Annual Pioneer Days

Pioneer Days in Kalida, Ohio celebrating the 152nd Pioneer in 2024, and still going strong! Pioneer Days is the oldest festival in Ohio. But, it's more than just a festival that has been around a while. It's a time to visit with old friends and family in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Not to mention, it's a great opportunity to meet and make new friends, too! As summer draws to a close, with vacations over and school back in session, it's the one last HOORAH at the end of summer. No matter what your age, there is sure to be something to spike your interest. Maybe it's the children's entertainment, parade, or carnival games and rides for the kids. Or maybe it's the rock dances for the teenagers and young adults. Then there is the gigantic car show for all ages with over 300 vehicles on display!

The Putnam County Historical Society has been an integral part of Pioneer Days from the beginning. It is the third oldest Historical Society in Ohio and has a very active membership promoting the history of Putnam County. Their Museum, located just off the square in Kalida, will be open during the Pioneer Days festival and now consists of three separate buildings packed with artifacts from Putnam County. Their annual meeting is always held Saturday afternoon of Pioneer. Be sure to stop by the museum, during the festival to see many interesting artifacts from Putnam County!

If it's food you're looking for, all the great festival foods are here including the famous Holy Name "Social Burgers". Over 500,000 served at Pioneer Days! Want to kick back and enjoy a drink with your friends? Visit "The Oasis" or "Beer Town" with tons of Free Entertainment. Remember, it's "Always the Weekend after Labor Day" and it's "On the Square" in downtown Kalida. Come to Kalida and let the Kalida Lions and Kalida Firefighters be your Pioneer Days Hosts. You'll be sure to enjoy your time at Pioneer Days.

Schedule of Events:

07:30am: Breakfast/Lunch In Fire Station And At Craft Show Provided By Kalida Boy Scout Troop 221 Sponsored By Woodwright
09:00am: Pioneer Days High School Volleyball Invitational At Kalida High School Gym (Air Conditioned) And St. Michael Gym Sponsored By Hoffman Lawn And Landscaping
10:00am - 4:00pm: Free Antique Tractor And Truck Show Near The Museum Sponsored By Fands Concrete
10:00am - 4:00pm: Free Craft Show Under The Big Dance Tent Sponsored By County Wide Designs
10:00am - 4:00pm: Free Giant Custom And Street Car Show Throughout The Streets Around Fire Station
10:00am - 5:00pm: Putnam County Historical Society Museum Open
11:30am: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
12:00pm - 3:00pm: Childrens Entertainment And Bicycle Giveaway- Pioneer Park Pavilion Sponsored By Kalida Medical Arts
12:00pm - 5:00pm: Rides By Jessop Amusements (One Price Ride Wristbands Available From 12 - 5pm)
12:00pm - 1:00am: Open - The Oasis Featuring Budweiser Products-Behind Fire Station Sponsored By Ottoville Hardware And Furniture Co.
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Bingo Hosted By St. Michael Catholic Church Sponsored By The Meadows Of Kalida
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Free Photo Booth On The Square Sponsored By Kalida Medical Arts
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Free Professional Face Painting - Pioneer Park Pavilion Sponsored By Kalida Medical Arts
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Free Character Meet And Greet - Pioneer Park Pavilion Sponsored By Kalida Medical Arts
01:30pm: Putnam County Historical Society Meeting - The Museum Sponsored By Town And Country Flowers
02:00pm: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
02:30pm: Kiddie Tractor Pull Near The Museum "Hosted By The National Kiddie Tractor Pullers Association" Registration Starts At 1:30pm
04:30pm: Saturday Evening Mass At Historic St. Michael Catholic Church
05:00pm - 9:00pm: Live Band - Pioneer Park Pavilion Oktoberfest Polka Badinov - Sponsored By Brian Kleman Construction
06:00pm: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
06:00pm - 10:00pm: Rides By Jessop Amusements (One Price Ride Wristbands Available From 6pm- Close)
06:00pm - 10:00pm: Bingo Hosted By St. Michael Catholic Church Near Jerwers Cpa Sponsored By The Meadows Of Kalida
07:00pm: Queen Crowning - Pioneer Park Pavilion (Queen's Crown Provided By The Union Bank)
07:30pm: Free Drawing For $100 Gift Cards Sponsored By Jay Petroleum (Register At Big Ticket Tent) Must Be Present To Win!
07:30pm: Buckeyes Vs. Western Michigan On Big Screen Tvs - Beertown Sponsored By Hopkins, Schroeder, And Von Sossan, Llc
09:30pm - 1:00am: Live Band In The Big Dance Tent Jimmy Jack Band Sponsored By Sponsored By Bockrath And Associates Engineering And Surveying, Llc , Kng Energy, Krouse Design, Ohio Sanitary Services, Press Design
09:30pm: Free Drawing For $152 Worth Of Groceries Sponsored By Kalida Market - "In Celebration Of The 152st Pioneer Days" (16 Years Or Older) - Registration - Big Ticket Tent
11:00pm: $750 Attendance Drawing - Sponsored By  All Big Ticket Purchases Automatically Entered Must Be Present To Win
11:00pm: Queen Of Hearts Drawing (If The Winner Hasn't Been Found) And 50/50 Drawing - The Big Ticket Tent Sponsored By L-H Door Sales And Service