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

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
RIDES OPEN
Food Pantry: Get Ride Tickets in exchange for Non-Perishable Food Items
Helen Witte Pie Auction
Business of the Year Award to follow
Location: Event Tent
Lance Hunter Humanitarian Award Announcement
Location: Event Tent
Coalition Quartet
Barbershop quartet, near the Event Tent
Festival Closes for the Day
Please Note: No pets are allowed on the Midway. Only service animals are allowed.
Schedule for Friday, September 16th
RIDES OPEN
Norwell Show Choir Dinner:
Whole hog sausage dinner
Free Face Painting provided by Ossian Days Inc.
Location: Beside the Ossian Days booth
Ossian Days Prince & Princess Contest
Applejack Cloggers
In front of Event Tent
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
Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
Location: In the Event Tent
Sponsor: St. Aloysius Knights of Columbus of Yoder
Sign Up for Big Wheel Race
Big Wheel Race
Location: Farmers & Merchants State Bank Parking Lot
RIDES OPEN
Bessie's Movement
Behind Event Tent on W. Craig St.
$5 per square
Float Judging
Parade Begins
Platinum Sponsor Acknowledgment & Presentations to float winners
FREE Face Painting & Balloon Animals
provided by Ossian Days Inc. beside the Ossian Days booth
Live Music: Austin City Band
Country, Rock & Roll, and Oldies Music
Location: Event Tent
Festival Closes:
See You Next Year!
September 14-15-16, 2023
General Festival Info & FAQs
(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.
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.
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.Â
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.
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.Â
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.
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.
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).
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.
Event Details & FAQs
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.
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:
- Download and complete a Contestant Entry Form.
- Return your completed Contestant Entry Form along with a photo of the contestant to Bev Grzych.Â
By Mail:
Ossian Days, Inc.
Attn. Prince & Princess Contest
PO Box 225
Ossian, IN 46777By Email:Â
orÂ
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.
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!Â
What is the maximum number of contestants?
   The maximum number of contestants     is 20.Â
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.
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.
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.)
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
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
President

Darrell Reynolds
1st Vice-President

Todd Nash
2nd Vice-President

Penny Gibson
Secretary

Rose Ann Barrick
Treasurer

Jack Barrick
Director

Quinn Gibson
Director

Beverly Grzych
Director
Contact the Ossian Days Board
Other Ways to Contact Us
By Email:
On Facebook:
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