Roche de Boeuf Festival to celebrate 40th year

Member of the Anthony Wayne High School Marching Generals entertain during a past parade.

A historical-themed parade, food, crafters, and live entertainment are part of the 40th annual Roche de Boeuf Festival on Saturday in downtown Waterville.

Visitors to the festival will have a chance to view, enjoy, and purchase the work of more than 30 local artists. This fine arts section named Rue des Artistes organized by the Silver Lining Gallery of Waterville and the Waterville Area Arts Council, will feature metal works, jewelry, paintings, painted wine glasses, beaded serving utensils, leaf castings, photography, mosaic glass work, and more.

Performances by the Waterville Playshop, Mt. Fuji and the Eruptions, the Dance Centre of Northwest Ohio, Middle Eastern Dancers, Irish Dancers, Sondra Thomas & Lou Webber, and many others will take place across three stages.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. down Farnsworth Road and will feature the 180th Air National Guard and various floats. Additional activities will be available throughout the day, including a train ride, inflatable games, face painting, pony rides, and euro-bungee for children.

Festival attendees can observe many activities of the past in the Pioneer Arts Area, which will feature artisan stations, including basket and chair caning, beekeeping, blacksmithing, butter churning, corn shelling, Indian trading, storytelling, quilting, rug weaving, rope making, woodcarving, and more. The Waterville Historical Museum along River Road will be open for tours.

The 12th Annual Roche de Boeuf Car Show will be held in the Shawn’s Irish Tavern Parking Lot, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

The festival, entertainment and activities are free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Car show registration is $10. Free shuttle service will be available. Information: watervillechamber.com.