FALL TRADITION … The downtown area of West Unity was bustling with visitors as the Chili Cook-Off started, where participants handed samples of homemade chili.
PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CHILI TIME … Mayor Don Leu, Charlotte Lash, and Cici Rodriguez stood for a photo amid the Chili Cook-Off Challenge.
PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PAGEANT ROYALTY … Queens of West Unity Nayah Rodriguez, Charlotte Lash, Bailee Bernath, and Cecelia Rodriguez represented their town throughout the Fall Festival.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The West Unity Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, filling the downtown and Legion area with the sights, scents, and sounds of the season.
From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors browsed a bustling craft show featuring vendors offering handmade goods, baked treats, candies, and customizable shirts.
A chili cook-off added to the festive atmosphere, running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where contestants handed out complimentary samples for attendees to enjoy before the votes were cast.
Mayor Don Leu, Dave Dempsey, and the Brady Township Fire Department were recognized for their award-winning chili. “Queens for a Cause” bake sale was held, featuring West Unity Queens and other local county pageant winners.
Local favorites such as the Maybe Cheese Born With It food truck and a specialty coffee vendor were also on site, serving comfort food and seasonal beverages.
All donations collected during the day supported the West Unity Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, benefiting Hilltop students.
With sunshine, local flavor, and strong community spirit, the annual event offered families and friends a chance to celebrate the best of autumn in West Unity.