LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – One of Lima’s largest and longest-running festivals is back for another year. The St. Gerard Festival, a local tradition for nearly 50 years, will kick off Friday evening, drawing crowds from across the region for a weekend of food, games, rides and music.
The event begins Friday night and features beloved attractions such as the dime-to-play cake wheel and the parish’s famous chicken wings. Attendees can also enjoy live music, carnival games, and rides, with a weekend-long ride pass available for $25.
The event begins Friday night and features beloved attractions such as the dime-to-play cake wheel and the parish’s famous chicken wings.
This year’s festival includes two major drawings: the grand prize drawing for $10,000 and a new Super 50/50 raffle. Tickets for both can be purchased online through the St. Gerard’s Facebook page. Organizers say the event is more than just a festival—it's a community homecoming.
“People just know St Gerard festival is always the first full weekend in June, and a lot of people come back as their family reunion. A lot of classes come back and get together under the big tent and celebrate all weekend with us. So, it really is. It's a kickoff to summer and I think this whole part of the state always looks forward to St Gerard festival,” says Kelly Stolly, co-chairman of St. Gerard’s Parish Festival.
Festival Schedule:
- Friday, June 6: 5 p.m. – midnight
- Saturday, June 7: Noon – midnight
- Sunday, June 8: Noon – 10 p.m.
- Grand prize drawing for $10,000 and Super 50/50 raffle at 9 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, games, amusement rides, a variety of food vendors, and the parish’s signature chicken wings.
