Northwest Ohio's Defiance, Payne, and McClure Host Fall Festivals

As fall weather begins the annual process of turning tree leaves gold, yellow, red, and rust, Northwest Ohio fall festivals not only represent the passing of the seasons, but the wind-down of small town celebrations before the harsh reality of winter temperatures freezes the lush farmlands of the area.

Johnny Appleseed Still Celebrated

Johnny Appleseed, one of history's true selfless fellows to pass through human portals, is celebrated this weekend at the 44th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival at AuGlaize Village on Krouse Road, three miles west outside Defiance, Ohio. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival will conduct activities from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.

There is an admission to the festival amounting to $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1 for students aged six through 16. Members of the Defiance County Historical Society are admitted without charge.

Crafts, flea market areas, antique vendors, and applebutter and sorghum molasses makers will be on tap.

On Saturday, an Antique Tractor Pull is scheduled for 11 a.m. Horse-drawn wagon rides are available throughout the weekend.

AuGlaize Village itself is replete with restored 19th Century buildings that feature a petting zoo, a general store and tinsmith and spinning wheel demonstrations, as well as Kinner Cabin's circa 1700-1840 primitive two-story log cabin, a replica moved in 1973 from the Kinner Farm, near Ayersville and Defiance, Ohio.

In addition, the Lincoln Bay and Gateway Model Railroad Museum will be open.

Payne Ohio Fall Fest In Its Second Renewal

October 9, the second Saturday in the month, is the date scheduled for fall festival fun in Payne, Ohio.

The fest opens from 10 a.m through 6 p.m., featuring as many as 50 flea market booths, and using a flag raising ceremony and breakfast sponsored by the village's Methodist church, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., to get things started.

Children's games, including Troyer Farms straw maze, will keep the youngsters busy, and Taylor Glass will sponsor a chili cook-off at 1 p.m.

Blacksmithing and chainsaw carving are scheduled, as well as a 50/50 drawing, Little League Flag Football, and local entertainers such as Drew Munger.

Sixth Annual McClure Ohio Festival

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, in the tiny Northwest Ohio village of McClure, delicious homemade delights may be enjoyed -- noodles, bread, pies, and cakes. Event organizer Jenny Stephens reported that a week of hands on artistry is required to produce the 200 pounds of homemade noodles that will be consumed, or bought during the day's festivities.

Twelve booths will be on site, with earnings scheduled to go to Relay for Life, the entity for which the festival was originally established. Hand-crafted and crocheted items, as well as the area Girl Scout Troop will be on hand.

McClure United Methodist Church is the festival site, and its Rebekah Circle members provide chili, chicken sandwiches, and pies for the event.