MERCER COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - It's that time of year for the people in Mercer County this weekend.
For over 30 years, Maria Stein has brought together live entertainment, food, shopping, amazing attractions, and games to the community with the purpose of bringing everyone together just in time for the start of summer. This year, the three-day event will feature its popular Tractor Square Dancing and its newest attraction this year, the Royal Bengal Tigers, that are set to headline this year's event.
"I've been doing the festival for about eight years now, but my favorite thing is just all the people coming out and joining together, talking; everybody working together and having a good time. Everyone is always excited about the tractor square dancing. Tonight, we have the Go Kart Racing for the Relay of Life," told Gary Lochtefeld, Country Fest Committee Member.
Local resident Bennett Poeppelman added, "Probably the food, and the funnel cakes are probably the best food here. I like to watch the live performances every year, and I like to hang out with my teammates and friends that live by me."
All proceeds and profits made throughout the festival will be split between the American Legion of Maria Stein, the Knights of St. John, and The Sisters of the Precious Blood Shrine.
