Pictured are participants in the June In Olde Williamsburgh parade, held June 23, 2023, in the village of Williamsburg.
Pictured are participants in the June In Olde Williamsburgh parade, held June 23, 2023, in the village of Williamsburg.
Pictured are participants in the June In Olde Williamsburgh parade, held June 23, 2023, in the village of Williamsburg.
Emberly Lynch, age 4, shows the candy she collected from the June In Olde Williamsburgh parade, held June 23, 2023, in the village of Williamsburg.
Pictured are volunteers with the American Legion Post 288 Beer Garden.
Pictured is part of the June in Olde Williamsburgh festival on June 23, 2023.
Pictured are volunteers with the Williamsburg Wrestling team at the June in Olde Williamsburgh festival on June 23, 2023.
Pictured are volunteers with the June in Olde Williamsburgh Committee at the June in Olde Williamsburgh festival on June 23, 2023.
Pictured are kids enjoying a carnival ride at the June in Olde Williamsburgh festival on June 23, 2023.
Pictured are festivalgoers enjoying the carnival rides and games at the June in Olde Williamsburgh festival on June 23, 2023.
Beautiful weather and the lure of food, music, crafts, and kidsfest brought festivalgoers to the annual June In Olde Williamsburgh festival, held June 23-24 on Main Street in the village of Williamsburg.
June in Olde Willimasburgh is an annual festival held in Williamsburg, and it offers community fun, amusement rides, a parade, vendor booths, food trucks, fireworks, games, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
The event is a continuation of the festivities of the Bicentennial of Olde Williamsburgh festival in 2016.
The June in Olde Williamsburgh Committee, also known as the “Bicentennial of Olde Williamsburgh,” a non-profit organization, organizes the festival each year.
The 2023 June in Olde Williamsburgh Committee members are Chair George Seip, Treasurer Krissy Harmon, Secretary Ginger Allen, Amy Raymond, Robert Lykins, Tracy Ortman, Gayle Burroughs, Kristin Sampsel, and Ronda Rolph.
Ortman shared her thoughts on what inspires people to get involved with the festival
“The Williamsburg community is such a great community, close-knit community, and all of us come together,” she said.
She explained that the committee focuses on highlighting local organizations and businesses, before offering opportunities for outside vendors.
“I think just about everyone here is from ‘burg, or pretty darn close to it,” Ortman said.
She explained how she feels being part of the annual event.
“It feels good. It feels like you’re doing something to bring everyone in the community together. It’s what drives the passion for the committee, to do something and give back to Williamsburg,” Ortman said, adding, “We have a little fun, and bring a little business to the town.”
Ron Champman, a volunteer with the American Legion Post 288 beer garden, shared his thoughts on what makes the festival special.
“It brings the community together, and the American Legion has been a part of this community for more than 100 years,” he said. “We give back to the community whenever we can, and it’s just great to be here.”
Proceeds from the beer garden go to help fund the charities of the post, including helping to feed families at Christmastime, sending boys and girls to State programming with the American Legion of Ohio, and supporting local athletic groups.
Parade watcher Cindy Glover, of Williamsburg, joined in the festivities with her family to watch her son and his baseball team in the parade.
Glover said that she regularly attends the festival.
“I come because friends and family get together and hang out and just have fun at the carnival and the parade,” she said.
Williamsburg Mayor Mary Ann Lefker said that the event serves as a “homecoming.”
“It’s an opportunity for people to come together for a weekend. It’s a unique community; it truly, truly is,” she said. “I love it. I love that there are volunteers who are willing to do it, and I always ask our community to support it, and they do.”
She added, “You need these opportunities to not only be from here but to come here.”