02/18/2025
Good Evening Everyone!
I wanted to take a moment and introduce the team behind the 45th Annual Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival!
As we embark on the planning phase of our 45th Annual Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival, we are excited to introduce several exciting additions that we believe will enhance the experience for our valued patrons, their families, friends, and guests. We are diligently preparing to distribute our patron drive information to local businesses to assess the diverse range of entertainment and activities that would best serve our exceptional community.
Currently serving as Acting President and Vice President, Chad Kaiser, the owner of Nebula Design, has been a dedicated member of the festival for 18 years. His involvement spans various festival departments. Secretary Jose Arias has graciously permitted us to occupy his business for meetings, Happy Days Nutrition of Tiffin, and embodies an exceptional “can-do” attitude and proactive approach. Additionally, Treasurer Kimberly Arias, when not supporting her children with her husband, can be found at Happy Days Nutrition and at The Wall Street Pub & Grille.
Our Board of Trustees comprises an exceptional group of volunteers who provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the year. Returning members include Gary and Jan Dundore, representatives of The American Civil War Museum of Ohio and Seneca County Historical Society who have served as board members and Village Chairpersons for an extended period. Their continued support and guidance after retiring from their Village duties are highly appreciated, and we are delighted to have them contribute to the success of our festival. Fran Fleet, representing the The Seneca County Museum for another year, is another valued asset on our team. Debby Roszman from Tiffin University leads the Living History Village for another year, demonstrating a wealth of ideas and a strong commitment to preserving the festival as a cherished tradition for our community. Nikki Distel from the United Way of North Central Ohio diligently ensures that the festival has all the necessary opportunities for growth. Anthony Paradiso, a distinguished Seneca County Commissioners, returns to assist in establishing and maintaining the necessary connections to guide our festival’s progress. The exceptional team at the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce, comprising Bryce Riggs and Marisa Huss, is coordinating our parade, and their expertise is invaluable in ensuring its seamless ex*****on.
Several new members have been added to our board, including Rachel Crooks, who will be joining from the Tiffin Historic Trust, succeeding the esteemed Mary Lewis. Additionally, Mayor Lee Wilkinson from the City of Tiffin Government, Noah Paris from the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, and Ben Pugno from Heidelberg University have been appointed and are bringing great ideas to our festival!
Now, let us introduce our esteemed Committee Chairs, the driving force behind the various areas you will encounter at our festival. We are delighted to welcome a multitude of new faces to this esteemed group. Leading our Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival Royalty Court is Holly Nielsen-Rowlett, who has dedicated herself to ensuring the continued visibility of our Royal Court. Maintaining the helm of our Tiffin Seneca Heritage Festival German Heritage Block is Scott McDole, accompanied by his dedicated committee. Chrystal Rau and Courtney Stine, a formidable duo, will be responsible for ensuring that your bellies stay full by our Downtown Food Vendors. Linda Bowers and the team at Tiffin Women in Action will once again host our Kids Korner, providing a nurturing environment for young attendees. Greg Smith with Harold J. Fraley, SR. FOP Lodge 128 will be the force behind the Car Show, filling a void that we have been missing, Toni Cessna of Calm Compass Travel has assumed the role of Craft Vendors, promising to showcase a diverse array of pop-up shops and other unique offerings.
We will be announcing events, activities, plans and details of the entire festival as they come in! On behalf of the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival Board of Trustees and our committee chairs, we all thank you for your support, and are all anxiously awaiting the sounds of cannon fire and entertainment for a weekend!
The Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival will be held September 19, 20 and 21, 2025 in Tiffin, Ohio! Third weekend in September
