To order a free copy of our Visitors Guide, click here!
Wild Turkey Festival
Since 1985, the first full weekend in May has brought the Wild Turkey Festival to life in the heart of McArthur—right beneath our county’s one and only red light. What began as a celebration of the wild turkey’s reintroduction to Ohio by the ODNR after World War II has grown into a beloved tradition. Today, we honor not just the bird, but the joy it brings to hunters, hikers, and visitors alike.
The festival features free entertainment each evening, along with mouthwatering food, thrilling rides, unique local vendors, and more.
To learn more, click here!
2025 Event Schedule
Thursday – May 1,2025
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
--sponsored by A.T. Hoy Transport
5:00 p.m. Festival Opening Ceremony
Vinton County High School Band Performance
6:00 p.m. Out of the Box Presents: Karaoke Contests on the Main Stage
--sponsored by Jason Williams, Buckeye Land Sales
Friday – May 2, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
--sponsored by A.T. Hoy Transport
11:00 a.m. Lip Sync Contest (Main Stage)--sponsored by Cotner & Company
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open
5:00 p.m. Introduction of the 2025 Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival Queen
and Little Miss Contestants on the Main Stage
Sweet Treat Auction—Gilbert Hartley, Auctioneer
Friday Evening’s Main Stage Entertainment:
7:30 p.m. Gypsy Kyngs--sponsored by Austin Powder
9:30 p.m. Recess--sponsored by Bud's One Stop
Saturday – May 3, 2025
8:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast--McArthur Delta Lodge 207 F&AM (Masonic Lodge,107 N. Market St.)
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
—sponsored by A.T. Hoy Transport
11:00 a.m. Baton Twirling Performance (Main Stage Area)
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open
1:00 p.m. Midway Rides Open
1:00 p.m. Queen's Luncheon: Central Elementary School (by Invitation)
--sponsored by Bill & Ann Garrett
2:00 p.m. Vinton County Line Dancers’ Performance (Main Stage Area)
4:30 p.m. Introduction of Visiting Fair and Festival Royalty: (Main Stage)
6:00 p.m. Grand Parade: On the streets of McArthur
--sponsored by McArthur Lumber & Post and Campbell's Market
7:00 p.m. Crowning of the 2025 Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival Queen & Court (Main Stage)
8:00 p.m. Saturday's Main Stage Entertainment: Attaboy
--Sponsored by Vinton County National Bank
Sunday – May 4, 2025 “Kids Day”
—Sponsored by General Mills
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open and Midway Rides Open
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Petting Zoo--sponsored by Buckeye Hills Career Center
2:30 Baby Contest--(Main Stage) --sponsored by Huntley Trucking
Little Miss Gobblerette & Little Mr. Gobbler Contest Winners Announced--(Main Stage)
Crowning of the 2025 Little Miss Queen and Court—(Main Stage)
5:00 p.m. Festival Closes