"The Granddaddy Of Them All!"

The idea for the first Hamler Summerfest in Henry County came when a few couples in 1968 visited the Frankenmuth festival in Michigan, and enjoyed its gemurtlekeit (sociability). Both communities are of largely German descent. The first festival began on a Sunday afternoon in a tent behind the American Legion Hall, with two polka bands and a makeshift dance floor. The response was overwhelming with 900 people attending, many until after midnight. The next festival in 1970 was held over two days, attracting 2,000 people. The festival continued to grow in popularity, overflowing the streets and tents. In 1973, festival organizers decided to purchase 13 acres which could be used as a park and festival grounds. In 1975, the Hamler Summerfest honored Hamler's 100th anniversary with a parade with 80 units, a baking contest, a beard and mustache contest, a dress and bonnet contest, and lots of German-style food-bratwurst, German potato salad, hot dogs and sauerkraut, lots of beer, and several polka bands. In July 2000, the festival attracted 20,000 visitors from across the country.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, July 24, 2025

7:00 pm: Interdenominational Church Service

Friday, July 25, 2025   

Gates open at 4:30 pm  
Food line opens at 5:00 pm

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm and 08:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Aaron Dussing Band
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm: Dynabrass

Saturday, July 26, 2025   

Gates Open At 2:00 pm
Food Line Opens At 3:00 pm

Parade Commemorating The Village Of Hamler's 150th Anniversary

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm and 05:30 pm - 07:00 pm: The Garrett Tatano Band
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm and 08:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm: Fred Ziwich

Sunday, July 27, 2025   

Gates Open At 11:00am
Food Line Opens At 11:30am

Kids Day  
- Blow Ups  
- Snow Cones  
- Cotton Candy

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push
01:30 pm - 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Fred Ziwich

Date:
July 25 - 27, 2025

Location:
Hamler Community Park,
100 S 1st St, 
Hamler, OH 43524

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