Plans are actively underway for the West Unity Fall Fest, which will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The West Unity Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Relay for Life, will hold its Chili Fest on that day in the downtown area. The Brady Township Fire Department will be offering a pancake breakfast that morning at the fire hall and a silent auction will be held at the American Legion hall.
The committee is seeking more participants for the festival. Terri Lebowski of the Chamber said that she would like to make this something special that children, as well as adults, would like to come out and enjoy. She said that last year they had inflatable bounce houses and hope to have them again this year. She and Allen Bennett, also of the Chamber, emphasized that they want this to be a “community event, not the Chamber’s.” They want to make this about West Unity.
They are working with the village council to block off a street in the downtown area so that people can set up booths. There will be no charge to have a booth, but participants will need to bring their own tables and chairs and any other needed items. They feel that this would be a wonderful way for a business, church, civic group, club, or any other groups or individuals to promote and advertise themselves and give them face-to-face time with the community. Participants can also use this is a chance to do some fundraising for their cause or organizations. The planning committee wanted to let it be known that organizations from other towns are also welcome to participate. The Chamber is also in the process of developing a flyer about the Fall Festival and a sales bill that will tell about items that will be available for to bid on at the silent auction.
Some of the activities that were offered last year included a costume judging contest for children sponsored by the OCCL (Ohio Child Conservation League), and a Powder Puff football game between West Unity and Stryker. Crafters shared their wares at the Kissell Building. There were 13 participants in the Chili Cook-Off, and they hope for more this year.
A planning meeting will be held on September 19, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Hilltop School conference room. This will be an informal meeting and there is an open invite to anyone who would like to be a part of the planning. The Chamber would like to encourage volunteers to step forward and help plan this event. Terri noted that volunteerism has declined over the years, and that they are in need of people who wish to give back to the community. Plans should be finalized by October 1, 2012.
“Your community needs you!” added Bennett.
For more information, you are encouraged to call and/or leave a message for the following for more information or to participate:
- West Unity Chamber of Commerce at 419-924-2952
- Allen Bennett at 419-924-5761
- Terri Lebowski at 419-924-5021 (Pete’s Posey Patch)