PHOTOS: 52nd annual Woollybear Festival steps off in Vermilion

VERMILION , Ohio (WJW) — Thousands of people were expected to descend upon Vermilion on the shores of Lake Erie to celebrate a fuzzy little caterpillar Sunday.

WHAT

Since 1972, the annual Woollybear Festival has become an enduring tradition drawing thousands to this community for what has been billed as the largest one-day festival in the state of Ohio.

It also features one of the largest parades in Ohio with floats, marching bands and Fox 8 personalities.

Other familiar events include a king and queen contest in which kids can dress up like the wooly bear, a pet contest in which people also dress up their pets.

WHEN

The festival started at 9 a.m. Sunday with a woolly bear caterpillar race on the same ‘track’ as was used at the first festival in 1972.

The Wonderful Wacky Woollybear Parade stepped off at 1:30 p.m.

WHO

The parade’s grand marshal this year was Fox 8’s own ‘Little John’ Rinaldi.

The festival also features entertainment on a main stage, including the Ace Molar band with Fox 8’s Todd Meany.

Local vendors were also at the event, creating woolly bear popcorn, chocolates, and other themed favorites from throughout the years.

For more information on the Woollybear Festival, click here .

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