PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
9TH DISTRICT … Derek Merrin, the Republican nominee for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, visits with attendees during Saturday’s Bull Thistle Festival in Fayette.
WATER … Children aboard one of the parade entries cool off spectators by spraying water squirters along the parade route during Saturday’s Bull Thistle Festival.
PAINT … The Painted Gypsies provided face painting for children and families throughout Saturday’s Bull Thistle Festival in Fayette.
PARADE … Members of the Honor Guard lead Saturday’s Bull Thistle Festival parade through downtown Fayette, opening the community’s 50-year celebration.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Residents and visitors filled Normal Grove Park on Saturday, Aug. 1, as Fayette celebrated the Bull Thistle Festival, marking 50 years since the community tradition first began.
Organizers marked the milestone with a full day of activities, entertainment, food, contests and family-friendly attractions throughout Normal Grove Park. Festival Director Brittany Theis said reaching the 50-year milestone gave the community another reason to celebrate alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The day’s festivities included a morning parade through downtown, free bounce houses sponsored by Borderline Express, a Chinese auction, quarter beef raffle, children’s tractor pull, softball and sand volleyball tournaments, live music and a variety of food vendors throughout the park.
Bill and Codie Ledford, Quinn Mitchell and additional musicians provided entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening as festivalgoers enjoyed the celebration. Members of the 2026 Bull Thistle Court also spent the day greeting visitors.
This year’s court includes King and Queen Steve and Tina Snider; Princess Kassi Link; and Prince Gavin Knierim.
Theis, who has directed the festival since 2020, said it has been rewarding to see the celebration grow and draw more vendors and visitors each year. “It’s awesome, honestly,” she said. “It’s so awesome because it’s good to see the people come out.”
A Fayette native, Theis said bringing the festival back to the level she remembered growing up became a personal goal. “I grew up here, so I came when I was little, and it kind of started to dwindle out,” she said. “I was like, well, what am I going to do?” I can’t just complain. I have to do something about it.”
She said one of her biggest motivations has been giving her daughter the opportunity to experience the festival the way previous generations had while also creating a reason for former residents to return home.
“I wanted my daughter to experience the awesomeness of the festival,” Theis said. “Everybody comes home for Bull Thistle. People who have moved away come back, and it brings everybody back to spend time together.”
Behind the scenes, Theis credited the Bull Thistle Committee and numerous volunteers for making the annual celebration possible.
She recognized committee members and volunteers who coordinate everything from the parade and chicken barbecue to concessions, vendors and countless logistical details throughout the day.
The milestone celebration drew crowds throughout Normal Grove Park for the full day of activities, once again showcasing one of Fayette’s longest-running community traditions.
However, rain arrived later in the evening and forced the postponement of the drone show scheduled for 10 p.m. Theis said the show is expected to be rescheduled for another date.