Looking for summer fun? Find food, entertainment at festivals in Tuscarawas County

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY ‒ The return of summer and warmer weather brings the start of festival season in Tuscarawas County.

A wide variety of events are planned throughout the area, starting with the Canal Dover Festival in downtown Dover.

Here is a listing of events:

• The festival includes entertainment on two stages throughout the event, and a parade, performance by the Dover High Marching Tornadoes and a plate auction on May 25. This year's plate will feature the Dover Veteran's Monument that was dedicated in 2022.
• Dennison Railroad Festival, May 30-June 1: The festival features games, rides, a talent competition, queen's contest and a parade.
• Bolivar Strawberry Festival, June 6-8: Entertainment includes bands in two separate tents, queen pageant, Miss Berry Princess pageant, Little Miss Shortcake pageant, Bolivar Idol contest, a plate auction, strawberry eating contest, carnival rides, food and drink concessions, vendors and crafters, a 5K run, and a parade.
• Tusky Days Festival, June 20-22: The schedule of events includes a car show, 5K and one-mile run, food, entertainment and rides for the kids.
• Cy Young Days Festival, Newcomerstown, June 28-30: Len Barker, who pitched a perfect game for the Cleveland Indians in 1981, will be the master of ceremonies. Activities include games, bands, food trucks, vintage baseball games, a dinner with Barker and a parade.
• First Town Days, Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia, July 4-7: The event includes family-friendly contests, music, food and a parade on July 5. The annual fireworks show, provided by the city of New Philadelphia, will be at 10 p.m. July 6.
• Gnadenhutten Fireworks Festival, July 5-6: Activities include a queen's pageant, car show and entertainment. The Country Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show will be at 10 p.m. July 6.
• St. Joseph Festival, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dover, July 12-13: The festival will feature kids' games, bands, a beer garden and food, including sausage sandwiches and homemade waffles.
• Strasburg Summer Festival, July 26-27: The event, held in Franklin Park, will include roasted corn, a corn-eating contest, a three-on-three basketball tournament, food, softball, bands and blowups for children.
• St. Mary's Festival, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dennison, July 26-27: Activities planned include live music, games for children and food. Specialties include sausage sandwiches and homemade deep-fried waffles for 25 cents apiece.
• Zoar Antique Show, July 27-28: The show will feature juried artisans, crafters, vendors, and more than 60 antique dealers selling their wares.
• Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days, Aug. 2-4: Activities will include a frontier encampment, speakers and a crock auction.