CELINA, OH (8-12-25) — One of the most powerful and heartwarming traditions of the Mercer County Fair returns on Wednesday, August 13 at 9:00 PM in the Beer Garden: the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers Auction.

Through the roar of chainsaws and the artistry of carving, lives have been changed. Since its inception in 2017, this event has raised over $405,000, with a record-breaking $271,995.65 donated in 2024 alone to individuals and organizations across Mercer County.

This year, the auction continues with new recipients and renewed purpose. Each carving created during the fair will be dedicated to a local family or organization, and all will be auctioned off Wednesday night. If a carving sells for $5,000 to $9,999, the benefactor will receive 50% of the proceeds. If the carving sells for $10,000 or more, the benefactor will receive 75% of the proceeds.

We invite the community to show up, bid generously, and help lift up this year’s recipients:

  • Ray Timmerman – Massive Heart Attack
  • Leah Rosengarten – Thyroid Cancer
  • St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Structure Fire
  • MCERV – Emergency Response Supply Funding
  • Carissa Rodriguez – Breast Cancer
  • Heidi’s Hallelujah – Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A
  • Erik Fiely – Stroke
  • Theo Bransteter – Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Angie Harner – Esophageal Cancer
  • Mercer County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit – Equipment & Care
  • St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Honoring Julie Guggenbiller) – Cancer
  • Deb Giere – Glioblastoma
  • Finn Parker – Cleft Palate Surgery
  • Jim Gehret – Kidney Failure
  • Heidi Tangeman – Cancer Survivor & Loss of Fiancé
  • Center for Neurological Development in Burkettsville (In Memory of Kerry Walls)

These names represent stories of resilience, hardship, and hope. With the help of our generous fairgoers, we can continue making a lasting impact, one carved masterpiece at a time.

Join us for a night of bidding, giving, and honoring those who need us most.

For a full schedule of events happening at the fair, please visit www.MercerCountyOhioFair.com.