Annual Cold Creek Festival July 18-20

CASTALIA -- The Castalia Cold Creek Celebration has been a tradition to the community within Margaretta Township for the past 32 years and will continue in 2008 with a family oriented, event packed weekend on July 18, 19 and 20. The activities each year encourage community involvement and participation while inviting individuals from area communities to share in the great things Castalia has to offer.

Friday night begins the weekend with the announcement of the 2008 Cold Creek Celebration Queen and her court along with the Little Miss and Little Master titles. The Village Pizza's pizza eating contest will provide some humor prior to the musical entertainment provided by "The Uptown Country Band" from Fremont. Their successful performances in past years have packed the streets with boot scootin' dancers.

On Saturday, it's off to the races -- with a 5K Run/Walk. Then the day proceeds at a more casual pace with kid friendly events including a one-mile fun run, kid's Olympics, pony rides, games, bingo, talent contest, mind challenges, bike parades and pet parades to name just a few (most free of charge). We welcome the Erie County Care-A-Van with immunizations available, joined up with Fisher-Titus Medical Center and their bike helmet distributions.

A baking contest is very popular with all ages as is the Bed Race down Main Street. A Garden Tractor Pull has gained a large following as the participants from the Tri County Garden Tractor Pullers Association bring out their best tractors to entertain the crowds. The day will conclude with "The CocoBeanOs" taking the stage. This band, made up of local members, has taken the north coast by storm.

Sunday starts with a Community Worship Service at Grace Lutheran Church on Washington Street. All denominations are invited to take a moment to give thanks for a great weekend. Don't miss live gospel singing provided by Sandhill Baptist Church, new to the celebration this year.

An Antique Car Show and Grand Celebration Parade highlight the afternoon. Area bands, queens from area festivals, baton corps, and community organizations are proud to be represented in the parade. Duck Drop Bingo, the Duck Race (using rubber duckies) and the Celebration Raffle are all games of chance and a way to take home a prize to commemorate the weekend.

All are welcome to attend this weekend of fellowship and community spirit surrounded by the streams that sparked the idea to honor the heritage of those before us. Please join us.