Author: Anne Young

Train enthusiasts, come one and come all! The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society is very excited to announce that the 23rd Annual Fostoria Rail Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Held at Fostoria Junior/ Senior High School and Fostoria Elementary School, this event is filled with exciting activities for all who love trains. Head out to the festival to explore and celebrate the rich railroad heritage we have here in Fostoria, Ohio!

Plan Your Visit:

• Date – Saturday, September 27, 2025 
• Time – 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
• Location – Fostoria Junior/Senior High School and Elementary School (1001 Park Ave., Fostoria, OH 44830)
• Admission – $6 (Children under 10 are Free)
• Parking – Free (Available on Site)

This family-friendly event offers fun for all ages. Experience a world of trains with model trains, train merchandise, mini-train ride, kids’ activities, photo contest, and more! Indulge in the various food vendors available at the festival with all the delicious foods there are to offer. Even better, participate in the soup contest where everyone can put their cooking skills to the test! In addition, continue to explore the festival by making your way over to the Iron Triangle to experience trains up close. The Fostoria Iron Triangle Railpark is a 5-acre tract directly inside the three double-track mainline freight trains that run through Fostoria, Ohio. Open 24/7, this park has a 360 degree viewing platform that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the 60 plus trains that travel through Fostoria daily.

The Fostoria Rail Festival is organized by the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the city’s railroad heritage. By visiting the festival, you’re not only building long-lasting memories but supporting a good cause. 

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Take your friends and family for a day full of lasting memories in Fostoria’s rich train heritage at the Fostoria Rail Festival!

For more information on this event visit here.

As we reflect this year on the devastating event that occurred on September 11, 2001- the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the heroic actions of those aboard Flight 93, we encourage you to visit the Tiffin Police and Fire All Patriots Memorial to reflect and take part in a special ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of that day. 

This Thursday, September 11, at 8:46 a.m.- the exact time the first World Trade Center was hit, community members are invited to join local first responders, veterans, and officials in a time of reflection upon this solemn event that forever changed our country. A wreath laying, a rifle salute, and the playing of taps to honor all those who lost their lives for the protection of our people will take place at this ceremony. 

During the ceremony, the American Flag donated by Tiffin native Richard Martin will be placed and flown until sunset as a reminder of the strength our country has had and still has to this day during such a tragic event to our nation. 

The All Patriots Memorial, located at Washington and Water streets, near downtown Tiffin, serves as a reminder of the events of September 11, 2001. Featuring a beam from the World Trade Center, the memorial honors the attacks and commemorates the Tiffin’s police and firefighters who died in the line of duty. Local police, firefighters, and community members raised $375,000 to create the memorial, which was dedicated on September 9, 2012. 

As you visit the memorial, take time to notice its symbolic features. The 17.5-foot, three-ton beam rests at a 9.11-degree angle atop a pentagon-shaped base, representing the attack on the Pentagon. The beam features an “M-18” inscription, the investigator’s identification number, along with the words “Never Forget” etched across the monument. Names of Tiffin fallen police and firefighters are written as well to remember those who put their lives on the line for our community.

Behind the monument stands a Callery pear tree, a tribute to the Survivor Tree from Ground Zero, reduced from the wreckage and later replanted at the new World Trade Center site. Nearby, a 40-inch-tall post honors the Flight 93 passengers, all 40, each inch representing each passenger and crew member who died in the crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In addition, a nearby grass mound symbolizes the crash site of the plane. 

The All Patriots Memorial serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education. It keeps the events of September 11, 2001, alive in our community and honors all local police and firefighters who have and continue to protect our community. The monument flies the United States Flag, the National Fallen Police Flag, and the National Fallen Firefighters Flag. The site is regularly used for memorial services during both local and national tragedies.

We invite you to join us on September 11 to honor those who sacrificed their lives, reflect on the tragic events of 9/11, and ensure that we Never Forget.

Seneca County’s Seasons & Stories – Monthly Blog | September 2025

Each month, we bring you stories and inspiration shaped by what makes that time of year special in Seneca County. From seasonal events and local traditions to unique places and hidden gems, our themes highlight what’s most relevant to the month.

History Comes Alive- Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival Celebrates 45 Years

Living history comes alive again this September! The Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival is looking forward to celebrating 45 years of Tiffin and Seneca County Heritage this year. For over four decades, this beloved event has brought the past to life for visitors and community members alike. This event is treasured as a time to experience and celebrate our past, which has given us our rich heritage for our community today. Explore all this festival has to offer this year for an unforgettable weekend of fun!

Living History Village | Hedges-Boyer Park

The Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival is proud to host their “Living Village” at Hedges Boyer Park, Tiffin, OH. While at the Living Village, you can step back in time from the 1800s to the mid-1900s in an immersive experience filled with many activities for all ages. Enjoy delicious food, some even cooked over an open fire in the living village. Along with that, listen to folk and period music as you enjoy the festival with families and friends. The village features “Hands on Arts” spaces where you can experience the past times of our ancestors free of charge. In addition, visitors can also shop for vintage and early American arts and crafts proudly displayed by dedicated crafters. Along the way, enjoy interactions with reenactors from various periods, all who have been serving and sharing their gifts with this festival for over 40 years. 

For more information, visit here.

Downtown Tiffin | Entertainment & German Village

In the Downtown Area of this festival, visitors will find plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy a German Heritage tent with live music and fun German-themed activities for kids that feel just like you’re in Oktoberfest. Enjoy food from the various food vendors set up along the midway and shop from over 50 artisans displaying their unique crafts. Don’t forget to stop at the children’s area, as well as the German Heritage lot for face-painting, crafts, coloring, and more!

Head over to the East Green Amphitheater to hear from talented local and statewide performers all day long. The T Town DJ will be there all day to keep the music and vibes pumping in between sets for a fun music-filled atmosphere!

For more information, visit here.

TSHF Royalty Pageant

Our Heritage Festival is proud to host an annual royalty pageant for our local youth. The court proudly represents our festival as they visit other festivals all across the state during their reign. Serving on the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival Royalty Court is more than just a crown, it’s a connection of youth who share their love for our county with pride everywhere they go. This year’s festival pageant will be held on September 13, 2025. Mark your calendars and join the court as a time to celebrate our youth, our heritage, and our bright young leaders we have where we call home, Seneca County. 

For more information, visit here.

School Days

A unique tradition of the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival is its annual School Days Program. This experience invites fourth graders from local school districts to take a step outside the classroom. Students are able to come together to learn about their Ohio heritage in a sanctioned experience hosted in Living Village.  This private event allows students to visit with historical reenactors, enjoy music, and participate in fun-filled activities with their friends and classmates. This experience is a proud event that the Heritage Festival boasts as a time of community outreach to our youth that continues our proud Ohio heritage. They are proud to be able to host it annually as not only a way to provide kids with unique experiences, but pass down the stories, spirit’s, and pride we have of Ohio’s past with your youth.

TSHF Parade

We are proud to announce that the Heritage Festival Parade, sponsored by Brian Bower- loanDepot, will take place Saturday September 20, 2025 at 10 am. This parade showcases groups from all over our community, from our local bands, schools, businesses, organizations, and more. The annual parade is a proud tradition that our community looks forward to every year to share with one another as a time of celebration in the heart of it all. Bring your families and friends for an unforgettable experience!

This year’s Grand Marshals are Ron & Melissa Kramer, Jim & Brenda Stultz, and Gary & Jan Dundore. These three couples have been long-time volunteers for the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival and for more than two decades were part of the minds, hands, and hearts that made the festival possible. Without their leadership, oversight, hard work, and passion, the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival would not be what it is today. These three couples worked alongside many other dedicated volunteers to ensure the festival’s success and longevity.

The Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival is a beloved event that our community looks forward to every year. For 45 years, this event has been a testament to our community’s pride in sharing our history and spirit with all who visit. From the vibrant living village to the downtown festivities, there is something for everyone. Gather your family and friends and experience our proud Ohio heritage right here in the heart of Seneca County. Mark your calendars and plan to be a part of the 45th annual Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival. We can’t wait to see you there!

For a schedule of all Festival events visit here.

Seneca County’s Seasons & Stories – Monthly Blog | August 2025

Each month, we bring you stories and inspiration shaped by what makes that time of year special in Seneca County. From seasonal events and local traditions to unique places and hidden gems, our themes highlight what’s most relevant to the month.

Seneca County Heads Back to Class – Get Schooled in the Education Community

It’s that time again! As we gear up this August for back to school season, we’d like to take some time to look at the amazing schools and resources we have locally here in Seneca County. With numerous education options from pre-k to higher education, Seneca County has all that you could ever need right here at home. With two universities located in the heart of Seneca County, there are endless learning opportunities here in our community!

Our Schools

Here in Seneca County, we have many educational options all across the community. With 11 schools, two located in the county seat, Tiffin, there is much to offer. There are so many choices for families to find the perfect school community for them. Seneca County is a proud home to all the schools that build and support safe spaces for learners of all ages!

Tiffin City Schools

Serving PK-12 students, Tiffin City Schools is a public school district that provides learning for all ages. With six schools working together as one, they are based in the county seat of Seneca County, Tiffin. Tiffin City Schools is proud to work in partnership with students, families, and their community to create a learning environment where all students can feel confident and reach their full potential. For more information visit here.

Calvert Catholic Schools

As the only private school located in Seneca County, Calvert Catholic Schools is devoted to educating students from PK-12 as one family committed to Christ. They focus on an education centered spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. With an elementary and high school located near downtown Tiffin, Calvert offers faith-based education right in the heart of Tiffin. For more information visit here.

Hopewell-Loudon Schools

Located in West Central Seneca County, Hopewell-Loudon Schools offers PK-12 education in a rural setting. Housed in one building, education is served in a close-knit community between grades that strives to uphold the values of the entire school community. For more information visit here.

New Riegel Local School District

Providing education to PK-12 students, New Reigel Local School District is a small school focused on serving its community. They strive for their students to achieve academic excellence and push them to the next level while being supported in a safe environment. For more information visit here.

Seneca East Local Schools

Located in Attica, Seneca East is a PK-12 school serving the County area. The district is dedicated to providing high-quality education in a safe, supportive environment. All in one building, Seneca East fosters academic excellence in a small community to prepare its students for successful lives. For more information visit here.

Mohawk Local School District

Mohawk Local School District is a proud district offering PK-12 education to our area. With all grades in one building, Mohawk brings a sense of community and family to its small district. For more information visit here.

Old Fort Local School District

Located in the northern part of our county, Old Fort Local School District provides PK-12 education to our area. A school rooted in tradition, Old Fort is a proud community striving to support kids in their futures. For more information visit here.

Fostoria City School District

Serving PK-12, Fostoria City School District is devoted to providing academic excellence in our area. With dedication to inspire and achieve, students are pushed to their full potential in all aspects. For more information visit here.

Seneca County Opportunity Center

The Seneca County Opportunity Center, operated under the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities, provides services to those with disabilities in our community. With adapting to the constantly-changing disability services landscape, SCOC provides care for children to adults in many different forms. SCOC works very hard to ensure there are community spaces and places accessible for all those with a disability in our community. For more information visit here.

Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers

Providing education for workforce preparation, Sentinel focuses on career and technical education in our area. An award-winning school district, Sentinel is committed to student success, providing students with premier opportunities to help them achieve high levels of academic excellence. For more information visit here.

Our Universities

Seneca County is proudly home to two universities, Tiffin University and Heidelberg University. Rich in tradition and history, both universities bring together students from all across the globe into our community. Students from all backgrounds come together at these institutions to proudly call Seneca County their home.

Tiffin University

One of the two universities located in our county, Tiffin University provides education for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. With more than 3,000 students TU provides a homey campus with excellent professors for a strong-suited education located in a small community. Along with that, TU offers online schooling, providing the opportunity for people from all over the country to obtain degrees from this prestigous institution. For more information visit here.

Heidelberg University

Also located in Seneca County, Heidelberg University serves education through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. A school dedicated to challenging their students, Heidelberg is a dedicated community of Opportunity Makers built for more in their futures. Integrating liberal arts and professional preparation across all disciplines, students are prepared to be global citizens and to exceed expectations in their futures. For more information visit here.

Libraries 

We’re so fortunate to have so many amazing libraries in our community. From bouncing babies, to an enthrilling novel, everyone is sure to be able find something they love at these beloved libraries in our communities.

• Tiffin-Seneca Public Library
• Kaubisch Memorial Public Library
• Seneca East Public Library
• Beeghly Library
• Pfeiffer Library

Educational Centers

Along with our libaries, we are proud to have profound educational centers in our community. These centers work hand and hand with our local districts to serve students of all ages in our community with the help and training they need.

North Central Ohio Educational Service Center

Committed to serving our community, the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center offers high-quality programs and services that help school districts meet their unique needs. With a network of resources at local, state, and national levels, NCOESC is a top provider for our area in resources that any district could need. For more information visit here.

Fostoria Learning Center

Serving K-12 and adult learners, Fostoria Learning Center is a  n outlet delivering high-quality training opportunities to the Seneca County area. With specialized labs for welding, industrial maintenance, medical training, and construction, the Fostoria Learning Center uplifts individuals going through their programs. With strong connections with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, the Fostoria Learning Center empowers people with training to help them exceed excellence in the workforce. For more information visit here.

Tax-Free Season

All geared up for school? Take this opportunity to get anything from school supplies, back to school clothes, and more during tax free season in Ohio! Running from August 11th-14th, shoppers are able to purchase eligible items without paying state sales tax both in-store and online. Not only is this a great time to save some money, but its a great time to love local. Go out and support these small businesses who support our community. Seek Seneca County!

We wish everyone a great upcoming school year! Seneca County is so proud to be home and a part of so many wonderful schools and resources our area provides.

Celebrate Freedom, Seneca County Style! Celebrate Independence Day this year with fun activities, spectacular entertainment, and sparkling fireworks for a night you’ll never forget. Seneca County is filled with events and activities for all ages for a weekend of Independence fun. Bring your family and friends to Seneca County for a memorable night with those you love!

Tiffin, OH- July 4th

The City of Tiffin is excited to host their annual 4th of July Celebration on Friday, July 4th at Hedges Boyer Park. It will be a day of food, fun, and fireworks with the fourth annual Cruisin’ Thru the Years Car Show to take place at this wonderful celebration with fireworks planned to start around 10 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to park off site and walk to the park for ease of access to get out after the fireworks show concludes. 

Schedule of Events:

9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Cruisin’ Thru the Years Car Show

12:00 PM- 8:00 PM Outdoor Pool Opens

3:00 PM- 7:00 PM Inflatables (next to Tennis Court)

4:30 PM- 6:30 PM Adam Sendel Music 

7:00 PM- 10:00 PM SoulPilot 

10:00 PM Fireworks

Fostoria, OH- July 5th

The City of Fostoria is excited to host this year’s Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 5th at Foundation Park. The day will include various vendors, a talent show, and fireworks to end the night. Come out to enjoy a fabulous day of celebration in Fostoria!

Schedule of Events:

6:00 PM – Talent Show Begins

Fireworks Begin at Dusk

Green Springs, OH- July 5th

The village of Green Springs is proud to present this year’s Independence Day Celebration, which will be held on Saturday, July 5th, at the Green Springs Fire Department. Celebrate Independence Day with a day full of activities and vendors for all ages. The day will start with a fun-filled parade and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show at dusk. Bring your family and friends to a day full of Summer fun!

Schedule of Events:

2:30 PM – Parade Line Up

3:00 PM –

• Parade 
• County Line Tug-O-War
• Food Trucks Until Midnight
• 50/50 & Gambling

3:00 PM- 12:00 – AM Beer Tent & Music

4:00 PM – Life Flight & EMS Meet & Greet

4:00 PM- 8:00 PM –

• Inflatables
• Trampoline
• FacePaint
• Fire Truck Train Ride

4:30 PM –

• Corn Hole Tournament Registration
• Kiddy Tractor Pull Registration

5:00 PM –

• Corn Hole Tournament Begins
• Kiddy Tractor Pull Begins

5:00 PM- 7:00 PM – Dunk Your Local Celebrity

6:00 PM- 10:00 PM – Old Skool Band

Fireworks Begin at Dusk

There are so many events to explore this upcoming Independence Week right here in Seneca County. Come out to enjoy a night full of Red, White, and Blue fun!