The Ada Farmers and Merchants Picnic celebrates its 100th anniversary in August, but unless more volunteers step up to the plate, the fate of the popular event is in question.
Bernie Mackey, president of the organization, shared that information with two communities groups on April 17. He spoke at the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce meeting at 8 a.m. and again at the Ada Community Improvement Corp. (CIC) meeting at noon.
Mackey said that nine key members of the organization’s board agreed five years ago to stay actively involved until the 100th celebration this summer. After this year’s event, those persons plan to step down from the board.
This year’s picnic is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9 and 10. It is the same date as the Lincoln Highway garage sale, coincidentally celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Lincoln Highway.
Persons interested in assisting in the Farmers and Merchants Picnic are encouraged to contact Mackey at 419-235-4231, or any board member.
Mackey shared with both groups information about this year’s event. which takes place in the Ada Park.
On Friday, Aug. 9, will be a tractor and truck pull involving local competitors. A band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, will be entertainment throughout the day, followed by traditional Farmers and Merchants Picnic events. Those events include everything from a petting zoo to a golf cart pull.
Mackey said that Saturday evening’s tractor pull involves the Ohio State Tractor Pullers and will bring trucks and tractors to the park.
“Fifty vehicles will be involved and from three to four thousand persons may attend,” he said. There will also be a band performing on Saturday night.
One area needing to be resolved this year is the food concession area. A person to be in charge of the concessions is needed.
The Picnic board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Park. The next meeting is at 7 p.m., Monday, April 22, in the old frat house at the park.
Mackey said that proceeds from the Farmers and Merchants Picnic go to the park fund. The event generates from $8,000 to $10,000 each year. Recent donations to the park from the picnic have included small bleachers, benches, picnic tables and a repair of the fence around the house area.
