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival, the committee is hosting a comedy hypnosis show for all ages on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 in the high school auditorium.

Jeff Richards is a renowned hypnotist in the area, and the show promises to be a super fun time with lots of laughter in store. People well known in the area have volunteered to be hypnotized for entertainment enjoyment. Those already lined up are now retired local UPS deliveryman George Blocker, ODJFD Fire Chief Mark McCann, Village Council member Daniel Hardwick, Centerburg Elementary Principal Miguel Thompson, and Centerburg Elementary teacher Kathy Compton. More will be added soon.

All ages will enjoy this as the little ones will recognize their teacher and principal and teens will enjoy seeing teachers and some classmates as well (we hope!). We are attempting to get well-known and recognized people in the community to make it more fun to watch for everyone.

Tickets will be available at the door.

The Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival committee will soon be selling Spirit Blankets for the community to purchase. Sized 60 X 50 inches, the blankets are very soft and cuddly. It is hoped the order will be in by May 1, so they can be sold at the comedy hypnosis show at the high school that evening. They will also be offered on local social media or contact Candy Hendrickson McCracken on Facebook. Cost is just $25 and all proceeds will help the festival to continue to grow and prosper.

A new attraction will be featured on Friday, June 19, at the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival this year. A petting zoo like no other, for all ages. Reptile Adventures will be on hand from 2 p.m. till close on that date only.

The Adventures include engaging educational programs which includes opportunities for everyone to pet and even hold some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Led by herpticulturist Paul Hernandez, a lifelong reptile enthusiast, and a team of dedicated educators wish to share their love of reptiles with our community.

Often misunderstood by the public, reptiles are an essential element of our ecosystem. You will see tortoises, turtles, giant frogs, lizards, and snakes. Feel free to pet them and hold them if you wish. No charge for this event.