Deep in the heart of Nelsonville, Ohio, as the 3rd full weekend of August approaches, anticipation bubbles. Residents, former locals, and eager visitors mark their calendars for the annual Nelsonville Parade of the Hills Festival. Having begun in 1949, this festival has emerged as a symbol of community pride, epitomizing the Appalachian spirit and commemorating Nelsonville’s storied past.
A Glimpse into the Past
Before the advent of the Parade of the Hills, Nelsonville’s historic Public Square was graced by the Hocking Valley Festival. A modest celebration, it primarily highlighted the Old Timer’s Baseball game, West End School Reunion, and a carnival. In 1950, with the collaboration of local organizations like the Eagles, Elks, and Vets, the Hocking Valley Festival underwent a transformation, evolving into the grand Parade of the Hills recognized today. This shift wasn’t merely a renaming but a complete rebranding, catapulting the festival to phenomenal financial success and capturing the attention of prominent figures like state governors and professional ball players.
The Parade of the Hills isn’t just a moniker; it mirrors the community’s essence. As an excerpt from the 1966 parade pamphlet eloquently depicted, each community member is integral in this parade of life, tracing lineage to ancestors that carved and crafted America. The festival resonates with the resilience, dedication, and pride of the populace.
A Festival for All Ages
Anchored in Nelsonville’s historic Public Square, the Nelsonville Parade of the Hills Festival emerges as a hub for family amusement. For the art aficionados, regional art exhibitions steal the limelight. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in home cooking, varied concessions, and the savory pie contest & auction.
Event highlights include:
- Three iconic parades: Wednesday’s Welcome Home Parade, Thursday’s Bicycle Parade, and the iconic Saturday’s Grande Parade.
- Athletic aficionados can engage or support participants in the 5K run.
- A haven for children with street games and Kids Athletic Day.
- The Ohio State Fiddling Contest by Stuart’s Opera House, offering a melodic delight.
- The square buzzes with free evening entertainment as dusk sets in.
Detailed Schedule:
To recap, here’s what 2023 holds in store:
Wednesday, August 16:
- Begin your day with Athletic Day Registration at 8:00 AM at Polley Field Ball Park. Can’t make it? No worries! Online registration is available.
- The Red Cross Blood Drive starts at the same time and lasts until 2 PM at Nelsonville-York High School. All donations will benefit the class of 2024’s scholarship fund.
- 8:30 AM sees the start of the Athletic Day Events at Polley Field Ball Park.
- A book sale and drop-in crafts await at Nelsonville Public Library from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Hungry? Grab a bite at the Parade of the Hills Food Booth on Washington Street starting 11:00 AM.
- At 1:00 PM, the festival’s concessions open, while the ladies can head over to the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store for Ladies Day.
- The Stephens Puppets present “The Wizard of Oz” at Library Junction at 1:30 PM. Kids can also register for street games at the Bell Tower Stage.
- Health & Wellness Fair by Ohio Health and HAPCAP for Health kicks off at 2:00 PM at Library Junction.
- Make sure not to miss the Rides by Kissel Amusement Co. at 3:00 PM.
- As the evening approaches, expect entertainment galore with Ed Campbell, REO Speedwagon Tribute, and the opening ceremonies starting at 5:45 PM.
Thursday, August 17:
- Doors swing open at Stuarts Opera House at 9:30 AM for Seniors’ Day filled with coffee, donuts, bingo, and prizes.
- The day continues with book sales, food booths, concessions, and the much-awaited annual charity pie auction at Stuarts Opera House Lobby.
- Evening sees entertainment by Jimmy Howsen & JW Smith and Julia Neville, culminating in the Festival’s closure at 11:00 PM.
Friday, August 18:
- Your favorite book sale at Nelsonville Public Library continues, accompanied by the food booths opening and rides by Kissel Amusement Co.
- For music enthusiasts, The Ohio State Fiddling Contest begins at 6:00 PM, followed by Miss Parade of the Hills Formal Judging.
- The night wraps up with Quinten Brooks and The Sweet Beats Beatle Show performances.
Saturday, August 19:
- Fitness enthusiasts can join the Run for the Hills 5k Walk/Run at Bell Tower Stage starting 8:00 AM.
- The day progresses with food booths, baton contests, and rides.
- Don’t miss out on the Grand Parade at 6:00 PM, which is followed by award presentations and entertainment by Stone Quillen Band and Moxie Pitz.
- The festival concludes at 11:00 PM, promising to leave you with cherished memories.
2023: A Pivotal Year for the Parade of the Hills
The 2023 edition, scheduled for August 16 – 19, promises unparalleled exuberance. The previous year posed challenges, with key committee members stepping down and the pandemic casting shadows on preparations. Yet, the community’s undying spirit triumphed. Board member Taylor Lanham captured this ethos in a Logan Daily News article, emphasizing that the euphoria evident in attendees, especially the young ones, outweighs all adversities.
“I mean, Parade of the Hills is all I ever knew growing up,” she said.
The festival’s legacy relies on sustained community engagement. With veteran members passing on the torch, a clarion call beckons the young and spirited. Whether one is drawn to event coordination, fundraising, or hands-on groundwork, roles abound for every aspirant.
The Nelsonville Parade of the Hills Festival stands as more than a mere event. It is a testament to community spirit, resilience, and a rich historical tapestry. Echoing the sentiments from the 1966 parade pamphlet, the manner in which we cherish this moment holds significance for the Parade of the Hills across the annals of time. Here’s to reliving the legacy, to another year brimming with community pride, exultation, and the unyielding Appalachian spirit!