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:
08:00am - 11:00am: Sunday Morning Masses At Historic St. Michael Catholic Church
11:00am - 5:00pm: Putnam County Historical Society Museum Open (Museum Will Be Closed During The Parade.)
12:00pm: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
12:00pm: Open - The Oasis Featuring Budweiser Products-Behind Fire Station Sponsored By Metalink
12:30pm: Nfl Kickoff Party - The Oasis Featuring Budweiser Products - Behind Fire Station Sponsored By Kahle And Associates Cpa
01:00pm: Khs Band Performance - The Fire Station Sponsored By Huggins Auto Parts
01:30pm: Sharp - Free: Northwest Ohio's Largest Parade Parade Theme: "Family And Friends Coming Together To Build A Strong Future For Our Community For Years To Come" - Addison Heitmeyer
02:30pm: Chicken Wing Challenge Under The Big Dance Tent Sponsored By Creative Edge Cabinets And Woodworking
03:00pm - 7:00pm: Rides By Jessop Amusements (Parade Day Special $15 Ride Wristbands From 3-7pm Sunday - Rides Closed During Parade)
03:00pm - 7:00pm: Bingo Hosted By St. Michael Catholic Church Near Jerwers Cpa Sponsored By The Meadows Of Kalida
03:30pm: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
After Parade: Friends Of Leslie - Pioneer Park Pavilion Sponsored By Knueve And Sons Plumbing And Heating
Approx - 4:00pm: Live 152nd Commmemorative Auction Under The Big Tent Sponsored By Ted Verhoff Builders And Cabinetry ($152k Golden Ticket To Be Auctioned)
04:15pm: Free Drawing For Bicycles (Tickets For This Drawing Will Be Passed Out Along The Parade Route)
05:00pm: $750 Attendance Drawing - Sponsored By Superior Energy Solutions All Big Ticket Purchases Automatically Entered -Must Be Present To Win!
05:30pm: Free Dangerous Feats Of Comedy - Town Square
06:00pm: Free Drawing For $100 Gift Cards Sponsored By Troy Rampe Construction (Register At Big Ticket Tent)
06:00pm - 9:00pm: Live Band - The Town Square Ruffed Up Sammy Sponsored By Moose Landing Country Club
07:00pm: $10,000 Big Ticket Drawing - Need Not Be Present To Win! Tickets Available - Big Ticket Tent On The Square During The Festival
08:00pm: $152k Golden Ticket Drawing - Sponsored By Schnipke Excavating And Concrete Need Not Be Present To Win! - The Town Square
