Football fans are found around the globe. But only in Ada, Ohio can you find the home of the official NFL football, used in every game and in every Super Bowl. On August 23, the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce threw a big party celebrating that fact. Many traditions have been developed over the nine-year history of the event and two new contests spiced up the evening.
AUG 22 MEDIA RELEASE__St. Mark Lutheran Church will be serving it's Community Meal this coming Wednesday, August 27, from 5:00 to 6:30 (or until we run out) at the church on the corner of Lincoln and Johnson in Ada.
This month's menu consist of cheesy sloppy joes, baked beans, fruit, and cookies.
As always you may drive up for curbside service, carry out, or, our favorite, dine in.
This meal is free and opened to the public. We do ask that if you require more than 8 meals that you call 419-792-0911 before noon on Monday so that we can be prepared. We have run out of food the last two months.
CLICK gallery to enlarge and view at your own pace
9th annual Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival
Saturday, August 23
5:00-11:00 p.m.
10 p.m. Wilson Ball Drop
Ada Depot Park
Main St. at Central Ave.
Coordinated by the
Ada Area Chamber of Commerce
By Paula Pyzik Scott
Ada is throwing a big party in celebration of football--and especially footballs and football teams that are "Made in Ada." The 9th annual Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival on the evening of Saturday, August 23 will have all of the music, food and games that are essential to a great party, as well as plenty of Bulldog, Polar Bear and NFL spirit.
Ada is the home of the Wilson Football factory which supplies balls for all levels of play up to and including the NFL and the Super Bowl. For some pre-festival activitiy, the Wilson Football Factory store will be open from noon-4:00 p.m. You can explore the new facility's lobby, which is filled with memorabilia and a Wilson gift store at 517 E. Highland Ave, Ada, Ohio.
Plays, musicals, orchestra, band, and dance performances detailed in season brochure
AUG 16 MEDIA RELEASE__The Freed Center for the Performing Arts 2025-2026 season opens during ONU’s homecoming weekend with the small, intimate, contemporary musical The Mad Ones by Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk.
The four-person cast tells the story of 18-year-old Sam who isn’t sure that Ivy League school is the right choice anyone when her path takes a sharp and painful turn. The show follows Sam’s journey through grief and her decision to pursue her own future.
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.
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.”
