PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK gallery to enlarge and view at your own pace

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Planning a large, outdoor event that takes over the entire downtown of the Village of Ada is a huge undertaking. The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce did just that on Saturday, September 20, when the 39th annual Harvest and Herb Festival provided shopping, dining, networking and entertainment for residents and many, many guests.

Main St. from Highland to Lehr and Buckeye to the east and west were thronged with strolling families and friends who browsed booths, selected purchases, enjoyed meals and snacks, visited with local organizations and candidates for elected office, and played games. Over 100 craft, food and artisan vendors participated in the event.

The day was dry and warm. The chamber provided a large tent with tables and chairs at Buckeye and Main where visitors could sit down with food purchases or just enjoy some shade.

Chamber director Lindsay Hollar expressed her gratitude to the Village of Ada for its assistance, “They are such a huge support, closing the roads and getting the electricity ready.” She also thanked Junior Weirauch and Jill Simmons for coordinating the festival parade. 

Hollar was already looking forward to the 2026 event: “I'm excited to see what the 40th anniversary will bring, because we got to do something special for that and just because that's a big deal.”