The rural serenity of Van Wert County is broken with squeals of glee when festival time arrives and fills summer with several unique events. In June our 'Peony Festival', revived from the 60's, is creating memories for new generations from the crowning of the queen to the weekend festival and parade.

The July 4th 'Holiday At Home' and 'Old Fashioned Farmers Days' celebrations has grown in popularity among local and visitors alike. Ohio City salutes a native son at their annual 'Lamert Days' festival in July. John Lambert was the inventor of the first gas powered automobile.

August continues the squeal appeal!! 'Farm Focus' has grown to national attention with acres of agricultural and machinery displays. The Jaycee's 'Hot Air Affair' is the balloon enthusiasts delight when over 40 balloons glide overhead or perform their tethered 'night glow.'

Rounding out summertime fun is the 'Van Wert County Fair.' One of the largest county fairs in Ohio draws young and old from the tri-state area for week long activities. Fall brings 'The Apple Festival' in October and Christmas includes a 'Victorian Dinner' and 'Open House' at our county museum.

The MacDonell House is a 19th century home showcasing fourteen elaborately and authentically furnished rooms that recreate in detail the grand lifestyle and ambience of the 1890's. It is located on what was called the 'Golden Block' of downtown Lima during its oil boom days. Handcarved wood, stained glass lamps and parquet floors are prominent.

Enjoy a visit to Delphos, truly a crossroads of history known as 'America's Friendliest City' and find an atmosphere unchanged since the city's founding. Delphos is unique, as it is a part of both Van Wert, and Allen Counties. The 1845 Miami/Erie Canal provides a nostalgic look at a quieter time where Ohio's newest canal boat, the Marguerite II, houses a museum of Ohio's history. History merges along tree shrouded streets. The Lincoln and Harding Highways and traces of seven railroads, invite closer inspection; Zane Grey's teen home still stands, and a visit to two museums brings history alive, from local attraction to Delphos's contributions to the Wright brothers' flight, and astronomer, Leslie Peltier's discoveries.

See one of the largest, most diverse collections of Findlay Glass in a modem exhibit building, part of a complex depicting the history of Findlay and Hancock County. Take as much time as you like to tour the downstairs of a Victorian mansion featuring displays of art glass, historic clothing, furniture, dolls and toys.

Learn what has made Findlay the thriving community it is through interpretive exhibits of past industries, events and highlights of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Pioneer days are recalled in the museum's authentic log house filled with everyday items used by early settlers.

Researchers are invited to make use of the Mae Huston Local History Resource Center containing books, photos, maps, and manuscript collections documenting Hancock County's past.

422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay. Hours Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 1-4pm (except holidays). Admission is Free.

One of the state's finest historical museums, the Allen County Museum is located next door to the MacDonell House in downtown Lima. Exhibits include pioneer and Native American collections, a steam and electric railroad collection, a turn-of-the-century barber shop and doctor's office, a children's museum with hands-on activities, and a scale model of George Washington's Mount Vernon home.

Unusually fine decorative accessories, country crafts and specialty gift items are housed in this renovated stock barn dating back to the early 1900's. Each room, including the third floor loft, has a special theme and is chock full of the works of the finest artists and craftsmen in this part of the country. A Christmas Barn is open year-round and includes three rooms of merhly decorated trees banked with baskets of unusual gifts and ornaments. Located twelve miles east of I-75 on State Route 309.