Woollybear Festival 2024 in Ohio

Every fall, the town of Vermilion, Ohio, transforms into a vibrant hub of activity with the Woollybear Festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. The event centers around the woolly bear caterpillar, which local folklore claims can predict winter weather. This family-friendly festival features a variety of activities, from caterpillar races to a grand parade, making it a staple of the autumn season in Northeast Ohio.

Festival Highlights and Route

The Woollybear Festival kicks off at 1:30 pm and lasts approximately two hours. The parade route begins on Liberty Ave. at Grand St., heads east, turns right on Sandusky St., and then turns right onto South St., ending at Decatur Street. This parade is notable for its inclusion of over 25 high school bands from across Ohio (nearly 2,000 musicians), along with various floats, vintage automobiles, festival queens, clowns, and much more.

Before the parade, children participate in the King and Queen Woollybear contest and the best Woolly Bear costume competition. Another popular event is the Woollybear 500 Race, starting at 5 pm, where local police and fire departments select woolly bears to race, adding an element of fun and competition to the festival.

Arts, Crafts, and Food

Victory Park and Main Street in Vermilion transform into bustling hubs with over 80 arts and crafts stalls and more than 45 food vendors. Visitors can browse unique handmade items and enjoy a variety of culinary delights. The festival also features live entertainment and merchant sales throughout the day.

Tickets and Parking

Admission to the Woollybear Festival is free, making it an accessible event for everyone. Parking is available throughout Vermilion, but streets close at 12:30 p.m. for the parade, so early arrival is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to support local non-profits and school fundraisers by using designated parking areas. St. Mary’s Church, located at 5450 Ohio St., offers parking for $5, with proceeds benefiting St. Mary’s Youth Group. The Norton Building, at 5463 Liberty Avenue, provides parking for those with handicap permits only. Sailorway Middle School, located at 5355 Sailorway Drive, offers parking for $10 per vehicle, with a handicap-accessible shuttle to the festival running from 3:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EER Church, at 752 Grand St., asks for a $5 donation per vehicle. Wise & Sons, at 5391 Liberty Ave., requests a $10 donation to benefit the VHS Senior Class. Vermilion Port Authority and Harbourtown Community Church also provide parking for a $5 donation.

Location and Infrastructure

In the heart of historic downtown Vermilion, the festival takes place in two main areas. Victory Park, situated on Rt. 60 (S. Main St.) north of Ohio St., serves as one of the key locations. The second area is Exchange Park, located at the corner of Rt. 60 (N. Main St.) and Rt. 6 (Liberty Ave.). These parks provide a charming backdrop for festival activities, allowing visitors to enjoy both the vibrant festival atmosphere and the town's picturesque surroundings.

Vermilion, a picturesque resort city, is well-equipped to handle the influx of visitors during the Woollybear Festival. Located approximately nine miles (14.5 km) north of the festival's original location in Birmingham, Ohio, Vermilion offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The town features quaint shops, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and the scenic Lagoons residential area.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore Vermilion’s sandy beaches, historic downtown, and the Vermilion River. The Mystic Belle, a small paddle wheeler, offers river cruises, providing a unique perspective of the town. For those interested in more outdoor activities, Vermilion is home to two golf courses and a variety of parks and nature trails.

History of the Woollybear Festival

The Woollybear Festival was founded in 1973 by Cleveland TV weatherman Dick Goddard. Initially held in Birmingham, Ohio, the festival started as a small event with about 2,000 attendees. As its popularity grew, attracting around 15,000 visitors, the festival moved to Vermilion to accommodate the larger crowds. Today, it is one of Ohio’s most anticipated fall events, drawing over 100,000 people annually.