Epworth Park Caps 35th Annual Chautauqua Days Fest
BETHESDA – The 35th rendition of the Epworth Park Cottage Owners’ Chautauqua Days Festival took place the weekend of July 12-13 at the historic park that got its start as a Methodist church camp in 1870.
Saturday saw the association’s first Chautauqua Days Royalty contest with the selection of four young ladies as Little Miss, Petite Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Chautauqua Days.
Other highlights Saturday included a youth fishing tournament sponsored by the village of Bethesda, quilt show, antique and craft vendor booths, ice cream parlor, food trucks, and children’s activities featuring a pirate show, foam machine, scavenger hunt, face painting and balloon artist.
Musical performances in the auditorium Saturday was provided by Celtic musicians Dee & Paddy and Poor Man’s Heaven.
Sunday’s activities got underway with morning worship service in the Auditorium. Pastor Tom Detling of the Bethesda Methodist Church shared a gospel message at 10:30 a.m.
The popular Union Local Rotary Car Show was staged on the other side of the lake. Several of the entrants joined the parade procession following the show.
A Pageant Queen’s Luncheon took place at the Auditorium at noon. Joining the Chautauqua Royalty were queens and princesses from eight other festivals from the Kilbuck Early American Days, Cy Young Days Newcomerstown, Bakersville Homecoming Queen, Nelsonville Parade of the Hills, Miss Teen Great Lakes, West Jefferson Ox Roast, Hometown Holidays of Baltimore, Ohio and the Lisbon Johnny Appleseed Festival.
The day was capped off with a festival parade featuring Chautauqua and visiting royalty, the Bethesda American Legion Honor Guard, Bethesda and Smith Township VFDs, ODOT and others. Longtime Epworth Park cottage owner Bruce Duncan was honored as parade marshal.
Barnesville Area News Needs Your Support!
We're dedicated to providing coverage of the local happenings in Barnesville and the neighboring communities.
As a non-profit entity, we rely on the donations of readers like you.
Make a donation today and you'll be helping keep local news alive in the Barnesville area.