Xenia Community Festival News

Building on last year's successful events in downtown Xenia, the Xenia Community Festival this year promises to be bigger and better while keeping its friendly and fun atmosphere. The Festival will feature entertainment, rides, more than 60 food and craft vendors, a parade, a balloon glow, and a Bike Rodeo. The Festival is open from 4 to 9 pm Friday, September 14 and from 9 to 9 Saturday, September 15. The main location for activities will be Main Street between Detroit Street and Whiteman Street.

The second annual Xenia Community Festival Parade begins at 9 am Saturday at Shawnee Park and ends at the Kmart parking lot.  Thomas Craft will lead the parade as the Grand Marshall. This year’s parade features three marching bands, sports groups, churches, antique cars and fire trucks, political candidates, local businesses and non-profits, horses and community groups.

Having Dr. Thomas Craft as the Grand Marshall this year is a tremendous compliment to the Xenia Community Festival. Dr. Craft was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Dr. Craft is also a gifted educator, scientist and community leader.

Entertainment for the 2012 Xenia Community Festival will feature country rock band The Stallions and up-and-coming country music singer and songwriter Wyatt McCubbin with special guest Chubby Howard from WBZI Radio. A number of local artists and groups will also perform.

Festival Sponsor Classic Country Radio WBZI-AM 1500 FM 100.3 will broadcast live from the stage area Friday night starting at 4:30 pm. Wyatt McCubbin will perform at 7:30. Drawing from traditional roots, McCubbin seeks to follow in the footsteps of Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Hank Williams Sr. Joining McCubbin will be WBZI announcer Chubby Howard. An encyclopedia of country music folklore, Howard is also one of Ohio 's most renowned steel guitar players.

On Saturday night The Stallions will perform. The musicians in The Stallions have shared the stage with some of the most recognized names in the music industry, including Brooks & Dunn, The Association, Charlie Daniels, The Grass Roots, Gary Pucket & The Union Gap, Sh-Boom and Willie Nelson.  They promise “a unique and exciting brand of entertainment.”

The Festival Committee also thanks Festival Event Partner Greene Memorial Hospital/KHN for its sponsorship this year.

We also thank Platinum Sponsors:

WBZI Radio

Miami Valley Hospital

Xenia Shoe & Leather

Xenia Daily Gazette

Gold Sponsors:

Hospitality Homes

Security National Bank

Xenia Professional Fire Fighters

Greene Oaks

IHS Pharmacy

Reichley Insurance

KeyBank

Silver Sponsors:

Collett Propane

Lions Club

Super Subby's

Dayton Power and Light

Bronze Sponsors:

State Representative Bob Hackett

Stephan & Stephan Law Group

R.P. Dillaplain, M.D.

Dance Loft Plus

Docton Animal Clinic

St. Brigid Church

Xenia Adult Recreation Center.

We also thank supporters Single Source News, Reddy Electric, the City of Xenia, Scaparotti Construction Group, the Xenia Police Department, WGC Golf Course, Wicklines Florist, Ohio Real Estate Title and Phillips Companies.

For further information, contact the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, 372-3591. Check out the Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/XeniaCommunityFestival

The Festival schedule as is currently confirmed is below.

Friday, September 14:

4 pm-  Grand Opening and National Anthem sung by Renee Ponder

4:30 to 6:30 pm- Classic Country Radio WBZI - AM 1500 FM 100.3 broadcasts live from the Festival stage area.

5:30 to 7 pm- Father, Son and Friends Celtic Music

7:30 to 9 pm- Country music singer and songwriter Wyatt McCubbin in concert with special guest Chubby Howard of WBZI Radio

Saturday September 15:

9 am: Xenia Community Festival Parade with Grand Marshall Thomas J. Craft Sr.

Noon to 1:15 pm: Doug Yates Martial Arts Exhibition

1:15 to 2 pm: Dance Loft Plus Dance Group

2:30 to 3 pm: Heart of Ohio Cheer and Hip-Hop Exhibition

4:15 to 5 pm: Xenia Hospitality Chorus Barbershop Music

5:30 to 7 pm: The New Old Fashioned Country Rock Band

7:30 to 9 pm: the Stallions Country Rock Band

8:45 to 9 pm: Balloon Glow at Kmart parking lot.

 Please bring lawn chairs for exhibitions and Balloon Glow. 

Like us and follow us for updates on Festival happenings on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/xeniacommunityfestival