2025 Woolly Bear Festival – Wild & Woolly Wrap-up

 

The weather couldn't have been better for the 53rd Annual Woolly Bear Festival on Sunday. Thousands of people took advantage of the perfect weather to visit Vermilion and enjoy some old-fashioned fun.

I parked by the former Burger King on U. S. Route 6 and make the approximately one-mile trek to the festival grounds south of the railroad tracks downtown. "Just a good stretch of the legs," as Sean Thornton (John Wayne) said in The Quiet Man.

Walking down Route 6 gave me the opportunity to grab this shot of the bridge over the Vermilion River.

The festival grounds were choked with people, and it wasn't easy to get around. There were booths set up in the park and everywhere else, with things for sale and a variety of foods, including some old favorites.

I ended up having a great bratwurst sandwich for lunch at the Knights of Columbus booth.

Soon I fought my way up to the main stage where "Little John" Rinaldi was emceeing the show.

Woolly Bear Festival originator Dick Goddard was there in spirit.

Wolfert the Woolly Bear came down off the stage to pose for photos (and possibly terrify young children).

I'm not sure if his tongue was out because he was hot (it was very warm) or if he was ogling his pretty festival handler.

As we all know, Fox 8 in Cleveland is the major sponsor of the festival. So if you are a fan of that news station, you were in luck – and sure to see some of your favorite TV personalities. Mackenzie Bart brought her puppet along to entertain the crowd and posed for photos with fans.

Mackenzie made her way back to the Fox 8 booth, where I was able to photograph the whole gang. From left: Mackenzie Bart, Alexis Walters, lucky Lou Maglio and Natalie Herbick.

Soon it was time for the parade. It was a mob scene up on Route 6; the usual teeming mass of humanity. The Vermilion High School Marching Band led off the parade as usual, and it was great to hear the band members play Anchors Aweigh (bringing back memories of my Admiral King High School Marching Band days).

Parade Grand Marshal Wayne Dawson received a huge, heartwarming round of applause.

And so did Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer. I will miss him as Mayor, I think he did a great job.

Looking to the east on Route 6  (Liberty Avenue) you can see how parade watchers were packed like sardines.

It was fun to watch for Fox 8 TV personalities in the parade. It was easy to pick out "Little John" Rinaldi.

Fox 8 Meteorologist Alexis Walters was traveling in style.

So was Fox 8 reporter Tino Bovenzi.

The rest of the parade was the usual variety of marching units, fire trucks and the queens & attendants from other local festivals. Here's a basket full of the Berlin Heights Basket Festival Queen and Attendants.

Another fun float was this one on which the 2025 Milan Melon Festival Queen Ilah Reynolds and her attendants were riding.

Of course, Kingston of Vermilion's lion mascot made an appearance.

And so did House of Donuts over on State Route 60. 

It would have been great to have a line of police cars behind it!