New Bremen Foundation Match Event Leads Busy Fall Schedule in Southwestern Auglaize County

AUGLAIZE COUNTY — A charitable matching campaign, community festivals, fundraisers and holiday activities are among the upcoming events across southwestern Auglaize County.

Sara Topp of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce provided the latest community update for WCSM.

The New Bremen Foundation has launched a special match event as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. Eleven community organizations are seeking donations and an opportunity to receive a portion of $30,000 in available matching funds.

The campaign continues through Giving Tuesday on December 1. Additional information is available at newbremenfoundation.org.

The New Bremen Historical Society will hold an ice cream social Sunday, September 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free ice cream and tour the museum.

Minster Bank will host a community shredding event Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at its St. Marys branch, located at 301 West High Street.

The Auglaize County Council on Aging will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a luncheon Tuesday, September 22. The event will include entertainment beginning at 10:30 a.m. and a free meal.

The luncheon is open to everyone, but advance registration is required so organizers can order enough food. Reservations may be made by calling 419-394-8252.

The Minster Oktoberfest will be held October 2 through 4. Updates on activities planned throughout the festival weekend are available through the Minster Oktoberfest Facebook page.

Tickets are also available for the Got Your Six fundraiser. An early-bird drawing will be held October 31, and tickets may be purchased at the chamber office inside the Lockkeeper’s House.

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

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.

Guests are encouraged to wear a favorite or ugly holiday sweater and a Santa hat. Proceeds will support the EverHeart Hospice Patient Care Fund. A limited number of tickets are available through the EverHeart Hospice Facebook page.

Preparations are also underway for the annual Christmas Tree Festival at the Lockkeeper’s House. Participating organizations may set up and decorate trees from November 2 through 20.

The chamber is planning an additional surprise at the Lockkeeper’s House before the community Christmas tree lighting event. More information will be announced later.

The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber is also partnering with Collette and Moon City Travel on a trip to Portugal from April 8 through 17, 2027. Interested travelers may contact the chamber for additional information.

Chamber gift certificates remain available at the chamber office in the Lockkeeper’s House and at Minster Bank locations throughout southwestern Auglaize County.

Topp encouraged residents to support area businesses, schools, service clubs and communities by shopping locally and keeping more money within the local economy.