They say history repeats itself, and that will certainly be the case when Pemberville hosts its annual Autumn Fest on the River Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many of the old-fashioned favorites will return for the one-day event held the fourth Saturday each October, however, guests visiting the quaint village nestled on the banks of the Portage River will notice some new features this year too.

More than 75 crafters will be exhibiting their wares inside the American Legion, the elementary school and new this year, inside the Memorial Park shelter house. A variety of crafts will be featured, including wood crafts, florals, candles, jewelry, textiles and fresh baked goods and produce.

Also new to this year’s fest will be the Cine`orama exhibit by Hans Gindlesberger entitled, “Keep Your Ear to the Ground.” Pemberville’s restored Opera House will be the setting for this presentation featuring past and present photographs of Pemberville.

The Opera House will also feature the Ohio Farm Bureau’s display of hats entitled, “A Tip of the Hat to Ohio Agriculture.” Featuring the works of artists from all of Ohio’s 88 counties, the unique display pays tribute to Ohio’s agriculture. Both exhibits will be open throughout the day and are free to the public.

Other new attractions will include historical displays, including one featuring “salt dips” and their role in history, vintage aprons over the years, pine-needle weaving, sock weaving and vintage woodworking. Other featured arts will include broom-making, basket-weaving, soap-making, herbal teas and different forms of caning.

Festivalgoers will enjoy an array of delightful foods starting at the crack of dawn (7:30 a.m.) with the Lumber Jack Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Hall. Other favorites will include the Historical Society’s famous snipple bean soup, also served at the fire hall; homemade doughnuts inside the scout cabin; mulled cider; smoked sausage on a stick; kettle corn; root beer floats; homemade pie and more.

Living historians and settlers of yesteryear will make Pemberville’s Front Street come alive with history as they set up camp along the festival route. Several of Pemberville’s historic landmarks will be showcased with hosts welcoming guests and sharing tidbits of Pemberville history. Sites featured will include the Pember-Furry House, One-Room School, Blacksmith Shop, Old Smokehouse, Beeker’s General Store, Riverbank Antique Market, Pemberville Town Hall/Opera House and Pemberville’s restored Train Depot.

Horse-drawn trolleys/carriages will be the mode of transportation for the day. Pemberville’s only remaining brick street will be featured as a part of the carriage rides, which will depart from the Fire Hall.

Weather permitting, vintage vehicles will be showcased in the downtown area.

Children’s activities will once again be going on inside the Fire Hall as well as at the One-Room School. Clay molding, panning for gold, old-fashioned marbles, basket-weaving and candle-making will be highlighted.

Throughout the day, old-fashioned entertainment will be offered around town, including The Brick Street Strummers, Heritage Minstrels, Patchwork Nancy, Back Porch Dulcimers and more.

A free shuttle will run between the craft show venues, the Fire Hall and Train Depot.

For more information about the festival, call 419-287-3274. Call 419-287-3347 for craft show inquiries.

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