The Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 48th annual Roche de Boeuf Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Saturday, September 25 in downtown Waterville.
The festival features a variety of activities for all ages and free entertainment throughout the day. Waterville’s downtown streets will be filled with fine arts, food, vendors, a car show, live entertainment, and even a parade, plus new this year, a beer tent. In the family entertainment area, children will enjoy musicians, magicians, plays and dancers.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade steps off down Farnsworth Road and will feature various floats. Those interested in participating in the parade can register at watervillechamber.com.
Following the parade, there will be three stages of free entertainment featuring bands Ice Cream Militia, J.T. Hayden Band, Bliss and many more great bands and performers. There also will be inflatable rides, and old-fashioned games in Waterville’s Historic District.
The annual Roche de Boeuf car show will take place at the corner of Third and South streets in the parking lot of Shawn’s Irish Tavern. Car registration begins at 8 a.m. with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for several categories and plaques given to the first 100 registered cars. Participants also will have a chance to win door prizes throughout the day. Car show registration is $10, and forms are available on the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce website.
According to chamber ex ecutive director Corina Pfleghaar, in addition to the many festivities, Waterville retailers and restaurants will provide special offers throughout the day.
“The Roche de Boeuf Festival with its parade and car show have been very popular community events, attracting thousands of people for many years,” said Mrs. Pfleghaar.
The festival name, Roche de Boeuf, is a French translation meaning “Rock of Beef” or “Buffalo Rock,” which commemorates the rock which is still present in the Maumee River at Waterville. The rock was used by the Ottawa Indians as a staging ground for hunting and war times, as well as a council ground for peace treaties.
The Roche de Boeuf Festival is provided by the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce and Shawn’s Irish Tavern in Waterville, as well as many additional sponsors. For more information, visit watervillechamber.com.
