Fulton County Ohio Media

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Acting on the suggestion of Committee Co-Chair Stephanie Fessenden, the Swanton Corn Festival added a Thursday evening event to the weekend celebration in the form of Color Run held on the upper baseball fields at Memorial Park.  Approximately 400 participants, wearing white sponsored t-shirts, ran a gauntlet of seven “color” stations where volunteers, armed with cups full of FDA-approved dyed corn starch, would toss the contents onto the runners as they passed by.

Prior to starting the run, Swanton Fire Department’s Engine 71 showered the runners with water to help ensure the corn starch would stick to the shirts, and everything else as it turned out. By the time each runner completed the course they looked to be part of a Zombie Apocalypse but, they were all smiling and laughing.  And we know zombies don’t have much of a sense of humor.

All participants were treated to hot dogs from Hot Dogs 2 Go and donuts and drinks after the run.  The Color Run was a prime example of the Corn Festival Committee’s hard work and willingness to think outside the box to improve the festival for the community every year.  It was a great lead-in to tonight’s All-Class Reunion and tomorrow’s parade and park activities.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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The Swanton Bulldogs boys golf team fired a score of 320 to finish in second place, six strokes behind the Montpelier Locomotives in Monday’s 10-team Bulldog Invitational held at Valleywood Golf Club on Airport Highway in Swanton.  Dylan Smigelski led the Bulldogs with a 74 to finish one shot behind Maumee Valley Country Day School’s Cranston Bannister’s 72 for medalist honors on the par 71 course.  Scores and order of finish are listed below.  Only the top four scores factor in the team total.

Montpelier Locomotives:  314 (Owen Summer = 75, Kenneth Smeltzer = 79, Kade Stewart =79, C.J. Fidler = 81, Malachi Smeltzer = 82, Draske Farley = 89)

Swanton Bulldogs:  320 (Dylan Smigelski = 74, Grady Tipton = 78, Carson Bond = 84, Kamden Kozakiewicz = 84, Brady O’Shea = 86, Carter Malak = 93)

Anthony Wayne Generals:  321 (Grant Gibbons = 77, Will Zorn = 78, Eli Miller = 82, Will Black = 84, Mason Smith = 91, Owen Hippert = 95)

Archbold Blue Streaks:  333 (Grady Short = 74, Griffen Valentine = 79, C.J. Thompson = 87, Gentry Valentine = 93, Trevor Osterland = 99, Javery Valentine = 101)

Delta Panthers:  347 (Lane Lopez = 76, Keegan Clapp = 84, Ashton Alig = 91, Luke Speiss = 96, Gary Valentine = 97, Brady Kile = 99)

Maumee Valley:  355 (Cranston Bannister = 73, Yesh Rathore = 91, Harlan Poupard = 93, Anushka Rathmore = 98)

Springfield Blue Devils:  364 (Brady Ruckman = 83, Bubba Burdett = 84, Tre Carswell = 94, Zach Davidson = 103, Landyn Korb = 115, Chayce walker = 118)

Liberty Center Tigers:  366 (Tony Capretta = 80, Brody Wyckhouse = 81, Stone Roth = 95, Owen Gerbers = 110, August Cooke = 121, Drew Hall = 133)

Otsego Knights:  372 (P.J. Baraski = 86, Ryan Hillyard = 90, Easton Jeremy = 96, Wyatt Barfield = 100, Braydon Beuapre = 102, Landon Koch = 102)

Evergreen Vikings:  391 (Hayden Timbrook = 82, Blake Boucher = 99, Andrew Bettinger = 103, Matthew Jenkins = 107, Blake Cousino = 120, Gus Allendorf = 124)

*Names in Bold are on the All-Tournament Team

Click on the link above to access the more than 400 photos from the Invitational. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Swanton Bulldogs (L to R) – Coach Nick Cole, Dylan Smigelski, Grady Tipton, Brady O’Shea, Carter Malak, Kamden Kozakiewicz, Carson Bond

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For the third time in as many years, Mazin Rukieh, Swanton High School Class of 2025, qualified to compete in the Toledo Junior Golf Association (TJGA) Founders Invitational held at the prestigious Inverness (Golf) Club in Toledo this past Monday.  Only the top 30 golfers in each age and gender group, make the cut based on their overall scores after playing in TJGA tournaments throughout the summer on golf courses around Northwest Ohio, including Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton, and Southeast Michigan.

Teeing off just prior to the noon hour, Mazin had to battle the sweltering heat and humidity in addition to one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, site of many PGA and LPGA tournaments in its over 100-year history.  Despite the difficult conditions, he was able to fire an impressive round of 76 (+5) on the day to finish in eight place.

In fact, between the 14^th and 16^th holes, Mazin and his foursome had to play through heavy showers.  However, the sudden downpour did not throw Mazin off his game.  “I’m kind of used to it.  I played in a lot of rain in Scotland,” he said, recalling the week he spent golfing with a team of fellow Americans under harsh conditions on the courses at St. Andrews in Scotland just last year.  “I had three pars on those holes, but it was tough on everybody.  One guy in my group had a triple bogey.”

The Founders Invitational was Mazin’s final golf experience with the TJGA.  In his previous Invitationals at Inverness, he carded scores of 79 (+8), 73 (+4) to go along with Monday’s 76. 

Going forward, Mazin will be taking his golfing talents to Lourdes University in Sylvania to play for the Grey Wolves under the tutelage of veteran golf coach Gil Guerrero.  The Grey Wolves will have a Fall season and a Spring season and their home course is the Sylvania Country Club.  Mazin, a former NWOAL Golf Player of the Year, said he expects to see a lot of familiar faces on the Grey Wolves roster when he begins school in August.  “I’m familiar with a lot of my teammates already.  A lot of them are from local schools like Anthony Wayne,” he explained.  They’re recognized for their golf talent.”

Another familiar face at Lourdes this Fall will be Mazin’s good friend and fellow Swanton Bulldog, Adam Lemon.  Adam, served as Mazin’s caddie in all three tournaments at Inverness. A talented golfer in his own right as part of some very good Bulldog teams along with Mazin, he will be playing baseball for the Grey Wolves, bringing a strong right arm to their pitching staff.

Click on the link above to access photos.

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The Swanton Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf outing, named again this year in honor of Andrew McNeill, the late owner of the McNeill Chevrolet care dealership in Swanton, was played on Friday afternoon at White Pines Golf Course on County Road 2 in Swanton.  The team sponsored by McNeill Chevrolet (Jason Kos, Mindy Mason, Jeremiah Taylor and Jerry Salyer) won the championship of the 23-team scramble with a score of 57, a 15 under on the 18-hole 72 par course.

The win was both ironic and fitting, given it is the first time a team from the long-time Swanton dealership has captured the title of their namesake’s outing and it will be the last time the name McNeill will be associated with the Swanton Chamber Golf Outing or an automotive dealership in Swanton.  Recently, McNeill Chevrolet was sold to George Ballas GMC.  Officially, Ballas will take ownership on August 4, 2025.  Changes in signage will follow at a later date.

This year was the 29^th golf outing for the Swanton Chamber of Commerce which included a steak dinner following the golf as well as door prizes and raffles.  In addition to the team title, several other prizes were awarded. 

Longest Drive Men (Kyle O’Connell), Longest Drive Women (Hannah Craig), Closest to the Pin Men (Nick Cole), Closest to the Pin Women (Mindy Mason)

Click on the link above to access more than 400 photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Champions – McNeill Chevrolet (Mindy Mason, Jerry Salyers, Jason Kos, Jeremiah Taylor)

Tonight, the Pike Delta York Board of Education officially appointed Mr. Doug Ford as our new Superintendent!

Mr. Ford is no stranger to PDY—he’s been part of our Panther family for 17 years and currently serves as our high school principal. He’s also a Delta alum and lifelong member of our community, deeply invested in our schools, our students, and our future.  Over the years, he’s worn many hats and built strong relationships with students, staff, and families, as both a teacher and principal.

“I’m honored by the Board’s decision, grateful for the support of this community, and look forward to continuing to serve our community,” said Mr. Ford.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Ford as he steps into this new chapter.

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Click on the link above to access more than 450 photos from a fantastic parade put on by the Delta Chicken Festival Committee and the car show in the adjoining Delta Community Park. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and an be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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Here are 260 random photos of the Community Park activities taken on Friday night of the Delta Chicken Festival including baseball, basketball, bingo and bouncy houses.

Click on the link above to access all photos. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

SWANTON CORN FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 7-9, 2025 – BIGGER, BETTER, AND FULL OF HOMETOWN FUN

Swanton, OH – Get ready for a-maize-ing fun as the Swanton Corn Festival returns August 7–9, 2025! This beloved community tradition is back with three days of excitement, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

The celebration kicks off Thursday, August 7th at 6 PM with the high-energy Family Fun Color Run, a colorful event for participants of all ages.

Friday, August 8th brings the community together for a night of nostalgia and connection. The Alumni Softball Game starts at 6 PM, followed by the 15th Annual All Class Reunion & Party in the Park from 6–11 PM for ages 21+. It’s the perfect time to catch up with old friends and celebrate Swanton pride under the stars.

Saturday, August 9th is packed full of fun from morning until night. The day starts at 8 AM with the Corn Festival 5K, followed by a full slate of tournaments, shows, and family-friendly activities:

8 AM: Corn Festival 5K Run

9 AM: Volleyball and Pickleball Tournaments (benefiting SHS sports teams)

9 AM–2 PM: Lords of T-Town Car Show

10 AM–6 PM: Craft Show

10:30 AM: Parade through town

11 AM–8 PM: Inflatables for the kids

11:30 AM: Chicken BBQ (until sold out)

12 PM: 3v3 Soccer Tournament

1–4 PM: Kids Craft CORNer

$2 Parking (benefits Swanton NHS)

On Stage 1, enjoy live entertainment throughout the day:

12 PM: SHS Cheerleaders

12:15 PM: Pageant

2:30–3:15 PM: Foam Dance Party

3:30 PM: Melissa’s Dance Academy

4 PM: Meet Your Bulldog Teams

The Beer Garden opens at noon (21+) and will feature local favorites including Benfield Wines, Oncore Brewing, and NWO Beverage.

1–3 PM: Bingo & Music Bingo

2 PM: Corn Hole Tournament (registration at 1:30 PM)

3–5 PM: Beer & Wine Tasting

5–7 PM: Live music by Chris Crickett

8–11 PM: Main stage performance by Not Fast Enuff

“The Swanton Corn Festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s heart,” says Alyssa Walberg, committee member and coordinator of entertainment, social media, design, inflatables, and marketing. “From the early morning 5K to the nighttime concert, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong local or coming home for the weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

Proceeds from various events will benefit Swanton High School athletic teams and organizations, and the festival continues its tradition of giving back to local causes and projects.

Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and join us in making memories at the 2025 Swanton Corn Festival — where the corn is hot, the fun is non-stop, and the community spirit shines brightest!

For more information, follow the Swanton Corn Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Village of Swanton held their Annual Independence Day Fireworks show almost a full week early this year, June 28th, and drew an enormous crowd into town to enjoy what is regarded as one of the best pyrotechnic displays in Northwest Ohio.

Front yards, back yards, parking lots and empty lots filled up hours before the bombs starting bursting in air as people began to celebrate America’s 249th birthday. The main viewing area, the Village’s soccer fields, were lined with food trucks, food tents and various craft booths, all with long queues of Americans buying whatever they were selling.

Approximately at 10:00 PM, the show began with booms, blasts and and explosions lighting up the night sky and delighting the crowd. The fireworks lasted about 30 minutes and the Swanton Police Department was able to safely and quickly disperse the large crowd to head back home.

Next year’s celebration for Swanton is already shaping up to be something even more amazing and, hopefully, more spectacular. Saturday, July 4, 2026, will mark not only our nation’s 250th birthday, but also the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the “Spirit of the Doughboy” statue in Memorial Park. What other town in America will be able to celebrate a Semiquincentennial and a Centennial on the same day?

This past Saturday afternoon, Bear Arms Armory & Archery, now located at the former site of Cleland’s Outdoor World at 10306 Airport Highway in Swanton, celebrated a Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with family members, friends, customers and representatives from the Swanton Chamber of Commerce.

The event marked the official celebration of new ownership and a full-scale renovation of one of the area’s most long-standing firearm and archery retailers.  Bear Arms Armory & Archery offers a modern experience for firearm and archery enthusiasts of all levels. The facilities boast an indoor pistol range, a dedicated indoor archery range, and a retail showroom stocked with firearms, gear, and accessories. The site also offers on-site concealed carry (CCW) classes and training with a focus on safety, education, and confidence building.

Bear Arms is an expansion of Bear Arms Tactical in Perrysburg and continues the company’s commitment to exceptional customer service, training, and access to quality products for personal protection and sport. For more information, contact Bear Arms Armory & Archery at (419) 865-4713. PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941