Woollybear Festival

05/21/2026

FOX 8 celebrating one of their own the right way. 💙

Happy Lil’ John Rinaldi Day! Thanks for all the laughs, energy, and years of keeping Northeast Ohio entertained. We love seeing our friends at FOX 8 recognized and celebrated! 🎉📺

A very special day for a very special person! Lil’ John has brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments to Northeast Ohio for so many years, and here in Vermilion, he’s become a huge part of the Woollybear Festival family too. From the parade route to the FOX 8 fun, he helps create memories generations look forward to every year.

Congratulations on Lil’ John Rinaldi Day! Well deserved, our friend! 🐛🎈

Now, FOX 8 is celebrating Lil’ John Rinaldi Day as this Cleveland television legend releases his new book “Laughing My Way Through Life.”

05/20/2026

🎶 Calling All Marching Bands! 🎶

The 54th Annual Woollybear Festival Parade returns to Vermilion on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM, and we want YOUR band to be part of the fun!

Presented by FOX 8 Cleveland, the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, and the Vermilion High School Marching Band, the Woollybear Festival Parade is one of the top parades in the United States and the largest one-day festival event in the State of Ohio, drawing more than 150,000 spectators each year!

Participating bands will receive:
🎵 Extensive FOX8 television exposure
🎵 On-air recognition of participating bands
🎵 Official Woollybear medallions
🎵 The opportunity to experience the full “Woollybear Craze!”

Enjoy a full day of:
🐛 Live entertainment
🐛 FOX8 personalities
🐛 Woollybear souvenirs
🐛 Costume contests
🐛 Food vendors
🐛 Family fun throughout downtown Vermilion

We know bands travel with a lot of equipment and many come from long distances, so we are happy to help make arrangements for your group to enjoy the festival before stepping off in the parade.

Band directors: Please complete the online registration form at:
🌐 WoollybearFestival.com
Or https://members.vermilionohio.com/ap/Events/Register/zBFA68qigCACR

Additional parade information including maps, directions, and line-up details will be emailed after September 20, 2026.

Come be part of Ohio’s woolliest tradition! 🐛🎺

05/19/2026

The 54th Annual Woollybear Festival Returns to Vermilion on Sunday, October 4, 2026 🖤🧡

Presented by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and FOX 8 🧡

VERMILION, OH, get ready for a fuzzy forecast of fun as Ohio’s most unique and beloved one day festival returns to Downtown Vermilion on Sunday, October 4, 2026!

The 54th Annual Woollybear Festival will once again celebrate the legendary legacy of Dick Goddard, beloved FOX 8 meteorologist, passionate animal advocate, and founder of this iconic Ohio tradition.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Vermilion for a day packed with family fun, laughter, entertainment, and of course, woollybear caterpillars!

Festival highlights include:
•The Wonderful Wacky Woollybear Parade
• The Woollybear 500 Caterpillar Race
• Animal Look A Like Costume Contest
• Kids Costume Contest and Woollybear King and Queen Crowning
• Live Entertainment Throughout the Day
• FOX 8 Personalities and Special Guests
• FOX 8’s Official Winter Weather Prediction
• Food Vendors, Local Merchants, and Craft Vendors

Every year the Woollybear Festival brings people together in the most fun and heartwarming way. It’s a day filled with smiles, tradition, community pride, and memories for families of all ages. Dick Goddard created something truly special, and we’re honored to continue celebrating his love for animals, people, and Ohio right here in Downtown Vermilion.

The Woollybear Festival continues to be one of Ohio’s largest and most recognized fall festivals, drawing visitors from across the region to beautiful Downtown Vermilion along the shores of Lake Erie.

woollybearfestival.com

Follow the official Woollybear Festival page for announcements and festival updates.

05/13/2026

🐛🧡 The woolly bears are getting ready to roll back into Vermilion!

The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and FOX 8 Cleveland will be announcing the official 2026 Woollybear Festival date soon…we’re just waiting on the Cleveland Browns schedule release expected by May 14! 🏈🍂

Be sure to follow the official Woollybear page and keep checking woollybearfestival.com for updates, announcements, and all the fuzzy fun ahead!

02/24/2026

Happy Heavenly Birthday to the late, great Dick Goddard.
For decades, Dick was more than a meteorologist, he was a steady, trusted presence in the homes of families across Northeast Ohio. Through blizzards, sunshine, and every forecast in between, he brought warmth, reassurance, and a genuine smile that made people feel connected.

But his legacy reaches far beyond the weather map.

As the founding father of the beloved Woollybear Festival, he created something truly special…a celebration that brought together generations, supported animal welfare, and became a treasured tradition in our community.

His passion for protecting animals was heartfelt and unwavering. He didn’t just say the words, he lived them: “Be kind to all animals.”

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every Woollybear Festival, every act of kindness toward an animal, and every Northeast Ohio family who grew up watching him.

His warmth. His wisdom. His heart.
Never forgotten. Always cherished. 🌤️🐾 🎈

01/11/2026

Didn’t snag your 2025 Woollybear tee? No worries, we still have a few left! These super soft, comfy shirts were designed by our friend at Szabo Apparel and are perfect for showing off your Woollybear pride year-round.

👉 Grab yours before they’re gone: https://members.vermilionohio.com/store/StoreItemDetails?StoreItemId=35808&quantity=0

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

We just had to share this great moment between Vermilion Police Chief Hartung and Vermilion Chamber Festivals Chairman Doug Keith Jr. during last Sunday’s Woollybear Parade! 🎉🤎🧡🔆🐛

After 26 years of dedicated service with the Vermilion Police Department, 14 of those as Chief, Chief Hartung will officially retire in April 2026. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our community have built an incredible legacy here in Vermilion.

The best part? Retirement doesn’t mean goodbye! Chief Hartung and his wonderful wife plan to continue serving Vermilion by volunteering with the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and our festival committees. 💙

Chief, we know you’ve been looking forward to this moment for 26 years, and we can’t wait to have you join us on the fun side of the festivals!
Just text us your committee tee size…your spot’s already saved! 👕🔆🥳

10/09/2025