May 20, 2024, Press Release from Quincy Thompson, Van Wert LIVE: [Van Wert, OH] - Get ready to rock and roll with the highly anticipated Feel Good Fridays kickoff concert at this year's Peony Festival! Join us on Friday, June 7th, at 7:30 PM for an electrifying evening featuring the sensational band, Whoa Man! This dynamic group is dedicated to celebrating the powerful women who have shaped the history of rock music.

One of the oldest Van Wert traditions returned to its downtown this weekend.

The 43rd annual Peony Festival was in full swing today as the crowds came out to enjoy the shopping, activities, and the ever-popular parade. The festival is one of the longest-running traditions the city has. Because peonies aren't as prevalent in the city as they were when the festival first began in the 1930s, today's Peony Festival is a celebration of Van Wert's past.

Van Wert rounded out this year's Peony Festival with the annual Garden Tours, inviting the public out to see five hidden garden gems from the Van Wert area. 

A Friday morning ribbon cutting kicked off the annual Peony Festival.

For several hours a day, six days a week, you will find youth residents of the Marsh Foundation tending to annuals, cacti and everything in between. 

The peony played a large part in Van Wert's economy in the early days. In fact, Van Wert used to be known as the peony capital of the world.