Baltimore Festival
A History of How We Started
A Tradition Rooted in Community
The Baltimore Festival began in 1976 as a celebration of the United States Bicentennial. Organized by the Baltimore Lions Club, the original Bicentennial Festival and Parade took place during the Fourth of July weekend at Johnson Park. This marked the first year of what would become a long-standing community tradition.
The Lions Club managed the festival for its first two years. In 1978, the Baltimore Fire Department assumed leadership of the event, with continued support from the Lions Club for a short time. From 1978 through 1981, the festival continued without a parade. Following the merger of the Baltimore and Liberty Township fire departments in 1982, the event was renamed the Firemen’s Festival, a title it carried through 1987. That same year, Kim “Lumpy” Stilwell became Parade Chairman, a role he would hold for many years.
Growth and Expansion
In 1988, the event officially became known as The Baltimore Festival. A formal festival committee was created with representatives from the Baltimore Lions Club, Basil Joint Fire District, and the Chamber of Commerce, along with one at-large member. Jerry Ayers played a key role in forming this committee and served as the festival’s first president.
During this time, the festival expanded to include firefighter games, fish fries, BINGO, rides, craft vendors, festival foods, and a variety of family-friendly attractions. A festival pageant became a popular feature, beginning around 1989, along with baby pageants in several years. Over time, additional attractions included car shows, lip-sync and air band contests, watermelon-eating contests, live stage performances, Civil War encampments, vintage baseball games, and petting zoos.
By the late 1980s or early 1990s, the festival was moved to the first weekend after the first Monday in August, where it remains today.
Powered by Volunteers
The Baltimore Festival has always been powered by community involvement. Over the years, dedicated volunteers have stepped into leadership roles, helping guide the festival through periods of growth, change, and renewal. By 2009–2010, the event became fully volunteer-run, a model that continues today. This shared commitment and hands-on spirit are what keep the Baltimore Festival thriving year after year.
In 2016–2017, the event was briefly renamed The Burger Festival before later returning to its traditional identity.
The Parade: A Festival Highlight
The Baltimore Festival Parade has long been a centerpiece of the celebration, averaging 133–150 units per year from 2007–2017. The first Grand Marshal, in 1982, was Jim Sager—known as “The Beast of Baltimore”—a DJ from K95.5. Over the years, Grand Marshals have included well-known media personalities, community leaders, Liberty Union athletic championship teams, and figures such as Jack Hanna of the Columbus Zoo.
The parade traditionally features the Baltimore Police, the Baltimore VFW Post 3761, local law enforcement, the Aladdin Shriners, marching bands from Liberty Union and surrounding schools, athletic teams, horse clubs, and community organizations.
Additional Festival Traditions
The festival once ran from Wednesday through Sunday and traditionally included a Sunday morning church service. The popular 5K Run, started by Tom Ansel of the fire department, remains an independent event that has been associated with the festival since its inception.
Over the years, the Baltimore Festival has hosted notable musical acts such as McGuffey Lane, John Conlee, Phil Dirt & the Dozers, and Tiny Wellman.
A Celebration That Endures
From its beginnings as a Bicentennial celebration to its present-day role as a beloved summer tradition, the Baltimore Festival reflects the spirit, resilience, and pride of the Baltimore community. Built by volunteers and supported by generations of residents, the festival continues to celebrate local heritage while creating new memories each year.
