Holiday at Home activities announced

Van Wert Historical Society news

Spend this Fourth of July holiday at home. This year’s Holiday at Home festival has events and activities for the whole family, including a number hosted by the Van Wert Historical Society.

The day begins with the 20th annual Isaac Van Wart Firecracker Bike Tour. The departure and finishing point is Jubilee Park, with routes of 18-, 32-, and 64 miles offered. Departure time is between 7:30 to 10 a.m., with those taking the long route advised to leave by 8:30 a.m.

Except for the bike tour all events of the day sponsored by the Historical Society will be held on the museum grounds. Parking will be available on Third and Second streets, and Market and Jefferson streets, as well as in the lot between the caboose and the Welcome Center.

The festivities at the museum will begin at 11:15 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony conducted by Van Wert American Legion Post 178.

There will be more than 12 area crafters displaying their talents and offering handmade items for sale on the museum grounds, while Van Wert Rotary Club will supply the food from a tent on Third Street. Sycamore Ice Cream will also be available.

Entertainment will be provided by the Van Wert Concert Band between 12:30 and 1:20 p.m. Other entertainment includes the Bud Widmer Rube Band, 1:30-2:30; Daniel Joseph and Friends, 2:30-3:45 p.m.; and Peyton Closson, 3:45-4:30 p.m.

All of the museum’s buildings will be open from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Check out the thousands of artifacts from Van Wert County that are on display.