SYCAMORE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Sycamore American Legion Post #250 is ready to welcome the community to its sixth annual Summer Fest, which will take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in downtown Sycamore. The family-friendly event promises bounce houses, kids’ games, face painting, a dunk tank, pedal tractor pulls, a 5K run, a hot dog eating contest, food trucks and more.

A longtime community anchor that has served veterans and families for 106 years, the American Legion Post #250 owns and manages the upkeep of two local baseball fields; hosts community meals, including breakfasts, fish fries, and wing nights; presents the annual free community Easter egg hunt at Veterans Memorial Park as well as the annual community Halloween parade. However, over the last several years, the Legion’s Summer Fest has become its flagship celebration.

Jason Campbell, adjutant for the Sons of the American Legion, and Commander Michael Granata launched the Legion’s Summer Fest in 2021 after a COVID-related delay from the post’s 100th anniversary in 2020. What started as a simple beer garden with live music has steadily grown.

“We decided to keep going with it,” Campbell said. “Our goal was, in five years, to have stuff on the streets for the kids. We achieved that last year, and we’re just going to keep growing it — getting more of the community and different organizations involved.”

Attendees may purchase a wristband for only $5, which grants the wearer all-day access to bounce houses, the pedal tractor pull, and more. Additional activities, such as the dunk tank, require an additional donation. However, there will be plenty of free entertainment and activities throughout the day at participating local businesses.

What’s New This Year

Organizers say they have significantly expanded the 2026 event with the addition of even more food, beverages, and entertainment. This year, festival-goers can:

  • Participate in the event’s new 5K run. The activity has already attracted more than 100 registrants, with sign-ups still open.
  • Cheer on pedal tractor pull participants.
  • Taste delicious dishes from six food trucks, a major increase from previous years.
  • Enjoy extended festival hours on the street from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., twice as long as previous years.
  • Take part in additional attractions including bounce houses, kids’ games, a dunk tank and a hot dog eating contest.

Local businesses are also enhancing the family atmosphere with free activities along the street. Local grocery store, IGA, will offer face painting, while the local post office is planning a small petting zoo (weather permitting). Additional vendors will also be on hand during the event.

For those 21 and older, the beer garden will be open from 4 p.m. until midnight and will feature live music and a cornhole tournament starting at 5:30 p.m.

Entertainment Highlights

As the day goes on, music will take center stage with two strong acts.

  • Eric Sowers and his band (5:30–8:30 p.m.) A hometown favorite, Eric grew up in Sycamore and continues to be well-known throughout the area.
  • Old Skool (9 p.m.–midnight). Since 2013, this high-energy Cleveland-based band has been known for tight performances, choreographed moves, and a mix of ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, R&B, dance, pop, rock, funk, and disco hits. The group has played venues from bars and weddings to stadiums and corporate events, keeping dance floors packed all night.

A Day For The Whole Family

Families can make a full day of it with activities for all ages, great food and live entertainment in the heart of downtown. Last year’s addition of kids’ programming exceeded expectations, drawing strong crowds.

“The community has been really great, especially after we started putting stuff on the street for the kids last year,” Campbell said. “It actually got a lot more people involved.”

The Legion works with partners including the Wyandot County Chamber of Commerce, which is providing volunteer support. Campbell noted volunteers remain essential to the event’s success.

Looking Ahead

Organizers say they plan to keep building the festival. Future ideas include a 3-on-3 basketball contest and, potentially, expanding to multiple days.

“We’ve definitely been tossing around the idea of having the festival multiple days, but right now we’re limited on space,” Campbell said. He recalled larger multi-day Sycamore summer festivals from his childhood and hopes infrastructure improvements, such as widening Kilborne Street, could make expansion possible.

Behind the scenes, Campbell said he, Granata, and the festival planning committee handle year-round planning, often booking bands nearly a year in advance. Those who would like to participate in next year’s event should reach out early.

Plan To Attend

Mark your calendar for the Sycamore American Legion Summer Fest on Saturday, June 27, downtown Sycamore. Whether you come for the 5K, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, or the beer garden, the day offers classic small-town fun with a strong sense of community.

For more details, visit the Sycamore American Legion Festival page on Facebook. To volunteer or for questions, contact Jason Campbell at 567-240-1622. The Legion Post can also be reached at (419) 927-5854.

The American Legion thanks all sponsors and the community for their continued support in making the event possible.