Children dance to a polka band during the Pioneer Days in Kalida on Saturday evening.
Amanda Loughridge | The Lima News
KALIDA — A popular destination on Saturday for those trying to avoid a blistering sun and near 80-degree temperature, combined with a punishing 65 percent humidity, involved relaxing with a beer while watching the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes pummel the Arkansas State Red Wolves 45-12 under the “Beer Town” tent during the third day of Kalida’s “Pioneer Days” festival.
Children and adults wanting to spend at least part of the day walking around during Saturday’s sweltering temperatures were helped by street vendors serving sno cones and freshly squeezed lemonade, and the ability to cool off under a large, shade-bearing tent in the grass.
There were plenty of other fair-style food vendors lining Main Street like St. Holy Name Society’s hamburgers, Frank’s Famous French Fries and 1820 BrewWerks’ pizzas and breadsticks. Additional options included Italian sausages, cheesesteaks, beer brats, giant breaded tenderloins, corn dogs, elephant ears, tacos, burritos, fried vegetables and much more.
Saturday’s events for adults included an antique tractor and truck show, a craft show and a giant custom and street car show with over 300 entries.
A giant Ferris wheel nearly rivaled the height of nearby grain silos. Stunt artists The Nerveless Nocks performed near town square. Spinning teacups and other mechanical kiddie rides provided entertainment for young people.
The Budweiser Clydesdales, including “Bud,” “Jeff,” “Champ,” and “Denver,” were available in stalls under a large white shade-bearing tent to visit. They were resting Saturday before handler Brady Bardin prepares them for their the Pioneer Days Parade full hitch pull, which is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Pioneer Days began with annual meetings of the Pioneer Association in 1873, according to Carol Wise, curator of the Putnam County Historical Society Museum. Since then, “the event grew into four days of entertainment, food and the largest parade in Northwest Ohio.”
Saturday evening’s events are expected, weather permitting, to come to a close with a fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. and live music in the Big Dance Tent from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with Music City Madness award winner, Chance McKinney.
Reach Shannon Bohle at 567-242-0399, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @Bohle_LimaNews.
