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

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ada Farmers & Merchants Parade is a longstanding tradition. Century21 Sunway Realty volunteered to organize the parade starting in 2019, according to Realtor Becky Neville: “We did not have a parade in 2020.  Every year it has grown. Ada really supports the parade.”

Overall, there were more than 60 units. Parade organizers start contacting participants in the spring and work on getting sign ups through the summer.

Her recap of the 2025 parade: “We had 2 bands this year. Ada High School Marching Band and Arlington High School Marching Band. Most of the fall sports teams had a float in the parade.  

Ada Police Department and VFW lead the parade.  The Village of Ada was represented by  Bob Simmons, Council President, in his classic car. Ada Fire Department  had three units in the parade. Alger Fire Department and USV Ambulance had three units. The Hardin County Sheriff Posse had 8 or 9 horses and riders. Hardin County Commissioners and Hardin County Sheriff and Hardin County Sheriff's VIPs rounded out the official units.

“The F&M Picnic Prince and Princess were escorted in a golf cart. Several 4-H groups had floats and scouting groups participated.

“Local businesses were represented including Quest, Middlefield and US Bank, Century 21 Sunway Realty, Niese Tire and Service Center, Northwest Ohio Farm Drainage,  Studio 419 Dance Studio, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ada Rotary Club and Vancrest of Ada, 

“Thomas Farms brought Antique Tractors and County Restorers & Collectors had tractors. The Glass City Corvette Club brought several cars. Hardin County Shriners brought their antique fire Truck and Minich Truck Repair had two trucks. Crittens Aerial Applications brought their field applicator.”