PHOTOS by James Massara / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace

By James Massara

The temperature was high but the level of fun was higher, as crowds filled Ada War Memorial Park on August 9 for the 112th Annual Farmers and Merchants Picnic.

The day began with the picnic’s annual parade through Ada on Saturday morning. Events filled the day and into the night until the last entry made its way down the track at the Hardin County Tractor Pullers “Picnic Pull.”

Kenny Wolke, who has been the park manager since 1996 and is the F&M Picnic president, said all the events are able to be done thanks in large part to volunteers who help put it all together. Things have changed in the 100-plus years of the picnic. Most recently, many mom-and-pop ride companies have gone out of business since 2020, causing the kid zone at the picnic to become an area of inflatables.

Among the items entertaining the nearly 5,000 estimated picnic attendees, is an increase in crafters and venders, Wolke said. They, along with the annual crowd favorites, provide something for the whole family to do through the day.

At the opening ceremony, crowds were entertained by the Ada High School Marching Band and Ada cheerleaders, and applauded for the local youth who vied for picnic royalty. The royalty contestants collectively raised thousands of dollars for the picnic.

Lilly Ridenour, 14, was crowned F&M Picnic queen, Cayden Culp, 7, was crowned prince and  Azraella Downing, 9, was crowned princess. Zeppelin Amweg, 6, was second place in the prince contest, while JR Williams, 3, was third place. Haislie Rollerson, 9, was second place in the princess contest, and Scarlett Williams, 5, was third place. 

Other events throughout the day included the pedal tractor pull sponsored by the Ada Kiwanis Club, a ring toss sponsored by the Ada Rotary Club, a dunk tank occupied by local “celebrities,” a pie-eating contest, the greased pig contest, the OWHA horse show, free swimming for the first 300 at the Ada pool and more.

Wolke said one of the best things about the picnic is most of the proceeds go back into the park for improvements for the community to enjoy. Completed projects include new turf, new track and LED lights at the stadium. Future projects include a new concession stand and storage building at the stadium, demolishing the shelter house used as the F&M kitchen to build a new one, and hopefully additional playground equipment.

He said being able to make the improvements for the community to enjoy and seeing everyone enjoying the picnic makes all the effort worthwhile. Anyone who wants to join the fun and make a difference are more than welcome to volunteer on the F&M board.

Ada War Memorial Park
115 N Park Dr, Ada, OH 45810
419-634-0074