By Lindsey Rowland
lrowland@wbcowqel.com
Ten years ago, a group of professionals in New Washington lamented over the condition of the downtown area. Their concern for the deterioration that they saw formed the New Washington Development Group, which began to do great work in refreshing New Washington.
To help offset the cost, the Dutchtown Hatchery Festival, named for New Washington being the “Birthplace of the Baby Chick Industry,” was formed and has stuck around ever since. This year’s event is being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Every year, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is raffled off and on Thursday afternoon, Jerry Wurm, a member of the force that runs the festival, was polishing it up to be given to one lucky winner at the end of the day on Saturday. Wurm was excited to boast that this was the Hatchery Festival’s 10th Year.
“It has gathered the community together, helped our downtown, and made everything look nice, which is where the proceeds all go to,” Wurm said, “I think it’s something that we decided to do because it is a nice community event and we help our area.”
Municipal Court Judge Sean Leuthold, who was also out enjoying the festivities, agrees.
“I think that these festivals are very important because one of the things that makes Crawford County great is that we have a great sense of community and the Hatchery Festival just symbolizes that. Especially here in New Washington, where the people are very close, they like to help each other and spend time with each other and to see each other out and enjoying themselves and enjoying the community.”
The Hatchery Festival on its opening day was full of sunshine and the sight of community members mingling with one another, playing games, riding rides, and of course, enjoying the food.
“I always like to go to the festivals and try all of the different treats that they have available,” Leuthold commented, contributing to the palpable energy and excitement behind one of the New Washington community’s biggest and best experiences.
After a full day on Thursday that featured the music of Dave Miller and Carlyle Smith and a Kiddie Tractor Pull, festival goers will continue to enjoy the lineup for Friday, which includes the John Kennedy Band at the Gazebo at 6 p.m., a cornhole tournament, also at 6 p.m., and “The Richies” (Luke Reitschlin) at the Main Stage beginning at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, the Ohio Youth Entertainers will be at the Gazebo from 1-3:30, with the Our Gang Band following them from 3:30-4:30. A festival parade will march through at 5, and the New Washington Town Band will perform at the Gazebo before the Kiddie Tractor Pull takes place at 7. Also at 7 and going until 11, Brian Moore will play on the Main Stage. Fireworks will take place at dusk and the Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be raffled off immediately afterward.