The Tire Discounters Festival in Sycamore kicked off a successful first night at Bechtold Park on Friday, with free live music, carnival rides and hundreds of residents filling the grounds for the township's annual summer celebration.

Tire Discounters posted on its Facebook page Saturday morning that "Day 1 was a blast!" and promoted the evening's headliner, Foghat, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Strong storms struck the township that same weekend.

Friday's Tribute Night

The festival ran from 6 p.m. to midnight both nights and required no tickets, according to Sycamore Township's official announcements. Friday was billed as Tribute Night, with acoustic opener Ricky Veeneman starting at 6 p.m., Captured Heart (a tribute to Heart and Journey) at 7:30 p.m., and Soul Shadow (a tribute to Led Zeppelin) at 9:30 p.m.

Ohio Carnival Co. returned to provide rides and games, according to the township's official Facebook page.

Saturday's scheduled lineup

Saturday's card featured acoustic opener AndyMac & Friends at 6 p.m., hometown favorite DV8 at 7:30 p.m., and headliner Foghat closing the night. Sycamore Township announced Foghat as the 2026 headliner on Tuesday, May 26. The band's catalog stretches back to the 1970s and includes "Slow Ride," "Fool for the City," and "Driving Wheel," along with material from their 2023 album Sonic Mojo.

Storm damage emergency declared

Sycamore Township declared a storm damage emergency due to strong storms on July 17 and July 18, according to the township's website. Residents with damage were asked to call 513-791-8447 or submit an online request form by 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 22.

The township has not issued a statement on whether the storms affected Saturday evening's festival performances.

Annual tradition continues

The festival is free each year at Bechtold Park, 4312 Sycamore Road. Last year's edition featured Mark Farner's American Band as headliner. Tire Discounters served as diamond presenting sponsor for 2026, with additional support from Dr. Donath and Residence Inn by Marriott.

Coming up in Sycamore Township

  • Tuesday, July 21 — Sycamore Township Trustee Meeting, 6 p.m., Township Administration Building
  • Saturday, August 1 — Sycamore Township Car Show, Schuler Sports Complex, 11532 Deerfield Road