49th Annual First Town Days Festival Opens Today at Tuscora Park
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 2, 2026) – Opening day of the First Town Days Festival gets underway today at Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia, with four days of activities, entertainment, and community events on this year’s lineup.
The midway and craft area open at noon and remain open until 9 p.m. Seniors Day activities, displays, and bingo will be featured from noon until 3 p.m., while live entertainment begins with Mike Wikoff performing “Wacky Country” from noon to 2 on the Al Maloney Midway Stage.
This afternoon, festivalgoers can enjoy the annual Best in Area Cheeseburger Contest beginning at 3 p.m. Mayor Joel Day and festival committee introductions are scheduled for 4 o’clock, followed by the Little Princess Contest and presentation of the First Town Days-VFW Post 1445 Academic Scholarship Awards.
Music returns to the stage with Marc Davis from 5 until 6:30 p.m., while the Bocce Tournament gets underway at 6. Tonight’s featured entertainment is PRIME, performing from 8 until 11 p.m.
The evening concludes with the City of New Philadelphia’s gigantic fireworks display at 10 p.m. on the practice field.