06/15/2026
Every year, the saying "It takes a village" feels especially true when festival time rolls around. The Pork Rind Festival has a few special shout-outs we'd like to share.
First and foremost, thank you to the residents of Harrod. This festival simply wouldn't happen without your support, patience, understanding, and community spirit. Every year, you give up parking at your homes, put up with extra traffic and noise, and welcome visitors walking through town. We know it's not always easy, but your hometown pride shows year after year, and we appreciate you more than words can say.
A huge thank you to the Westminster Rural Fire Dept. for taking the lead in the Pork Rind Booth. From prep work to cooking to cleanup, it's a massive job, and you knocked it out of the park. Thanks also to the Jackson Township Historical Society and Perry Fire Department for jumping in to help and making sure everything ran smoothly.
A very special thank you goes to James Stager, Daimen Crowe, Preston Stemen, and Reagan Henderson. You were everywhere all weekend—cooking pork rinds, running the bar, picking up trash, helping with teardown, and handling just about anything else that needed done. No job was too big or too small. You stepped up whenever needed, and honestly, the festival wouldn't have made it without you. We're incredibly grateful for all your hard work and dedication.
Thank you to the Harrod Auglaize Township Fire Dept for cleaning the streets after the festival and helping get the village back in shape after a busy weekend.
A special thank you to Carla Oberly for taking more than 2,000 photos and capturing so many great memories from this year's festival. On top of that, she stayed late helping clean up, stack tables and chairs, and tackle whatever else needed done. Your love for this community shines through, and we can't thank you enough.
Thank you to Lima Drones for spending your Saturday capturing amazing aerial photos and videos of the festival. We can't wait to share some of the footage with everyone.
And thank you to the VILLAGE OF HARROD OHIO for letting us take over the streets and park for the weekend, and to the maintenance department for making sure everything was ready to go.
Honestly, we could keep this list going for a long time. To everyone who helped serve food, worked behind the bar, volunteered in the kids' tent, staffed the Pork Rind Booth, picked up trash, moved tables, answered questions, or jumped in wherever help was needed—thank you. We see you, and we appreciate you.
The Pork Rind Festival is successful because of people like you. Thanks for helping make our little village shine. As always, if you are interested in joining the festival, we would love to have you. Full time, part time or just at the festival, we would love the help!
