OSSIAN DAYS STREET FESTIVAL

Ossian Days 2022

September  15-17.

About Ossian Days

Each year, Ossian Days, Inc. puts on an annual street festival known as Ossian Days.

Ossian Days Theme 2022 is Renaissance in Ossian

Schedule of Events

We have a variety of events, food, and entertainment suitable for all ages. Rides by Beer & Jessop Amusements will be returning, and a longtime Ossian Days favorite, Bessie's Movement!

Use the links below to go directly to a specific day's schedule of events.

Schedule for Thursday, September 15th

9am-3pm
Booth Setup


3pm
Booths Open


4:30pm-7pm

Smoked Pork Chop Dinner

Location: Event Tent

Click for Pork Chop Dinner Details


5pm


5pm

Food Pantry: Get Ride Tickets in exchange for Non-Perishable Food Items

Click for Details in the Ride Section


6pm

Helen Witte Pie Auction

Business of the Year Award to follow

Location: Event Tent


6:30pm

Lance Hunter Humanitarian Award Announcement

Location: Event Tent


7pm

Coalition Quartet

Barbershop quartet, near the Event Tent


9pm

Festival Closes for the Day

Please Note: No pets are allowed on the Midway. Only service animals are allowed.

Schedule for Friday, September 16th

5pm


5pm-8pm

Norwell Show Choir Dinner:

Whole hog sausage dinner


5:30pm-7:30pm

Free Face Painting provided by Ossian Days Inc.

Location: Beside the Ossian Days booth


6pm

Ossian Days Prince & Princess Contest

Click for Prince & Princess Contest Details


7pm

Applejack Cloggers

In front of Event Tent


10pm

Festival Closes for the Day

Helpful Tip: Bring cash when you attend Ossian Days.

Many of our vendors are cash-only and do not take credit or debit cards.

You can find an ATM At Farmers & Merchants State Bank, conveniently located just off the Ossian Days Midway.

Schedule for Saturday, September 17th

7:00am-8:30am

Youth Fishing Tournament

Location: Archbold-Wilson Park

Click for Fishing Tournament Details


7am-10:30am

Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

Location: In the Event Tent

Sponsor: St. Aloysius Knights of Columbus of Yoder


9:30am

Sign Up for Big Wheel Race

Click for Big Wheel Race Details


10am

Big Wheel Race

Location: Farmers & Merchants State Bank Parking Lot

Click for Big Wheel Race Details


12noon


12noon

Donut Hole Eating Contest

In front of Event Tent

Click for Donut Hole Eating Contest Details


1pm

Bessie's Movement

Behind Event Tent on W. Craig St.

$5 per square

Click for Bessie's Movement Details


4pm

Parade Line-Up

Check in at Town Hall

Click for Parade Details


4:30pm

Float Judging


5pm

Parade Begins

Click for Parade Details


After Parade

Platinum Sponsor Acknowledgment & Presentations to float winners


6pm-9pm

FREE Face Painting & Balloon Animals

provided by Ossian Days Inc. beside the Ossian Days booth


7pm-9pm

Live Music: Austin City Band

Country, Rock & Roll, and Oldies Music

Location: Event Tent


10pm

Festival Closes:

See You Next Year!

September 14-15-16, 2023

Tell your friends about Ossian Days!

General Festival Info & FAQs

This is where you'll find general info about the Ossian Days Festival, like location, hours, and info for vendors and booth rental.

(Looking for details about specific events? You'll find that in the Events Info section below.)

General Festival Info

When is Ossian Days?

Ossian Days 2022 is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 15th, 16th, and 17th.

What are Ossian Days' hours?

Festival hours are:

  • Thursday: 3pm to 9pm
  • Friday: 4pm to 10pm
  • Saturday: Events begin at 7am, Closes at 10pm

Vendor hours for check-in and set-up are Thursday from 9am to 2pm.

Where is Ossian Days located?

The Ossian Days Midway is located on Jefferson Street in downtown Ossian, between Mill Street and Lafever Street, and on Craig Street between Ogden and Metts as shown on the map below.

Map of Ossian with the Ossian Days midway highlighted

Is there an admission fee for the festival?

No, there is no fee to attend. Ossian Days is proud to once again offer free admission for everyone.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of free parking available on the streets adjacent to and nearby the festival area. Please make sure to observe all posted No Parking signs.

Festival Goers with Faces Painted

Can I bring my golf cart to Ossian Days?

Golf carts are required to have a special permit to be used at the festival. The permit can be obtained at the Ossian Police Department.

Can I bring my pet with me to Ossian Days?

No. No animals are permitted at the festival. Service Animals are allowed.

Ride Info

Are there rides at Ossian Days?

Yes! Ossian Days 2022 once again features rides provided by Beer's & Jessop's Amusements.

Ride hours are Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, Friday from 5pm to 10pm, and Saturday from 12noon to 10pm.

What kinds of rides will be at Ossian Days?

While we aren't able to guarantee specific rides, the company bringing the rides, Beer's & Jessop's Amusements, will bring a variety of rides and games. 

Northern Wells Food Pantry is back!

Starting on Thursday at 5:00pm at the Ossian Days booth we will be accepting non-perishable food items for the food pantry.

For every non-perishable food item you bring, you will get TWO FREE ride tickets!

Ride tickets are limited, so first come, first served.

All donations of food or cash go to the the Northern Wells Food Pantry.

Festival Goers enjoying the Super Slide
Festival Goers enjoying the Super Slide
Tilt-a-Whirl Ride from Beer's & Jessop's Amusements
Tilt-a-Whirl riders are split: Hands Up or Hang On?

Booth & Vendor Info

I want to set up a booth at Ossian Days. How do I do that?

To be an Ossian Days Vendor, you will need to do the following things:

  • Download, complete, and return a Booth Rental Agreement.
  • Submit payment in full for your booth space rental fee. Rental fee amounts are shown on the last page of the Booth Rental Agreement.
  • Submit a copy of your insurance policy showing proof of liability coverage naming Ossian Days, Inc. as a certificate holder.
  • Food Vendors Only: Obtain your food permit from the Wells County Health Department. 
Booth space WILL NOT be reserved until all items above are completed.

How much does it cost to rent a booth?

Fees vary depending on the size of your booth, whether you are a Not For Profit organization, and what kind of electric hook-up you require.

All fees for booth rental are listed on the last page of the Booth Rental Agreement.

When can vendors begin setting up their booths?

Vendors hours for check-in and set-up are Thursday, September 15th, from 9am to 3pm.

Festival Goers enjoying Ossian Days

Does Ossian Days, Inc. provide water hoses, adapters, or extension cords for vendors?

No. Vendors must supply their own equipment, including all hoses, adapters, and cords required.

Please Note: Maximum load per plug is 30 amp.

Does Ossian Days, Inc., provide a clean-up service for vendors?

No. Vendors are responsible for cleaning up their space and returning the premises to the way it was prior to the festival. All trash from your booth should be taken to the trash container behind the Pet Esthetics by Breanna building at the south end of the midway.

Tent Rental Info

I want to rent the Event Tent at Ossian Days. How do I do that?

To rent the Ossian Days Event Tent, you will need to do the following things:

  • Download, complete, and return a Tent Rental Agreement.
  • Submit payment in full for your tent space rental fee. The rental fee amount will be determined by the Ossian Days Board at the time of your request.
  • Submit a copy of your insurance policy showing proof of liability coverage ($1,000,000).
Deadline to Apply: 1st Friday in July

Does Ossian Days, Inc. provide set up for my event in the tent?

No. Tables and chairs will be provided, if needed. However, before your event, you may need to set up the tables and chairs.

Does Ossian Days, Inc. provide clean up for my event in the tent?

No. You are responsible for clean up, unless other approved arrangements have been made.
Clean up includes wiping off and taking down the tables and chairs, as well as stacking them on the southeast corner of the tent.

Is there a sound system in the tent?

No. There is no sound system provided with tent rental. You are responsible for your own system needs.

Applejack Cloggers at Ossian Days 2016

Event Details & FAQs

This is where you'll find details about many of the events happening during Ossian Days, like when and where the events take place, how to register for the events, registration deadlines and fees, and who you can contact for more information.

You can use the links below to jump directly to the details of a specific event.

Smoked Pork Chop Dinner Info

When and Where is the Smoked Pork Chop Dinner?

The Smoked Pork Chop Dinner is Thursday, September 15th from 4:30pm to 7pm. The Helen Witte Pie Auction is at 6pm. The dinner takes place in the Event Tent on Craig Street, just off the Midway.

What is included in each Smoked Pork Chop Dinner?

Each dinner includes an 8 oz. smoked pork chop, baked potato, apple sauce, roll, sweet treat, and a beverage. The pork chops are from Ossian Smoked Meats.

Cheryl Laley at Ossian Days Pie Auction 2016

How much are Smoked Pork Chop Dinner tickets?

Tickets are $13.00.

Where can I buy Pork Chop Dinner tickets?

You can buy tickets at the Ossian Town Hall, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Ossian Do-It-Best Hardware, and All American Ossian Deli.

You can also buy tickets from any member of the Ossian Economic Revitalization Committee.

Is carry-out available?

Yes. You can pick up your carry-out orders on the west side of the Ossian Days event tent on Craig Street.

The Smoked Pork Chop Dinner is sponsored by the Ossian Economic Revitalization Committee.

Prince and Princess Contest Info

When and Where is the Ossian Days Prince and Princess Contest?

The Prince and Princess Contest is held on Friday at 6pm in the Event Tent.

How can my child enter the Prince and Princess Contest?

For each child entering the contest, you will need to do the following:

All Proceeds from this year Prince and Princess contest will be going to Norwell Dollars for Scholars

All materials must be received no later than Thursday, August 30th.

Does the photograph of my child have to a professional photo?

No, professional photos are not required. Photographs of the contestant may be candid or professional.

Is there a contest entry fee for the Prince & Princess Contest?

No. Contest entry is free for all children who wish to enter.

Who can enter the Ossian Days Prince and Princess Contest?

The Prince and Princess Contest is open to all children ages 4 to 6 years.

Ossian Days Prince & Princess 2016

NOTE: Absolutely NO BATHING SUITS are permitted.

What is the theme for the Prince and Princess Contest?

The theme for 2022 is;

                Renaissance In Ossian! 

What is the maximum number of contestants?

     The maximum number of contestants          is 20. 

What is the age range for the Prince and Princess Contest?

The age range for contestants is 4 to 6 years.

What is the deadline to enter?

Completed Contestant Entry Forms and contestant photographs must be submitted to board member. no later than August  30th.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the Prince and Princess Contest?

All questions about the Prince and Princess Contest should be directed to Bev Grzych at Bev@bkmrealestate.com or  info@ossiandays.com.

View the Prince & Princess Contest Gallery

Click any image to enlarge

Youth Fishing Tournament Info

When is the fishing tournament?

The Youth Fishing Tournament takes place on the Saturday of Ossian Days.

  • The contest begins at 7am.
  • All lines will be out of the water at 8:30am, with prizes to follow.

Where does the Tournament take place?

The location for the Youth Fishing Tournament is Archbold-Wilson Park (Ossian Pond).

What are the age groups for the Tournament?

There are three age groups: 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15.

Will there be prizes?

Yes. Gift cards to the top 3 in each group. All participants get a prize.

Big Wheel Race Info

When is the Big Wheel Race?

The Big Wheel Race takes place on the Saturday of Ossian Days:

  • Sign-up is at 9:30am.
  • Races begin at 10am in the Farmers & Merchants State Bank Parking Lot.

What ages can participate in the Big Wheel Race?

Ages 3 to 6. There are two age groups for the races: 3&4 and 5&6.

Does my child need to have their own Big Wheel to participate?

No. Big Wheels and helmets will be supplied.

Does my child have to wear a helmet?

Yes. Helmets are required to participate, and they will be provided.

What else is required to participate?

Each racer must have completed General Release Form filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian. You can download the General Release Form here.

What are the rules for the Big Wheel Race?

Rules: Heat races will consist of one lap for 3&4 year olds and the trophy race is two laps. Heat races will consist of two laps for 5&6 year olds and the trophy race is also two laps. All participants will receive a prize. Winners get trophies. Awards following the final race.

Donut Hole Eating Contest Info

When and Where does the Donut Hole Eating Contest take place?

The Donut Hole Eating Contest on the Saturday of Ossian Days at 12noon. It will be located in front of the Event Tent.

What do I need to do to participate?

All participants must have a completed and signed General Release Form. Participants under the age of 18 must have their General Release Form signed by a parent or legal guardian. Everyone will need to submit their completed General Release Form at the Ossian Days Booth on the midway before they will be able to participate. You can download the General Release Form here.

What are the rules for the Donut Hole Eating Contest?

Rules: Each contestant will have 2 minutes to eat as many donut holes as possible. Contestants must have donut holes in mouth by the end of 2 minutes. Then you will have 15 seconds to swallow what's in your mouth. If donuts are not swallowed, or are spit out, the contestant will be disqualified – at any time during the contest. 1 bottle of water will be provided to each contestant.

What happens if there is a tie?

In the event of a tie, a sudden death milk chug-off will determine the winner.

What are the age groups?

Age Groups: 9 & under, 10-15, 16-25, and 26 & older.

What prize do the winners receive?

Winning contestants will receive a custom donut hole eating t-shirt by Ossian Days Inc.

Bessie's Movement Info

Bessie's Movement is your chance to win $500!

When and Where does Bessie's Movement take place?

Bessie's Movement is the Saturday of Ossian Days at 1pm. It takes place behind the Event Tent on Craig Street.

How much are Bessie's Movement tickets? Where can I buy them?

Bessie's Movement tickets are $5 per square. You can buy them at All American Ossian Deli, Ossian Do It Best Hardware, Ginger Fresh Market, and Farmers & Merchants State Bank.

How many tickets are available?

We only sell 240 tickets. Make sure to buy your tickets soon!

Ossian Days Parade Info

When is the parade?

The Ossian Days Parade begins at 5:00pm on the Saturday of Ossian Days.

I am in the parade. Where do I go to line up?

Parade participants should line up at the Ossian Town Hall beginning at 4:00pm on Saturday.

The Ossian Town Hall is located at 507 North Jefferson Street. Click here for a map.

When will parade floats be judged?

Float judging will be held BEFORE the parade. All floats MUST be checked in no later than 4:15pm.

Unicyclist in Ossian Days 2016 Parade

How can I participate in the parade?

To enter a float, vehicle, or to march in the parade, you must fill out the Parade Registration Form. (It is an online form.)

Please fill out the Parade Registration Form online by no later than September 16th.

What is the theme for the 2022 Ossian Days Parade?

The theme is: Renaissance In Ossian!

Ossian State Bank's 2016 Parade Float
Ivan Ivans in the Ossian Days 2016 Parade
Boy Scouts in the Ossian Days 2016 Parade

Are parade participants allowed to distribute candy, flyers, or other promotional items?

Yes. Parade participants may distribute items to parade attendees if you wish to do so.

For safety reasons, DO NOT THROW items from floats or vehicles, as this can cause enthusiastic children to run into the parade route and risk getting hit by a vehicle or separated from their parents.

If you are distributing candy or other items, please have people walking with your group who can hand the items to parade attendees as they walk.

Question not answered here?

Please contact the Ossian Board and we'll be happy to help.

2022 Sponsors

These sponsors make the Ossian Days Festival possible. We are grateful for their generous donations that allow all of us to continue enjoying the Ossian Days traditions, and to create new Ossian Days memories.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

  • ALL AMERICAN STORES #8
  • FARMERS & MERCHANTS STATE BANK
  • JERANDAN PORTABLE TOILETS
  • MELCHING MACHINE, INC.
  • STILL WATER FAMILY DENTISTRY

GOLD SPONSORS

  • Barkley Builders, Inc.

    Berne Apparel

    East of Chicago Pizza

    Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home

    Engineering Resources, Inc.

    Ginger Fresh Market LLC

    Hillcrest U-Store

    Joyce Hunter & Family

    Linder Oil, Co.

    Mike Anderson Chevrolet of Ossian, INC.

    Ossian Health Care & Rehabilitation

    Pena's Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

    Rethceif Enterprises, LLC

    Ridge Ossian / Ossian N. A. P. A.

    Smart Fuel LLC. / Food Express

    Trusted Supply Chain Partners, L.L.C.

    Welches All Vehicle Repair


SILVER SPONSORS

  • Edward Jones

    Honegger Animal Clinic

    Ideal Suburban Home, Inc.

    Kemper Flooring, Inc.

    Ossian Hardware Inc.

    Ossian Smoked Meats

    Perma-Column, LLC.

    Rod's Rustics, LLC.

    T. T. G. Equipment

    Wells County Democratic Party

    Yoder Tree Service


BRONZE SPONSORS

  • Archbold & Lewis Insurance, Inc.

    Dennis Ealing / L P L Financial

    Frauhiger Excavating, Inc.

    Fort Wayne Metals

    Karen S. Hitchcock

    Heyerly's Bakery

    K & M Asphalt Sealing

    News-Banner Publications, Inc.

    Ossian Rotary

    Roembke Mfg. & Design, Inc.

    Shelton Financial Group, Inc.

    Swearingen Elder Law, LLC.

    The Waynedale News

    T I Automotive


Thank you, Sponsors!

Meet the Ossian Days Board

While Ossian Days happens for 2 ½ days each year, the work to organize and facilitate the street festival goes on all year long. The Ossian Days Board Members are the individuals who work hard throughout the year coordinating all of the vendors, parade details, and event scheduling to ensure a fun and successful Ossian Days.

 

A.J. Reynolds

A.J. Reynolds

President

Darrell Reynolds

Darrell Reynolds

1st Vice-President

Todd Nash

Todd Nash

2nd Vice-President

Penny Gibson

Penny Gibson

Secretary

Rose Ann Barrick

Rose Ann Barrick

Treasurer

Jack Barrick

Jack Barrick

Director

Quinn Gibson

Quinn Gibson

Director

Beverly Grzych

Beverly Grzych

Director

Contact the Ossian Days Board

10 + 1 =

Other Ways to Contact Us

By Phone:

260-543-0021

This will connect you with Board Treasurer Rose Ann Barrick.

By Mail:

Ossian Days, Inc.
PO Box 225
Ossian, IN 46777

Tell your friends about Ossian Days!