Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber Highlights Fall and Holiday Events

The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a busy schedule of community, business and holiday events across the Golden Triangle.

Chamber Director Sara Topp says the New Bremen Foundation has launched a special matching campaign as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. Eleven community organizations are participating, with $30,000 in matching funds available. The campaign continues through Giving Tuesday on December 1. More information is available at newbremenfoundation.org.

The Walk with Nature Fall Festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, from noon to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park in St. Marys. Organizations interested in operating a booth can find additional information through the Heritage Trails Park District’s Facebook page.

The chamber is also selling Got Your Six tickets at its office inside the Lockkeeper’s House. The early-bird drawing will be held October 31.

EverHeart Hospice will hold its Holly Jolly Purse Bingo fundraiser Sunday, November 8, at Eldora Speedway. Doors open at 2 p.m., with bingo beginning at 3. Proceeds will support the EverHeart Hospice Patient Care Fund. Tickets are limited and are available through EverHeart Hospice’s Facebook page.

The chamber, SACA and WealthPoint will host an informational luncheon Wednesday, October 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lockkeeper’s House. The program will explain resources and potential savings available to chamber-member businesses. Reservations are required through the chamber office.

Several communities have also announced their Halloween schedules. New Bremen will hold cider time at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 25, followed by trick-or-treating from 3 to 5. The New Bremen American Legion will welcome children from 3 to 6.

New Knoxville will hold trick-or-treating October 25 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Minster’s trick-or-treat night is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8.

The Pumpkin People decorating contest is returning for businesses and residents in Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville. Entries must be submitted to Jessica Wendel by October 16. Participants should email a photograph of their entry to nbpumpkinpeople@gmail.com. The winner will be announced October 25 during New Bremen’s cider time event.

The chamber is also partnering with Collette and Moon City Travel on a trip to Portugal from April 8 through April 17. Anyone interested in the trip should contact the chamber before the approaching registration deadline.

Preparations are also underway for New Bremen’s Christmas Tree Festival. Participants can set up and decorate trees from November 2 through November 20. The village Christmas tree lighting will be held Sunday, November 29, at 6 p.m., with family activities at the pavilion from 4 to 6. The Grinch will also appear at the chamber office for photographs from 4 to 5:30.

Western Ohio True Value in Minster will hold its 21st annual Ladies Night on Sunday, November 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature the store’s 2026 Christmas merchandise, refreshments, special savings and door prizes.

Topp is also reminding residents that Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber gift certificates are available at the Lockkeeper’s House and Minster Bank locations throughout the area. The certificates can be redeemed at participating local businesses, helping keep more money within the local economy.