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Archives: Jan l Feb l Mar l Apr l May l Jne l Jly l Aug l Sep l Oct l Nov l Dec © 2007 |
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June 2007 Edition |
A fleet of 26 biplanes, each with an original artistic design, provides a canopy above the downtown streets of Troy, Ohio. This special Miami County bicentennial exhibition – Sculptures on the Square: Sculptures Take Flight – was inspired by the WACO aircraft legacy dating back to 1920. WACO (Weaver Aircraft Co.) produced open cockpit biplanes and WWII gliders until 1946. Each 5’x5’ fiberglass sculpture is suspended overhead atop a stand and depicts the WACO YMF-5 bi-wing plane. The outdoor exhibit is like an art gallery spread across Troy’s public square and down Main and Market streets. The painting and other artistic touches – setting each plane apart from the next – were done by local and internationally acclaimed artists. One was even designed by students at a nearby elementary school. Troy’s Sculptures on the Square began in 2003 when 20 lifelike bronze sculptures by world-renown artist J. Seward Johnson joined the streetscapes of downtown. The pieces captivated the imaginations of thousands and it is expected the 2007 Sculptures on the Square will do the same. Three activities are associated with Sculptures Take Flight: Photography contest, vote for the best design, and auction where you may actually purchase the planes, which will remain on display until September 10, 2007. Enter the Sculptures Take Flight Photography Contest, which is open now through August 1, 2007. A $100 cash prize will be awarded in each of three categories: Youth (17 years and younger); All Ages Enhanced (computer manipulated film or digital prints); and Natural (prints not computer manipulated).
Vote for your favorite WACO plane design through August 20, 2007. Ballots are available at downtown businesses, troymainstreet.org or by calling 937-339-5455. The winner will be revealed at the August 25, 2007 auction at Historic WACO Field during the annual WACO Homecoming Fly-In.
All but one of the 26 airplane sculptures will be auctioned off at 7:00 pm at the August 25 WACO Fly-In. The proceeds will benefit Troy Main Street, the WACO Historical Society, and the 2009 exhibit of Sculptures on the Square.
The WACO Fly-In features vintage WACO biplanes flown in from all across the country. It is an educational, family-oriented, nostalgic aviation event by the WACO Historical Society and Museum. Sculptures on the Square: Sculptures Take Flight is sponsored in part by a grant from the Troy Foundation. For a map and brochure that locates each sculpture and describes it and its artist, contact Troy Main Street at www.troymainstreet.org or by calling 937-339-5455.
By Frank R. Satullo
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When: May 31 – June 3, 2007
Location: American Legion Grounds at 111 Race St off SR-50 in downtown Milford
Call: 513-831-2411
May 31st start's with Clermont County largest parade. Frontier Days began in 1965 as a way to celebrate the heritage of the Milford Miami Township area. Diverse groups such as church and school organizations, businesses and athletic associations, come together to make Frontier Days one of the area's biggest annual events, and one of Ohio's largest parades. Frontier Days has all the earmarks of a traditional hometown festival, including a big kickoff parade, great food and family fun. In past years, thousands of people have lined the streets of Milford to see the floats, bands and marching units. Frontier Days combines the distinct character of southwestern Ohio with the noise and color of a carnival...it's all there, from balloons to bratwurst, from cotton candy to craft booths. The celebration is distinctively Milford's, yet it's meant to be shared. Anyone who has seen Frontier Days knows that sharing is something Milford does very well.
When: June 1-3, 2007
Location: Troy, Ohio
Phone: 800-348-8993
Although there are other strawberry festivals in Ohio and some that offer free admission, the Troy Strawberry Festival is one of the best. Troy is proclaimed by locals to be the Strawberry Capital of Ohio. The festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors. Its featured attractions include a parade, bed races, hot air balloon rally, car show, arts and crafts, sporting events and children’s events. Also, there are hovercraft and raft races on the river. In addition, there are pie-eating contests, kiddie tractor-pulls, tug-of-war, rubber duck race, Berry Special Olympics, Big Wheel Races and a myriad of other activities.
When: June 7-10, 2007
Location: Columbus, Ohio (downtown riverfront)
Phone: 614-224-2606
American Style magazine named this an "essential festival" in its February 2007 issue. The Columbus Arts Festival remains the welcome-to-summer event in Columbus, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople with a medley of continuous entertainment including art activities, musical performances, and food from Columbus' finest restaurants. Kids will enjoy the Children's Art Activities area, where there are numerous fun-filled projects for them to do. In addition, there are art activities for adults to enjoy, live music, community stage performances and the Ohio Magazine Poetry Stage.
When: June 8 – 9, 2007 (6/8/07 5pm-9:30pm and 6/9/07 1pm-9:30pm)
Where: JW Denver Williams Memorial Park, Rombach Ave., Wilmington, OH
Phone: 937-382-1965
The fabulous 50's & 60's are celebrated at the nations only Banana Split Festival. Enjoy two free rock 'n' roll concerts featuring Phil Dirt & The Dozers and Blue Stone Ivory. Other highlights include a cruise-in featuring approximately 350 classic cars and a performance by Streetwise. In addition, there are plenty of crafts and collectibles, games, rides, unique food and of course Banana Splits!
When: June 8-9, 2007
Location: Harrod, Ohio
Phone: 419-648-5091
Rudolph Foods Company and Harrod, Ohio offer the Pork Rind Heritage Festival annually. Yes, Pork Rind Festival! If you want to see how many tasty ways you can prepare a pork rind, eat fresh popped pork rinds or enjoy a hog roast, this festival is for you. It also features a parade, live entertainment and crafts.
When: June 8-10, 2007
Location: Coshocton County Fairgrounds
Phone: 740-622-5411
Originally called the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Race changed its name to reflect the more encompassing events that occur at this festival. Balloonists from all over Ohio and Michigan come to show off their colorful aircrafts. Balloon launches are held at dawn and dusk. And a “night glow” of balloons occurs after dark. Balloonists take part in various events such as dropping markers while in flight in attempt to hit a target on the ground. A traditional hot air balloon race sanctioned by the North American Balloon Association is also held during the festivities. Other activities include 5k run, crafters, , live music, carnival rides and more.
When: June 9-10, 2007 from 11-7 Sat and 12-6 Sunday
Where: Fort Ancient State Memorial, 6123 St Rt 350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054
Phone: 800-283-8904 or 513- 932-4421
Situated 245 feet on a bluff top overlooking the Little Miami River, Fort Ancient is the premiere hilltop enclosure consisting of 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by the ancient ones during the Hopewell culture. The site offers a 9,000 sq ft. exhibit area, 15,000sq ft reconstructed garden, and 3.5 miles of hiking trails.
Come for a day of educational programming about American Indian Heritage. Up to one hundred dancers, forty vendors, six presenters, and five drums will present information on American Indian Heritage. Demonstrations and activities will be throughout the entire weekend. Food will be served by the Warren County Conservation Association. Storytelling, flute music, heritage discussions, and Native spirituality will be presented.
When: June 9-10, 2007 (Second weekend in June every year.)
Location: North Coast Harbor / Voinovich Park, behind the world famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland
Phone: 440-899-5009
The event offers free boat rides, free casting and fishing lessons from the charter boat Holiday, entertainment by Capt'n Wilie - the Great Lakes Pirate, food vendors, and much more. The annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest is a summer hit with families and kids of all ages and backgrounds. Designed to introduce kids and families to the joys and excitement of boating and fishing, the annual event draws nearly 3,000 visitors to downtown Cleveland's North Coast Harbor, behind the world famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, during its two-day run. Other event features include: the NASCAR Busch series Braun Racing car, free tours of the Grandon, the Division of Wildlife's fish research vessel, and hundreds of giveaways, including life jackets, tackle boxes, and rod/reel combos.
Ohio's Friendliest
Train Robbery
(Fares: Adult $18.00 Senior $16.00 Children
$14.00)
When: June 9-10, 2007 at 6pm
Where: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville, Ohio
Phone: 800-967-7834
Web Site: www.hvsry.org
Join the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway this summer as the train gets robbed by bandits on horseback. At some point during the trip, passengers will encounter a group of bandits determined to bag some loot from those on-board. Don't despair, play money will be handed out to everyone onboard beforehand to give to the robbers after they board the train. It promises to be a loud and thrilling trip for the whole family. Trains are seated on a first come, first served basis, so reservations are recommended for special trains or groups of thirty or more. Mail-in reservations must be received no less than ten days prior to the trip.
Dean Martin Festival
(Admission is free)
When: June 14-17, 2007
Location: Steubenville, Ohio
Phone: 740-535-1830
Join thousands of Dean Martin enthusiasts in his hometown at the tenth annual celebration of his life and achievements. Fans gather in Steubenville, Ohio, to enjoy performances by Dean Martin impersonators, see Dino's hometown, and share memories. Included in the weekend activities are a film festival, memorabilia show, parade, concerts, and a memorial Mass. Festivities are held at several locations in downtown Steubenville.
When: June 15-17, 2007 (Fathers' Day Weekend)
Location: Avon, Ohio (37001 Detroit Road at Veteran’s Memorial Park)
Phone: 1-866-818-1116
The Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival returns for a second time, showcasing duct tape in all forms including art, sculptures, fashion and more. It will be a celebration of duct tape, its enthusiasts, and its wacky and fun uses. The festival also honors the history and heritage of the city that is proclaimed the “Duct Tape Capital” of the world, home of Duck® brand duct tape, in Avon, Ohio. Rides, games and food will be part of the celebration, along with a steak fry and a duct tape parade!
The festival, perfect for Father’s Day, not only features most dads’ favorite tool, but also includes an antique car show and a “Duct Tape Dad of the Year” contest. Be sure to visit the Duct Tape Capital of the World, home of Duck® brand duct tape!
When: June 15-16, 2007
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Downtown Riverfront)
Phone: 614-645-3800
This celebration of Latin American culture is the largest Hispanic/Latino event in Ohio! Celebrate Latin culture to the music of Salsa, Mambo, Flamenco, Merengue and Conjunto by some of the finest national and international Latino artists. Presentations also include traditional ballroom dancing and those brave enough can partake in a dance class to learn to Tango. Traditional Latin cuisines and festival fare are served and a marketplace provides cultural pottery, jewelry, arts and crafts. In addition, hands-on children’s workshops are offered.
When: June 15-17, 2007
Location: Vermilion, Ohio at Victory Park
Phone: 440-967-4477
This festive event features a lighted boat parade on the river and a “Crazy Craft” boat race. Pull up a lawn chair and make a day of it riverside and take in the sun and “crazy crafts.” And if you get hungry, treat yourself to a Walleye or Perch sandwich. Now doesn’t that sound yummy? Oh, and there’s plenty of activities, entertainment and crafts too such as sand castle building contests and pageants.
Historic Old Fort
Steuben Festival
(Admission: adults $3; youth $1; under age 6 free)
When: June 16-17, 2007
Location: Steubenville, Ohio (120 South Third Street)
Phone: 740-283-1787
Every year Old Fort Steuben – a reconstructed 18th century fort built on its original site overlooking the Ohio River – opens its mighty wooden gates for 2 special days to reenactors, demonstrators, musicians, dancers, storytellers, artists, crafters, and visitors of all ages for its family-friendly Festival. Within the picket walls, the 1st American Regiment sets up camp and demonstrates the boom of its cannon as well as the daily life of the enlisted men who inhabited the Fort in 1787. Buildings are open for tours; Baron von Steuben teaches military drill to young volunteers; Chief Logan tells his story while settlers outside the walls provide insight into life on the Ohio frontier. Meet the blacksmith, surveyor, cooper, spinner, spoonmaker, and others who demonstrate period skills. Try some Buffalo Burgers and Apple Dumplings and listen to traditional music. Pony rides, too!
Port Clinton Annual
Arts & Craft Show
(Admission is free)
When: June 16, 2007
Location: Downtown Port Clinton, Ohio
Phone: 419-734-5503
Approximately 60 arts and craft vendors will be displaying and selling their original works. Have lunch at the Port Clinton chamber booth and enjoy a delicious hot dog or bratwurst!
Maria Stein
Country Fest
(Admission is Free)
When: June 22-24, 2007
Location: Maria Stein, Ohio
Web Site:
http://www.mscountryfest.com
This family festival
offers totally free entertainment beginning with the featured acts of The
Team Extreme Motorcycle Showcase. Also, the nationally known "Country
Fest Tractor Square Dancers". Eight farmers do-se-doe
around an arena to songs like "Roll out the Barrel." Additional features
include, Antique Garden Tractor Pulls, Mini-Indy race, Chainsaw wood
carving, Rides, Punt - Pass - Kick Competition,
Volleyball, Bean Bag, &
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Diaper
Derby,
5k run. The festival plays music for
all ages throughout the weekend, and has plenty of food to satisfy
everyone’s palate, plus a petting zoo, games, and fun for all. And don’t
forget to check out the Miller Light, and Valvoline Nascar Cars on
Saturday 12:00-7:00. Hot Air Balloon ride raffle tickets are
available (2 People for each of the 3 Balloon launches). Contact Missy
Spieth at 419-925-4824 for more information.
Fairborn's "Heritage Days"
(Admission is Free except for ‘Garden Tours’)
When: June 23-24, 2007
Location: Fairborn, Ohio
Phone: 937-478-6143
Two communities, Fairfield and Osborn, united to become Fairborn in 1950, Fairborn the only town in the world with its name. Reenactment of early 1800's life will take place at the Mercer Smith log cabin, the city's oldest dwelling. A juried art show displaying works of original design will be for sale in Central Park. An accredited volksmarch will take place on Saturday. Photographs depicting the 'move' of Osborn in the 1920's will be exhibited at the old Central School . Walking garden tours of several historic residences displaying diverse gardening themes will be conducted. Music and food vendors will be on hand. Visitor should follow signs to designated parking areas, shuttles will travel to the downtown events.
Gene Autry Days
(Admission: $5 per person, children under 12 are free)
When: June 23 & 24, 2007 - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Hardin County Fairgrounds community building, located south of Kenton Ohio on C.R. 140 between S.R. 31 and US 68.
Phone: 419-673-4131
The 14th
Annual Gene Autry Days will be a Centennial Celebration in honor of The
Singing Cowboy (1907-2007) and the cap guns manufactured by the Kenton
Hardware Company. The show features dealers from several states with over
70 tables of cap guns, old toys and western memorabilia, including Gene
Autry items & cap guns. Non-stop entertainment will be provided by Les
Gilliam, Johnny Western, Call of the West, Paul Belanger and John Buttram.
Maxine Hansen of Autry Entertainment will be on hand to answers
questions.
The Ohio State Championship Fast Draw Match, Gene Autry movies and a western Look-a-Like contest are other highlights of the show. Visitors will also enjoy the mural and park in downtown Kenton commemorating the history of Mr. Autry with the Kenton Hardware Company and the cap guns.
When: June 23-24, 2007
Location: Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio
Phone: 440-277-5244
More than 70 nationalities are represented at this worldly festival. Each culture is represented with authentic ethnic food to dazzle any palette. Visitors may work the food off to toe tapping music and dancing. A parade procession makes its way down Broadway in downtown Lorain and a Princess Reception and Pageant has ladies appear like princesses from around the globe. Additional activities abound throughout the town.
Click here for additional festivals and events throughout Ohio
GraveQuest
Ohio Time Travelers
Discover Forgotten History

This quest is a three-parter, all in the same general location.
Who Are We? One used to be the richest man on Earth and would love today's oil prices, the second busted Al Capone for tax evasion, and the third was assassinated while President of the United States.
Where are we? Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. For Geocachers, coordinates are:
N:
41°
30.673
W: 081° 35.474
N:
41°
30.834
W: 081° 35.571
N:
41°
30.604
W: 081° 35.486
What you will find: A cemetery that doubles as an arboretum and outdoor museum. Tours are often scheduled, including architecture, trolley, and geology. It is also a destination for horticulturalists. Many legendary personalities rest within along side all walks of life. Cassettes and CDs are available at the office for self-guided tours.
What you need to bring: A flower for each grave to pay respects and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
What you need to solve
the mystery:
Stop at the office and get a map for starters. Then ...
For the one
described as once being the richest man on Earth, you will need to face
his head stone next to his monument. There will be three head stones in a
row with this person's in the middle. But you want the 3rd letter of the
1st word on the headstone immediately to the right.
For the one credited with putting Al Capone behind bars, you will need
the
3rd letter of the
1st word on his marker (which is next to a pond where his ashes were
spread).
For Mr. President, find the front door. Then look at the sign or plaque facing you at the top of the steps (while still outside the door). In the fourth line down, get the last letter in the first word. If you visit this one any day between 9am and 3pm, journey inside and to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the North Coast and Cleveland skyline.
Nearby Attractions: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Western Reserve Historical Society. For a good meal and shopping, head just outside the cemetery down Mayfield Road (Murray Hill) into the heart of Little Italy. Many shops and restaurants await. Make sure you don't leave without Cannoli from one of the bakeries.
Learn to play
GraveQuest and explore the archived sites at
www.ohiotraveler.com
/gravequest.htm.

The aroma of lavender greets you the moment you drive down the country lane to Springbrook Meadows Lavender farm. Situated at the foothills of the Appalachians in beautiful Highland County is Ohio’s premier lavender farm, owned by Neal and Debbie Cook. The farm is a century farm, since it has been in the family now for over 100 years, but only recently have they begun raising lavender. The Cooks began raising lavender on the farm in the year 2000 after visiting with family in a place called Sequim (pronounced “squim”), Washington. Sequim could easily be identified as the lavender capital of the United States, and while on their visit they determined that they would try to raise the crop themselves back in Ohio. Lavender doesn’t require much to grow except sunshine and it doesn’t like to have its feet wet. That’s about all it takes. Neal says that, “Our part of the farm was a clay patch that just never grew field crops like corn or soybeans very well. That’s one of the reasons that our home is on that spot. It just wasn’t productive for any normal farming.” So they decided to try lavender farming.
That year they bought some extra suitcases and took home two suitcases full of different varieties of lavender to try on their farm in Ohio. Unfortunately the first year crop didn’t fare very well, in fact they lost almost 25% of that crop. It seems that the varieties that they selected to grow in Ohio were not as well suited for Ohio winters as those common in the Sequim area. Debbie went back to the drawing board and studied all the varieties she could find to determine the best fit for growing in Ohio. The next year, they returned and gathered several more suitcases of lavender and this time they were successful in growing and raising lavender in Southern Ohio. They now have over 16 varieties of Lavender in the field and over 95 varieties in the greenhouses for testing and mother plants.
The Cooks have developed a unique way of raising the lavender, literally. They create a raised bed row with a combination of the local clay soil, amended with some compost provided by the sheep, cattle and a horse that graze in their field nearby. They also include some lime to sweeten the soil and a thin strip of sand at the bottom of each row to ensure moisture does not build up in the mounds. The whole row is then covered with a geotextile cloth, which serves as a weed barrier but still allows for the exchange of gases and some water to penetrate. Debbie says “It works well for us. It keeps the weeds to a minimum and the raised bed idea keeps the plants feet from staying wet. An added benefit, is that since it is a raised bed, it makes it easier to harvest.”
In 2004 they had the very first Lavender Field Day, and they have been drawing over 1,000 guests every year since. “We thought it would be nice to share this wonderful plant with the community, and discovered that it drew folks from all over the tri-state area”. Each of the craftspeople that attend the Lavender Field Day were seasoned professionals in their craft and are selected based on the quality of their product. Each craftsperson was asked to incorporate lavender into their artwork or display it in some way to promote lavender. It really makes the creative juices flow for many of the artists.
The Ohio 4th Annual Lavender Field Day is scheduled for June 23, 2007 from 10-5 (Class sizes are limited, registration required). Visitors will enjoy a day in a field of blooming lavender and see lavender artwork by tri-state artisans. You may also cut-your-own lavender for drying or taste the flavor of lavender lemonade. In addition, you may participate in lavender craft and lavender growing workshops.
In 2004 the Cook’s also constructed the Lavender Cottage. This adorable little cottage houses all the lavender products that the Cooks have brought together from all corners of the globe. They created several of their own, including skin care products. Debbie is also a talented fiber artist and potter. You may find some of her hand-painted porcelain in the cottage or one of her famous corn shuck dolls. They have all manner of lavender products from essential oils, lavender filled pillows, to books on lavender including Debbie’s own cookbook, “A Taste of Lavender”. Debbie said that she enjoyed cooking so much that it was just a natural extension of her interest to create this mouth-watering book on cooking with lavender. And speaking of cooking, Debbie also does catered luncheons in the lavender field. Can you imagine sitting in the middle of a lavender field while sipping lavender lemonade? It’s absolutely heavenly.

The cottage and farm are open to the public from late April until October from 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday (closed on Sundays and Mondays). Typically they have cut-your-own lavender from the first weeks of June clear through frost, but each year is just a little different. During the Christmas season they are open from Thanksgiving until Christmas 10 am – 5 pm. Debbie and Neal can be contacted at 937-365-1632. You can also visit their website www.OhioLavender.com.

A one-of-a-kind celebration of America’s Appalachian culture and the musical heritage of the rhythmic washboard will take place June 15-17, 2007 in southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills. The 2007 Washboard Music Festival is expected to draw nearly 10,000 visitors from throughout the United States. Held in downtown Logan, Ohio, the free Festival features more than 35 musicians and entertainers along with Queen Contests, Car Shows, a parade and local cuisine.
The Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band, The Boondockers, Robin Lacy & DeZydeco and The Big Mama Sue Trio are just a few of the performers from as far away as California playing everything from jug-band music to jazz and Louisiana zydeco. The Main Stage as well as smaller venues features this acoustic, toe-tapping music to delight the crowds. The Sunday stage features local country and blue grass musicians.
Local artists and crafters display and sell a wide variety of folk art and crafts. The Bowen House will feature quilts of the Adams County Quilts ‘n More guild, the inspiration for the Appalachian Discovery Quilt Barn Trail. Mas Ikemiya, concert and ragtime pianist, will entertain at the Bowen House and The Piano Works during the Festival. The Hocking County Historical Society will feature an impressive display of Wedding Gowns Through the Ages. UpCreek Productions with Kendra Ward on dulcimer and Bob Bence on guitar will also entertain at these venues.

Families enjoy the Children’s Fair, a unique kid-friendly area. Special entertainment features magic shows, a Wild West show, musical performances, amusement rides and games. The Festival Train gives kids a special ride around the Festival grounds.
Two major highlights of the Festival involve free tours for a view into the past. As you approach the turn-of-the-century 3-story brick factory, you can see the World’s Largest Washboard. Inside, visitors can see the inner workings of the 110-year old Columbus Washboard Company, the only washboard factory in the United States still producing washboards on a daily basis. Down the corridor, The Makers of Hand-Forged Iron continues their important work on the restoration of the 1868 Zoarville Station Bridge in Tuscarawas County, now on the National Register of Historic Places.
There is free parking at the Hocking County Fairgrounds with golf cart transportation to the Festival. Handicapped accommodations are available throughout the Festival. For additional information on accommodations and attractions of the Hocking Hills, call toll-free, 1-800-HOCKING or click here. Additional Festival information is available here.