53rd Annual Woollybear Festival

Description

A Fuzzy Forecast of Fun: The 2025 Woollybear Festival Returns Sunday, October 5th! Presented by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce & Fox 8 Vermilion, OH – A Celebration of Woollybear Fans and the Unforgettable Dick Goddard! VERMILION, OH – May 16, 2025 – Hold onto your antennae, Ohio! The legendary Woollybear Festival is crawling back into action on Sunday, October 5, 2025 — and it’s shaping up to be the most whimsical, woolly, and wildly wonderful celebration yet! Now in its 53rd year, this beloved one-day bash transforms the charming lakeside town of Vermilion into a fuzzy, fun-filled fantasyland. What began as a quirky idea by the late, great Dick Goddard, beloved Fox 8 meteorologist and animal advocate, has blossomed into Ohio’s largest one-day festival — a jubilant jamboree that captures the hearts of young and old alike. This year’s festival pays special tribute to Goddard’s enduring spirit, legendary love for animals (“the four-foots”), and his whimsical weather wisdom. Fans from across the region will gather once more to revel in a day where woollybear caterpillars take center stage and joy fills every corner. Here’s a peek at the magic in store: The Famous Woollybear Parade – Marching bands, dazzling floats, costumed critters, and more fuzzy friends than you can count! Family Fun Galore – Games, contests, and science-meets-folklore exhibits that educate while they entertain. Live Entertainment – Rock out with Todd Meany and the Ace Molar Band, groove with local dance troupes, and enjoy surprise guest appearances! Food & Craft Wonderland – Savor bites from local favorites and shop handmade treasures by Ohio artisans. “The Woollybear Festival was Dick Goddard’s gift to Ohio — a joyful, lighthearted tradition rooted in his deep love for animals, weather, and community,” said Sandra Coe, Executive Director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. “His spirit continues to guide us each year as we bring people together in celebration. This festival is more than an event — it’s a living tribute to a man who made our world a little kinder, a little fuzzier, and a whole lot more fun.” So, whether you’re a woollybear enthusiast, a first-time fuzzy adventurer, or simply in search of some pure Ohio magic, October 5th is the date to save. Come honor a legend, meet some caterpillars, and soak in the wonder of Vermilion’s most cherished tradition. For details, visit woollybearfestival.com, or reach out to the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce at info@vermilionohio.com / 440-967-4477. About the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce is more than a business network — it’s the heart of a close-knit community. With a mission rooted in connection, celebration, and local pride, the Chamber works tirelessly to support small businesses, create unforgettable events, and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. From lakefront summers to fall’s fuzzy favorites, the Chamber is honored to preserve Vermilion’s charm while building a future that’s bright, welcoming, and uniquely our own. About Fox 8 Fox 8 has long been a trusted voice in Cleveland, bringing communities together through news, weather, and storytelling that matters. As the home of the Dick Goddard Fox 8 Weather Center, the station proudly honors the life and legacy of one of its most beloved figures. Dick’s compassion, curiosity, and love for both people and animals continue to shape the heart of the newsroom. From continuing his mission through the Woollybear Festival to carrying his spirit into every forecast, Fox 8 remains committed to keeping his legacy alive — with warmth, integrity, and a whole lot of heart. Follow the Fuzz! Stay up to date with festival fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram — just search @WoollybearFestival!