The village of Felicity is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and not without activities and entertainment spanning three consecutive days.

The celebration, put together by Franklin Historical Society, village council and community members, will held be May 13-15, and each day will be filled with a variety of entertainment, activities and educational opportunities.

“It’s the biggest event I’ve heard of for a little town,” said Kelly Ausman co-chair of the planning committee. “But we’re doing it in style.”

Although the town is small, its history is vast. The Clermont County commissioners honored the town’s anniversary at their regular session April 20.

Commissioner Ed Humphrey said Felicity was a town during the earliest days of settlement and served as a popular gateway. The Bullskin Trail, now known as State Route 133, passed through the town and is recognized by historians as the most utilized north-south trail in Ohio by the Native Americans.

Felicity was also part of the Underground Railroad. Escaped slaves used the trail through Felicity and stayed in houses that still exist in the town. The Underground Railroad Conference will be held in Clermont County this year and visitors will stop at some of the sites in Felicity.

Guests at the 175th anniversary celebration will get to revisit some of this history and more over the three days. Ausman said the celebration will include music, tours, re-enactors, dances, food, arts and crafts, activities for children, and a different era-themed parade each day.

One of the highlights will be the historical walking tour, where guides will lead guests through the town and make stops to hear historical tales from re-enactors. Ausman said the tour will be about 90 minutes long, and transportation is available for those who can’t walk.

Several bands will be featured during the three days including Landon Williams and The Stone Country Band, 5-Thirteen Band, Topeka and Danny Pride. There will be several contests including a corn hole tournament, a baby pageant, baby olympics and a baking contest.

“If you’ve never been to Felicity, or it’s been a long time, come out,” Ausman said. “Get to know us and we will welcome you into our town. Everyone is always taken aback by how pretty it is out here.”

The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. each day and Ausman said all activities will be free except for the country concert Friday night and the 50s and 60s dance Saturday night, both will cost $5, but are also free if guests dress in costume.

The planning committee is still looking for parade participants, vendors, and people to submit historical items for display. They are also looking for residents to submit their stories about growing up in Felicity, which are being compiled for a book. Visit www.felicity175.com for the schedule and more details.