The 53rd Annual Old West End Historic Festival is set to bring joy and community spirit to Toledo, Ohio, on June 6-7. This beloved event celebrates one of the largest historic districts in the country with a variety of activities that highlight the area’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
King Wamba Carnival Parade
A highlight of the festival is the King Wamba Carnival Parade, celebrating its 117th anniversary. The parade, which begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, is a nod to the historic 1909 King Wamba Carnival, often referred to as the ‘Mardi Gras of the North.’ This year, Grand Marshall Mark Moffett will lead the parade, featuring art cars, floats, and musical performances from participants across the Midwest. The crowning of King Wamba, Matt Miller, and Queen Sancha, Morgan Sopko, will take place on the steps of the Toledo Museum of Art.
Festival Activities
The festival kicks off with the Friday Night Glow Roll on June 5 at 9 p.m., where bikes and golf carts will cruise through the Old West End. On Saturday morning, the Old West End Stampede 5K race will start at 8:45 a.m., encouraging runners to embrace the parade’s pageantry. The race offers a prize pool valued at over $1,500.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy an art fair, a marketplace, a food and beer garden, and garage sales spread across the neighborhood. Children’s activities and live entertainment will be available at two locations, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Historic House Tours
Festival-goers can explore the area’s architectural beauty through house tours, including visits to the Collingwood Presbyterian Church, the Lathrup Duplex, and other historic homes. Tickets for the full tour are $25 per person, with single house tours available for $15. Children 12 and under can join for free. Presale tickets are available at select local businesses until May 31 for $20, cash only.
Community Support
In the spirit of community, guests are encouraged to support the Equality Toledo Community Pantry by donating non-perishable food and hygiene items at designated info booths. For more details on the festival, visit toledooldwestend.com/festival.
Original reporting: WTOL Toledo — read the source article.
