Thursday, October 2, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


Today's Hidden Gem: The Woollybear Festival


Dick Goddard may be our competitor at newstime. But he is one heck of a guy who has done so much for the Cleveland area.

When you hear the name Dick Goddard, you think of his mastery of the weather.....his passion to help our 4 legged friends as a staunch animal activist.....being the statistician for the Cleveland Browns since 1966.....AND, the world famous Woollybear Festival!

Sunday, October 5th is the 36th annual Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio.

Goddard's love of animals and the weather and his vision to share both with children kicked off what has become the largest one day festival in Ohio. It has been said that Goddard used the Woollybear to get an idea of what kind of winter Clevelanders had in store! First held in Birmingham, Ohio back in 1973....moving to Vermilion, Ohio in 1981.

The Woollybear Festival is truly a day-long event for the entire family. Events kick off bright and early at 9am. There are multiple bands playing throughout the day, delicious food, craft booths, the kids' foot race, woollybear costume judging leading up to the ever-popular Woollybear Parade. The parade kicks off at 1:30pm and usually lasts for a few hours. The parade participants include FOX 8 celebrities, over 15 marching bands, over 2000 musicians, home-made floats, old-time cars, animals, hayrides, clowns, and so much more!

If you are looking for something to do with your family Sunday, look no further. Make the trek to lovely Vermilion, Ohio. You, too, will see why The Woollybear Festival is this week's Hidden Gem!



(Some information courtesy the official Woollybear website)

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