Westerville Central Revives Beloved Tradition with Neighborhood Homecoming Parade
The sights and sounds of school spirit filled the streets this afternoon as Westerville Central High School brought back a cherished community tradition: the neighborhood Homecoming parade. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted large gatherings, students, staff, and residents came together to celebrate Warhawk pride in a vibrant procession.
The parade was a dynamic display of the school’s diverse student body. The procession began near the high school, led by a police escort, followed by the marching band and color guard, cheerleaders, and the Warhawks football team proudly carrying a large spirit flag with their hawk mascot.
A highlight of the event was the appearance of the Homecoming Court, who waved to the crowd from the back of a gleaming red classic convertible, looking regal in their formal attire and royal sashes. Other student groups and cheerleaders added to the high energy, with some wearing festive pink and blue wigs and tossing baubles to the spectators along the route.
The parade route, which wound through the suburban neighborhood adjacent to the school, was lined with enthusiastic supporters. Parents, friends, and residents came out of their homes, setting up chairs on their front lawns to greet the students and cheer them on. The event served as more than just a prelude to the homecoming game. It was a powerful symbol of resilience and the joyful return of community gatherings, marking a welcome return to normalcy for the entire Westerville Central community.
Antonio’s Pizza Finds New Home at Campfire Brewing After Lease Dispute Closure
After closing last month due to a monetary lease dispute, one of Westerville’s most beloved eateries, Antonio’s Pizza, is already making a comeback with a fresh twist and a new location.
Starting early next year, Antonio’s will team up with Campfire Brewing, the local brewery that opened in 2025 after growing out of backyard brewing sessions between friends. The partnership marks a new chapter for both local icons, showcasing a shared commitment to community, craft, and comfort.
For years, Antonio’s was a staple of the local dining scene, known for its family recipes and relaxed atmosphere. The closure disappointed both regulars and staff. However, owner representatives say the upcoming collaboration brings new energy and a loyal Westerville crowd eager for good food and great company.
Meanwhile, Campfire Brewing, started by neighbors Dan Haskins, Eric Hatton, Brett Haaser, and Roland Reeb, has quickly gained a loyal following. The founders’ story, featured earlier this year in Westerville Magazine, began with driveway brewing experiments and late-night campfire tastings before growing into a full brewery rooted in community spirit.
Antonio’s will be served from a food truck parked just outside the brewery’s garage door, offering a more consistent kitchen with pizzas and other pub-style dishes to complement Campfire’s rotating tap list.
Campfire owner Dan Haskins said Antonio’s closing felt personal because he was a regular customer and had contacted owner Rita Pavuk about a possible collaboration.
“We’ve loved it since we all moved in 11 years ago, and were very sad to see it abruptly go like that. We saw it as kind of a long-shot opportunity to keep her brand going and have a fantastic food offering at our place, “ owner Dan Haskin said. “So we reached out to her, and thankfully, she was into the idea, and we ran with it.”
The four partners started Campfire Brewing to create a gathering spot, something that felt like those nights around the fire when the entire neighborhood showed up. Having Antonio’s come on board is a natural fit. They’ve been part of Westerville’s story for decades.
The new partnership will preserve Campfire Brewing’s relaxed, family-friendly vibe, now enhanced with the familiar aromas of Antonio’s pizza drifting through the taproom. Both teams say they’re dedicated to keeping things local by sourcing ingredients, hiring staff from the area, and staying true to the small-town camaraderie that originally inspired them.
If everything goes as planned, Antonio’s Pizza will start serving from Campfire Brewing’s doorway shortly after the first of the year, officially replacing the other food trucks.
For a pair of local Westerville landmarks, it’s not just about business. It’s about maintaining the community bonds, one pour and one slice at a time.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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These attitudes are good for Westerville.