The Roche de Boeuf Festival takes place in downtown Waterville, offering music , a Pioneer Village, art, local businesses and food.
2023 DATE: September 23, 2023
Location: Downtown Waterville
Website: https://watervillechamber.com/roche-de-boeuf-parade-and-festival/
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This post documents my experience on September 25, 2021.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: “Roche de Boeuf” means “rock of beef” or “buffalo rock” and refers to a large limestone rock formation/island in the Maumee River. It was once a sacred meeting site for Native Americans and, while there are records indicating a French settlement called Roche de Boeuf in the 1700’s, this name has become used more frequently to refer to both the rock formation and the lost settlement in the last 100 years.
In 1908, when a railroad bridge was built over Roche de Boeuf, 1/3 of the rock formation was consequentially destroyed.
AUTHOR’S NOTE 2: There is a Pioneer Arts area at this festival that I didn’t know about until too late.
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The Roche de Boeuf Festival is a one-day fall festival that takes place in downtown Waterville…
…where the streets are lined with booths, many from the community…
…representing local non-profits (Family House)…
…area politicians…
…regional dog-friendly churches (Shepherd of the Valley)…
…creative crafters with seasonal and autumnal decor…
…and vendors selling everything from fishing rods and ammo (Muddy Water Outdoors) to metaphysical gifts.
There are also some food options mixed in, including Walking Tacos…
…decadent chicken dishes (The Loaded Chicken)…
…pork sandwiches…
…and the popular Buffalo burgers (boeuf de hamburger?)…
…all which can be washed down at the beer garden.
If you are still looking for more to do…
…there are friendly Mudhens to wave to…
…Rubber Ducks to bet on…
…and all sorts of attractions, including a car show…
…a children’s inflatable area…
…and a Fine Arts Area…
…with handcrafted jewelry (Sarah Voltz), colorful prints…
…and interesting sculptures.
And, for your entertainment, there are three stages set up for dance and music…
…which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face (Bliss).