CRESTLINE — School is back in session and the fall season is approaching, signaling that it’s nearly festival time.

Crestline Harvest Festival will take place Sept. 12-14 along Thoman Street (state Route 61) from Main Street to Bucyrus Street. The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 with an opening ceremony on the main stage.

“Our committee has been gearing up for this one,” said Clayton Herold, director of the festival committee. “We’re celebrating 50-plus years of the festival this year and sporting a new logo in recognition of that.”

The festival may have a new logo, but a lot of fan-favorite activities will return this year.

Bulldog Backers, combined with Alumni Night, will take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 at The Hub. Bulldog Backers is an annual fundraiser for the Crestline Athletic Boosters and Crestline Youth Sports. It features a reverse raffle with many cash prizes, including the top prize of $1,500. It’s also a great time to reconnect with old classmates.

“I’ve worked the door at previous Alumni Nights,” said Courtney Moody, the committee’s media relations director. “It’s amazing and heartwarming just how many Crestline graduates come back to town for the festival. Once a bulldog, always a bulldog.”

Sept. 14 features a full day of family fun. Prior to the midway opening at noon, the Crestline Fire Department will host its annual pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at the fire station. The Harvest Festival 5K Color Run, presented by OhioHealth, starts at 9 a.m. at the high school. Back the Blue Car and Motorcycle Show begins at 9 a.m. along Seltzer Street and at the Village Hall parking lot.

Kids’ stage entertainment begins at noon. Taylor’s Twists Balloons will be on the kids’ stage from 12-2 p.m. offering free balloons to all children. Royal princesses will be available from 12-3 p.m. at Spots Rolling Bean. COSI Science Live will be near the kids’ stage from 12-3 p.m.

The parade will step off at 3:30 p.m. from Kelly Park, traveling east on Bucyrus Street.

The Great Pumpkin Competition returns for a second year, spearheaded by Marc Sleeckx.

“Get ready for a smashing good time,” Sleeckx said. “Whether your pumpkin is pint-sized or colossal, we welcome all contributions.”

Those interested in bringing pumpkins and other produce to show off should contact Sleeckx at 419-571-4909. Pumpkins will weigh in the afternoon of Sept. 14. A silent auction of all pumpkins will take place during the festival. Bidding will cease at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, and the winners will be announced at 6 p.m. Half of the proceeds will go to the farmer and half will go to new benches around Jayce Pond.

“We’ll crown the champions of our Giant Pumpkin Competition with prizes that will make you pumpkin-spice proud. Best of all, every pumpkin donated and every purchase made goes towards beautifying our beloved JC Pond,” Sleeckx said.

Main stage entertainment

Kicking off entertainment Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. is Tracy Rose, followed by Pioneer Performing Arts.

Friday features Tom’s Kitchen Table (TKT) at 6 p.m. TKT plays a variety of music, from country to pop, 50s/60s to present, and more. Jessica Hannan, a country and rock artist, will perform at 8 p.m.

Phil Dirt and The Dozers will return this year to play at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The band is well-known in the area and crowds have enjoyed their covers of the Beach Boys, Eagles, and more.

“I’d say last year we were standing room only for Phil Dirt, but I think we even ran out of that,” Moody said. “I believe this year we are adding some additional seating and tables to that area so people can enjoy their food while jamming to the music. But I still recommend bringing a folding chair or blanket.”

Jess Kellie Adams, an emerging Nashville country artist, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Main stage contests

Main stage contests begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with a hay bale tossing contest, followed by a pizza eating contest at 12:30 p.m., wing eating contest at 1 p.m., and a mullet contest at 1:30 p.m.

Kids’ stage contests

There will be six contests offered Saturday on the kids stage this year, including the third-annual Crestline Cuties at 9:30 a.m., updo/most creative hair contest at 10:15 a.m., hula hoop contest at 10:30 a.m., limbo contest at 10:45 a.m., cookie face contest at 11 a.m., and a water balloon toss at 11:30 a.m.

Ride tickets

Each ride requires two to three tickets, which will be on sale throughout the festival. All-day wristbands will also be available for purchase.

For more information about the festival, visit crestlineharvestfestival.org.

Submitted by the Crestline Harvest Festival Committee.