Every year as the leaves burn into their fall colors, Northeast Ohio celebrates a furry little friend native to the area — woolly bear caterpillars.
Created by late Fox 8 meteorologist Dick Goddard more than 50 years ago, Vermilion's Woollybear Festival boasts cute, fuzzy festivities like the 500 Caterpillar race, kids in woolly bear costumes vying for the Woollybear King & Queen and the Wonderful Wacky Woollybear Parade.
Of course, Vermilion's Mayor Jim Forthofer and wife Sue got in on the festivities alongside residents of the woolly bear capitol of Ohio.
Below are a few snapshots of the exciting, family friendly day.
