2024 Chairman's Message

2024 President's Message...

Tuscarawas County Ohio…what a great place to live. As anyone who lives in the area knows, Tuscora Park is an absolutely wonderful place to visit anytime of the year but these few days every July 4th weekend is when it is at its’ finest. Nothing represents our Small-Town Hometown Community Values better than Tuscora Park and First Town Days. For those of you who just walked out your front door and across the street to visit, we welcome you. For those of you driving across town or from all corners of T-County to enjoy some lemonade, an Italian Sausage sandwich, to take in the music and sights or all of the above, we welcome you. For those that plan their family vacation around our festival and literally travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to enjoy our event (we have many that do) , we welcome you. The gist of this message is that First Town Days, Tuscora Park, and the City of New Philadelphia “Welcome You” and we could not be happier that you are joining us for our 2024, 47th Annual Festival. Thank you!

Our true identity is that we are first and foremost a “Family” Festival" where Family and friends, young and old, celebrate together as a community. This is what we are about. Festival Food, Live Music, Frog Jumping, Turtle Racing, Talent Shows, Dunk Tank Dunking, Wiffle Ball whiffling, Sack Races, Baby Contests, and Fireworks. Need I say more? (Because there definitely is!). We promise you will have fun.

In addition to all of our regular scheduled events this year, we’re also featuring the return of the Mountaineer Safari Petting Zoo that was such a popular addition in 2023 and adding an entirely new event known not quite so simply as our “First Annual First Town Days Get There Any Way You Can, We Just Want Your Donations Walk-A-Thon” (Yes, you have to be there at the start and then again at the finish line). This event will help raise funds for a new Playground addition at Tuscora Park. Last but not least, be sure to visit the great community service organizations at our Community Outreach Tent across from the First Town Days Office and be our guest for some great musical entertainment each afternoon and evening throughout the festival at our Cronebaugh Auction Entertainment Tent and at the Al Maloney Stage.

Heads Up, Don’t Miss It…The 2024 and 47th Annual First Town Days Festival “Activities” actually begin this year at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday July Fourth with the Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union “Family Day”. Opening Day will include Family Fun events such as our Annual Fishing Derby (sign-ups begin at 7:30 a.m.) followed by our Frog Jumping, Turtle Races, Big Wheel Races and more so be sure to bring the kids (or kids bring your parents) and come on out. The festival “Officially” kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday with our “Opening Ceremonies” including the selection of our “Little Princess”, the introduction of our First Town Days Royalty, presentation of the VFW 1445 Scholarships and our Commemorative Plate Auction.

The 2024 First Town Days Festival runs from 8:00 a.m. Thursday July Fourth through 9:00 p.m. Sunday. Please refer to the complete festival schedules for exact times and dates for all activities as can be found on this Website, in our program book, printed brochures, and by following our Facebook Page. Check back periodically for any updates and the latest festival info.

In closing, I’ve been a volunteer with First Town Days since 2005 and have come to know as friends so many good people from volunteers to vendors to visitors. I was honored (because of First Town Days) to serve on the board of the Ohio Festivals and Events Association for six years and have been honored to have served as Co-Chair and President of First Town Days since 2018. I’ve said many times that I “married into this” but truth be known, Mindy and I were not even married yet when I was “drafted”. Had I known what I was getting into, I’d likely have done it anyway. It’s been fun (most of the time). So that’s my “story”, but truth is there have been so many individuals over the past 47 years who given of their time and resources including our entire volunteer staff, supporters, advertisers, and sponsors who through their tremendous contributions have made First Town Days what it is. I appreciate all of them and hope you do as well. Many thanks to the City of New Philadelphia, Mayor Day, and the Tuscora Park Staff. Finally, we’re grateful to each and every one of you for coming out and supporting First Town Days. We sincerely hope you will enjoy your time at the festival. Be safe, God Bless, and thank you for coming.

Sincerely,

Joe Croft

First Town Days Festival Committee President

PS...

A special shout out to Steve and Sarah Cronebaugh of Cronebaugh Auctions for providing the venue and sponsoring much of our afternoon Musical Entertainment. Steve also volunteers his services in doing our Commemorative Plate Auction each year which helps to raise money to pay festival expenses and supports the numerous park projects we support.

First Town Days will also again be sponsoring a "Community Outreach" tent that will be shared by several local organizations serving the Tuscarawas County Community. Whether you have a need, know someone with a need, or just want to show your support, I hope you will stop in and see what it's all about.

As usual, in keeping with one of our great First Town Days traditions, we will be doing our Commemorative Plate auction and Sale which helps support the many good things the First Town Days Festival Committee does. Our plate is something we do as a fundraiser to help support those things mentioned above but it is also an opportunity to honor and recognize deserving organizations, events or individuals that give of themselves to our community. It is also to recognize Tuscora Park and the First Town Days Festival itself. We hope you will enjoy this year’s theme and continue to support us through your purchase of these plates.