Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival 2025 | Ohio's Largest Bratwurst Celebration
Established in 1967 as Colonel Crawford Days, our organization has grown to become Ohio's premier bratwurst celebration. We take pride in hosting the only festival in the state with nightly parades, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually. Our event showcases fire-roasted bratwurst perfected by local butchers with German heritage, complemented by diverse entertainment options. We maintain rigorous safety standards for all attractions while fostering community through initiatives like the Bucyrus Backpack Program.Our team coordinates daily parades, eating contests, and cultural showcases that reflect Bucyrus' heritage. With continuous improvements since our founding, we remain committed to providing family-friendly entertainment while supporting local students through charitable programs. Our multi-day celebration features structured schedules with designated stages for performances, ensuring organized enjoyment for all attendees.
Services
Bratwurst Eating Contest
Nightly Parades
Royalty Pageants
Craft Show
Color Run/Walk
Stein Auction
5K Race
Bike Ride Event
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We've hosted Ohio's largest bratwurst festival continuously since 1967
- Offer unique nightly parades with structured entertainment schedules
- Support local students through the Backpack Program charity initiative
- Feature diverse family-friendly activities including contests and craft shows
- Maintain Ohio state-certified ride safety standards for all attractions
Services
Bratwurst Eating Contest
Competitive food event testing participants' bratwurst consumption abilities. Judges monitor contestants' progress with safety protocols in place. Winners receive recognition and prizes while spectators enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Nightly Parades
Daily processions featuring decorated floats, local organizations, and entertainment groups. Parades follow a fixed route through downtown Bucyrus with designated viewing areas. Events include special lighting effects during evening hours.
Royalty Pageants
Annual competition selecting festival ambassadors through talent demonstrations and community service evaluations. Participants receive crowns and sashes while gaining public speaking opportunities. Winners represent the festival at regional events.
Craft Show
Vendor marketplace showcasing handmade goods and local artisans. Participants must complete online registration with non-refundable deposits. The show features diverse crafts including woodwork, textiles, and food products.
Color Run/Walk
5K fundraising event combining physical activity with festival branding. Participants receive commemorative items while supporting community initiatives. The course winds through local streets with color stations at intervals.
Questions
When does the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival occur?
The festival runs annually on the third weekend in August. In 2025, it will be held August 14-16.
How can I participate in eating contests?
Register online through the festival website by selecting your preferred food category. Contests include bratwurst, ice cream, and cream puff divisions.
What charitable programs does the festival support?
Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle directly fund the Bucyrus Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for local students in need.
Are there family-friendly activities available?
Yes, we offer rides, games, craft shows, and structured entertainment suitable for all ages. The festival maintains Ohio-certified ride safety standards.
How can I volunteer for the festival?
Contact the organizers through the official website or attend volunteer registration events. Opportunities include event coordination and activity supervision.
Reviews (4)
Joanne Shedrick
Aug 16, 2021
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Had fun here as a side trip during our brief stay camping. Huge crowd, no one observed covid restrictions so was a bit concerned. Great food vendors. The parade was nice and we enjoyed it.
Jeff Cochran
Nov 28, 2019
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All the great food and fun for the kids! Something for everyone indeed. Need I say at least four beer gardens tons of live music.. It's the eatingest festival in the US
Painty Princess
Oct 11, 2019
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I love the bratwurst festival! So may food options and I love the petting zoo. I wiah i had time to ride the helicopter
Rhonda Chamberlain
Sep 01, 2019
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There were lots of food vendors and craft vedors to choose from, rides for children, grear entertainment. I would have liked to see more Bratwurst vendors though since it is a Bratwurst Festival.
