WELLINGTON – You could see a real Civil War cannon, watch a parade that included a tractor-driving cow or ride a pony at Wellington’s Cheese Festival on Saturday.

But most of all, friends caught up with friends at the festival, which celebrates Wellington’s history as the cheese capital of the world in the 1800s.

The festival, which continues noon to 6 p.m. today in downtown Wellington, commemorates the time when more cheese was produced in Wellington than anywhere in the world.

Giving cheese samples was Bob Walker, a salesman for Heini’s Cheese Chalet in Berlin, Ohio, which boasts a large cheese production and possibly the largest Amish settlement in the world.

Among those enjoying the family-friendly environment was Huntington Township Trustee Mary Beth Derikito, who was accompanied by her daughter Laura Derikito and son-in-law Jeroen Schlatmann visiting from Amsterdam, and her son Gary Derikito and his wife, Kim, along with four of her nine grandchildren.

Kim Derikito said her favorite part was the parade – and the cool and tangy lemonade on a picture-perfect day.

Thomas and Roberta Morgan of Wellington were thrilled to have their grandchildren visiting from California.

Granddaughter Rae Lasko, 12, said she likes the history in Wellington and says there are a lot of old buildings.

In California, there are a lot more new buildings, she said.

The family spent time listening to Ernie Sciulli of the Lorain County Historical Society as he demonstrated Civil War weapons and showed off his restoration of a Civil War cannon, which was featured in the parade.

Thomas Morgan, whose great-great-uncle fought with the Pennsylvania Volunteers, hung on every word.

Sciulli told Civil War buffs that six horses pulled the cannon – three of which were ridden and three of which carried gear.

“During the Battle of Gettysburg, 880 horses got shot dead,” Sciulli said.

Other listeners were Charles Dermer of Henrietta Township and his 6-year-old son Spencer.

“My great-great-grandfather on my dad’s mother’s side fought in the Civil War,” Dermer said. “I have a Civil War carbine – a short rifle.”

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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