Twins Days facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Twins Days |
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Twins Days Festival Site Location
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| Status | active |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Glen Chamberlin Park |
| Location(s) | Twinsburg, Ohio |
| Country | United States |
| Years active | 49 |
| Inaugurated | 1976 |
Twins Days is a special festival held every year in Twinsburg, Ohio, United States. It takes place on the first full weekend in August. This event celebrates biological twins, as well as other multiples like triplets and quadruplets.
The festival started in 1976. A group of citizens in Twinsburg created the idea. Today, it is the largest gathering of twins in the world. Thousands of people come from all over the United States and other countries to attend.
About 2,000 pairs of twins usually come to the festival. For example, in 2014, over 1,140 sets of multiples signed up early. These participants came from many countries, including Nigeria, Brazil, Australia, and Japan. The 2014 festival had a "peace and love" theme. It was called "Twinstock: Groovy in Twinsburg."
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Festival Traditions and Fun Activities
Over the years, Twins Days has developed its own unique traditions. One unwritten rule is that identical twins often dress alike. This happens for people of all ages, from babies to adults. You can see many twin strollers and matching outfits.
The festival always begins with a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. John and Jerry Starlet sing the song. Jamie Maassen and Jodie Qualkinbush sign it in ASL. After this, a big parade marches along Ravenna Road.
Why Scientists Love Twins Days
Many scientists come to the festival each year. They use the chance to study thousands of identical and fraternal twins. These "twin studies" help them learn about human traits. They want to find out if certain traits are passed down through genes or if they come from other things. Twins who participate in these studies are usually given a reward.
Unique Twin Connections
People at Twins Days often feel a special connection with other twins. It's common to see strangers who are twins shake hands or give high-fives. Sometimes, they even form groups. Pairs of twins often stand together in symmetrical ways for photos. It's like watching a giant kaleidoscope of people.
History of Twins Days
The idea for Twins Days came from two brothers, Moses and Aaron Wilcox. They were identical twins who lived in the 1800s. In 1819, they bought about 4,000 acres of land in the area. They offered to give six acres for a town square. They also offered $20 for a new school. They had one condition: the town had to change its name from Millsville to Twinsburg.
More than 150 years later, in 1976, the town celebrated the United States Bicentennial. They decided to have a party that the Wilcox twins would have liked. Only 36 pairs of twins came to the first event. But the town leaders saw how much fun it was. They decided to make it an annual festival.
The 2020 Virtual Festival
The Twins Days festival did not happen in person in 2020. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the organizers held a virtual festival instead. They had online events like a 5k race and a replay of the previous year's parade. There was also a virtual group photo and online bingo games. Because of these online activities, the organization considers that a festival still took place that year, just not in person.
