OCTOBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

  

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OCTOBER  

Adams County Civil War Days

Haunted Hayride & Black Bog at Bull Run Farms

Algonquin Mill Fall Festival

Holmes County Antique Festival

Appalachian Mountain Artisans Fest

Leaders Family Farms and Scream Acres

Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival

Lebanon Antiques Show

Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival

Middfest International

Bob Evans Farm Festival

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Doll & Bear Show and Sale

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

Fall Festival of Leaves

Ohio Swiss Fest

Fall Foliage Trains

Paul Bunyan Show

Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival

Pumpkin Fest at Pigeon Roost Farm

Fall Hayrides

Pumpkin Show (Circleville)

Fort Rowdy Gathering

Tall Stacks - Cincinnati Riverboats

German Village Oktoberfest - Columbus

Wooly Bear Festival

HallZOOween

Zoar Village's Lantern Tours of the Ghosts

Harvest Moon Corn Maze & Pumpkin

 


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OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

  • When: September 3 - October 16, 2011 Saturdays & Sundays PLUS Labor Day - Open 10:30AM - 6:00PM, Rain or Shine

  • Location: (Map It) Renaissance Park in Harveysburg, OH (conveniently located between Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus in Warren County on State Route 73 between I-71 and I-75)

  • Phone: 513-897-7000

Ohio’s premier family event features 11 stages of continuous entertainment, 7 food and beverage buildings, and more than 130 arts and crafts shops.  Knights, comedy, daring stunt shows, giant roasted turkey legs, bread bowl stews, handmade arts and crafts abound in the authentically recreated 30-acre 16th Century English village. 

Printout + many more details: Ohio Renaissance Festival

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FALL FOLIAGE TRAINS
at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
(Train Fare Applies)

  • Open Fall Foliage Trains are offered every Thursday and Friday in addition to the regular Saturday and Sunday Schedule from October 1 - 29, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. and last about 2 ¼ hours, including a 30-minute stop at a reconstructed 1840’s era village.

  • Location: (Map It) The Depot in Nelsonville contains the ticket office, and it is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 33 and Hocking Parkway (Fulton Street), behind the Rocky Boots Outlet

  • Phone: 1-800-967-7834

The 22-mile round trip to Logan, Ohio and back are leisurely rides along the Hocking River and Appalachian foothills providing great family-friendly entertainment. Choose to ride in either the 1920’s commuter coaches or open air cars. There’s even first-class service in a restored B&O coach complete with air-conditioning. The most used engine is a diesel locomotive built in 1952. The interesting history of the area and the railway are highlighted by the conductor’s narrative as the train passes by a canal lock, historic old company towns and other landmarks while following the Hocking River through rolling hills filled with natural fall splendor.

During the trips, passengers have an opportunity to step off the train and back into time at Robbins Crossing. Instantly, cooking from the nearby wood stove floats an inviting aroma passed your nose. Clanking and clamoring rings out from the fully-operational blacksmith shop. Ladies in period-dress are busy candle making and spinning yarn. Folks gather on porches for some good ole Appalachian-style music dancing off instruments of Yesteryear.

The leisurely visit may be commemorated with a unique purchase at the railway's Gift Shop and Train Store. 

Printout: Fall Foliage Trains

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FALL FUN DAYS HARVEST FESTIVAL
at Circle S Farms

  • When: Starts in late September and always ends on October 31
    Hours are from
    8:30 a.m. to dusk (till 11:00 p.m. for bonfire parties)

  • Location: (Map It) is 9015 London Groveport Rd., Grove City, OH 43123

  • Phone: 614-878-7980 or call the recorded INFOLINE at 614-878-9462

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, many families, schools, churches, companies and many other groups and individuals annually visit the Fall Fun Days Festival at Circle S Farms, located in scenic southwest Franklin County. Our festival features hayrides to pick a pumpkin, a six acre corn maze, sunflower maze, Fun Hay Barn with slides, Scarecrow Cave, Fodder Lane, petting zoo, weekend entertainment and much more. Private hayrides with bonfire parties are available. There is a full service bakery with many tasty treats including freshly made donuts of all kinds. On the weekends the Pumpkin Cafe is open. Group reservations are requested and walk-ins are welcome. www.circlesfarm.com

Printout: Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival

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FALL HAYRIDES
(Admission: Adults $7.50, Children (ages 3 - 11) $5.50, Children (2 and under) Free - must sit on an adult lap for the hayrides. Cost includes hayride and entertainment) 

  • When: Saturday nights from 6 – 10 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from Noon – 4 p.m.

  • Location: (Map It) Chalet Recreation Area • Mill Stream Run Reservation. Chalet Recreation Area is located on Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 & 82 in Strongsville – just off I-71 & the Ohio Turnpike.

  • Phone: 440-572-9990

  • Web Site: www.clevelandmetroparks.com

The tractor-drawn hayrides leave every half hour and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, enjoy square dancing for all ages, a hay maze, and a face-painting & balloon-twisting clown. On Sundays, bonus activities include pumpkin carving demonstrations, additional entertainment, and Horse-Drawn Hayrides on Select Sunday’s. And, Private Hayrides available, too!

Printout: Fall Hayrides

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HARVEST MOON CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH
(Admission: Call for information) 

  • Open: Mid September through the end of October

  • Location: (Map It) Niederman Family Farm at 4972 LeSourdsville-WestChester Drive in Liberty Township, Ohio 45011 (between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio)

  • Phone: 513-779-6184

This Southwest Ohio working farm provides the ultimate fall experience! Niederman Family Farm invites you to experience a 22 acre corn maze, pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, take a hayride, visit and feed the barnyard animals and have a picnic. Spend the day, bring your family, school group, church group, scout troop, Mom’s club, or just yourself.

Printout: Harvest Moon

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HAUNTED HAYRIDE & BLACK BOG
at Bull Run Farms

 

  • When: October (Fridays and Saturdays from late September through the end of October)

  • Location: (Map It) 6070 Springboro Road in Lebanon, Ohio 

  • Phone: 937-748-2272

Experience the Award-Winning Haunted Hayride at Bull Run Farms! Voted 2003 Best Scare and 2003 Grand Champions by Fox 22 Miami Valley Tour of Terror, you won't want to miss our 16th year of Halloween tradition. Located on over 50 acres of natural woodlands along Bull Run Creek, the 30-minute tractor-drawn haunted hayride brings a new look and feel this year.  Hunker down with your friends and family as you tour the spooky trails, the unexpected lurking at every turn.  Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the woods...After the hayride be sure and take in the evening's entertainment featuring story-telling by the bon fires, the professional stunt bike show showcasing performers from around the world, enjoy the harvest at our on-site concession stand, pick your own pumpkin and if you are really brave, dare to enter the Black Bog.

Printout: Haunted Hayride and Black Bog

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LEADERS FAMILY FARMS AND SCREAM ACRES

  • When: October on Fridays 6pm until 10pm, Saturdays 1pm until 10pm, Sundays 1pm until 9pm. ScreamAcres opens at dark each night. 

  • Location: (Map It) Leaders Family Farms located a mile west of Napoleon, Ohio just off of state route 24 on county road 16 

  • Phone: 419-599-1570 

Fun for all ages. You can “get lost” in the twists and turns of a seven acre jack-o-lantern corn maize. Win prizes at Northwest Ohio’s only corn cannon range. Sing and dance on the karaoke stage. Take a scenic and peaceful hayride around the farm. Take your pick of thousands of pumpkins in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Kids can get “moo-ving” in a cow train, play on the slides or make their way through straw tunnels. For those with young children there’s a special place – Little Farmers Barnyard. It includes a corn box, mini straw jump and inflatables to enjoy. There’s also a wide array of concessions.  

For those who are brave of heart and dared to be scared, explore Scream Acres Haunted Cornfield, Northwest Ohio’s most terrifying field of corn! This separate field of corn has many turns and twists with the added fear of the unknown. With creatures lurking behind the walls of corn you never know who… or what may be “stalking” you! At ScreamAcres Haunted Cornfield “you pay to get in…. but pray to get out!!”

Printout: Leaders Family Farms

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PUMPKINFEST AT PIGEON ROOST FARM
(No Admission charge for market area. $5 per person charge for “Fun Center”/ Corn Maze)

  • When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from mid September through October

  • Location: (Map It) Hebron, Ohio

  • Phone: 740-928-4925

Come Celebrate Fall in the Country.  Enjoy a nostalgic family trip back to a working farm.  It's the 30th year and still growing!  See the old barns, friendly barnyard animals, and interesting display of antiques and observation beehive.  Choose from thousands of pumpkins in all sizes and shapes, colorful and unique heritage squash, several sizes of Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, hard shell and decorative gourds.  Young and young-at-heart will have a great time exploring the “Great Pumpkin Fun Center” with new Fort Pigeon Roost, giant gerbil wheels, a “goat walk”,  Corn Maze,  and the Enchanted Forest.  The kids favorites—hillside slide, spooky straw tunnel and Conestoga corn box are still included.  Five shops have handmade crafts and a large selection of fall decorations, and the children have their own “Kids Korner”.  On weekends there are wagon rides, face painting, food concessions, crafters and demonstrations.  So come visit and bring your camera to capture some of those special memories!

Printout: Pumpkinfest at Pigeon Roost Farm

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ZOAR VILLAGE'S LANTERN TOURS OF THE GHOSTS
(Admission:
$10 for ages 10 and up and $8 for ages 9 and under) 

  • When: Friday October 28 and Saturday October 29, 6pm and 7:15pm

  • Location: (Map It) Zoar, OH 44697 - Located 2.5 miles east of I-77 (exit 93) on St. Rte. 212

  • Phone: 330-874-2646

Visitors are invited to take a haunted stroll through the village with history and ghost stories told by costumed guides. Overnight accommodations are available at the bed and breakfasts in the village.  For information call 330-874-2646.

Come be a part of history this year at the historic village of Zoar, Ohio. German Separatists founded the Village of Zoar in the Tuscarawas River Valley of Ohio.  In 1817 they left Germany and came to the United States seeking religious freedom.  Later they formed a communal society that lasted for 79 years, and was one of the most successful communal societies in the United States. Today, many of the buildings the Separatists built still line the main street of the historic village. Ten of these buildings are operated as museums by the Zoar Community Association. For information about daytime tours, please call 330-874-2646 or visit the Zoar Store at 198 Main St., Zoar, OH 44697.

Printout: Lantern Tours of the Ghosts

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MIDDFEST INTERNATIONAL
(Admission: Adults $5 for all three days, kids under 12 are free)

 

  • When: September 30 - October 2, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) Donham Plaza, Downtown, Middletown, Ohio

  • Phone: 513-425-7707

Middfest International began in 1981. This three day educational and cultural event attracts more than 100,000 people annually. Its mission: to promote world understanding, friendship and peace, by showcasing a different country every year.  This year experience the Indigenous Peoples as Middfest International celebrates its 25th Anniversary. 

Beginning at the early preview Garden Party and Gala, cut flowers and container arrangements of native plants will be on display. On into the weekend visitors can participate in Indigenous cooking demonstrations; drum and dance circle; films, conversation, genealogy and literature talks. Visitors may also choose to participate and explore interactive centers, exhibits in science, Youth Park, history and culture.   

Middfest International was named a Top One Hundred Event by the American Bus Association in 1985 and received the prestigious Post Corbett Award for the Most Extraordinary Event in 1995.  And, in 2004 Middfest International was inducted into The Greater Cincinnati International Hall of Fame. 

Printout: Middfest International

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OHIO SWISS FESTIVAL

(Admission is Free)

 

  • When: September 30 - October 1, 2011 (always the 4th weekend after Labor Day)

  • Location: (Map It) Sugarcreek, Ohio

  • Phone: 330-852-4113

Experience the best of Switzerland here in the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” Visitors will be drawn to the Swiss music and authentic Swiss costumes. There’s tons of Swiss cheese to go around, polka bands, alpine horn players and a parade. And on a more interesting note, come see the Steinstossen contest and see stone throwers compete or the Schwingfest – Swiss wrestling.   

Printout: Ohio Swiss Festival

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FORT ROWDY GATHERING 

  • When: October 1 & 2, 2011 (First full weekend in October (Sat., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

  • Location: (Map It) Community Park, Covington, West U.S. Route 36, Covington, Ohio

  • Phone: 937-473-5439

From the hovering lights of campfires, frontier enthusiasts gather in groups playing guitars, drums and washboards much like small trading villages once participated in the 1800s. The weekend begins with an old-fashioned hometown parade on Saturday but the highlight of this festival is the mountain man encampment located next to the Stillwater River.  The event and parking are free to the public.

Printout: Fort Rowdy Gathering

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LEBANON ANTIQUES SHOW
(Admission: $8 - good for both days) 

  • When: October 1 & 2, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) 825 Hart Rd. (Bowman Primary School) in Lebanon, OH

  • Phone: 513-932-1817

One of Ohio's oldest antique shows. This year’s seventy antique dealers feature antiques and decorative accessories from three centuries. One can examine and purchase formal and country furniture, paintings, pottery, textiles, jewelry and more.  The show provides an excellent opportunity for new collectors to learn about their interests.  Long-time collectors often find that special piece to add to their collection.

Printout: Lebanon Antiques Show

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PAUL BUNYAN SHOW
(Admission $8.00, Students and Seniors w/Golden Buckeye Card $4.00. Children under 6 free) 

  • When: October 7 - 9, 2011. Friday-Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Location: (Map It) Guernsey County Fairgrounds at 335 Old National Rd in (Old Washington) Cambridge, OH (Exit 186 off of I-70).

  • Phone 614-497-9580

The Official Paul Bunyan ShowSM is one of the nation’s largest and oldest forest industry shows. Show attendees will see more than 130 exhibits representing all facets of the forest industry throughout North America. Representatives will be on site to showcase equipment, manpower and the dedication that has made the industry what it is today. Lumberjack entertainment and competitions will take place throughout the weekend as well as numerous educational sessions on topics ranging from logging equipment safety and maintenance to the history and restoration of the bald eagle in Ohio to Ohio’s edible mushrooms. Visitors to the show will not want to leave without trying an official Bunyan Burger, a 14 oz angus burger with all the trimmings. For more information, visit www.ohioforest.org.

Printout: Paul Bunyan 

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ALGONQUIN MILL FALL FESTIVAL
(Admission: $8 / vehicle)

  • When: October 7 - 9, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) Algonquin Mill Farm in Carrollton, Ohio 44615

  • Phone: 330-627-5910 or 330-627-0103

Love old mills? How about fall foliage? Great! Head to the Algonquin Mill Fall Festival for a pioneer style festival featuring an operating early 1800's steam powered flourmill and sawmill, antique power show, old railway depot with model train layouts, many quality crafters, and delicious home-cooked food.

Printout: Algonquin Mill Fall Festival

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APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN ARTISANS FEST Hosted by Hilltop Designs
(Admission is by donations to benefit Alzheimer's & Parkinson's) 

This fest will be a family oriented educational outdoor festival for all ages. Over 100 artisan booths of crafts, jewelry, antiques, soaps, everlastings, plants, furniture, quilts and more. Friday is Childrens Day & Festival Preview. Saturday at 10:30 Sunflower Barn Square Dedication and Charity Auction at 12:00. Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee and Adams/Brown Recycling will teach and educate with hands on demonstrations. Music by Steve Free, Rabbit Hash Band, The Liberty Band and West Union Steel Band.  Antique Tractor Show, cut your own pumpkin and sunflower seed head, corn mazes, and "Hay" swimming pool. Classes that will teach the art of flower arranging, how to make a gathering basket, how to make a soup wreath and more.  Jack & Marilyn Vance's delicious turkey legs and BBQ and homemade  fudge by Ceil Bee. All parking donations and auction proceeds go to benefit Alzheimer's& Parkinson's Associations.  For class schedules, vending, parking volunteers or more call 937-695-5545. More information is available by contacting www.hilltopdesigns.org.

Printout: Appalachian Mountain Artisans Festival

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ASHTABULA COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL
(Admission: $4, children younger than 12 are free)

  • When: October 8 & 9, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) Ashtabula County Fairgrounds in Jefferson, Ohio

  • Phone: 440-576-3769

Take a fall color tour of 16 covered bridges throughout Ashtabula County. Upon request, free tour maps are available. This annual event is family-oriented and includes children’s activities, contests, crafts, a parade, draft-horse pull, quilt show, farmers market, entertainment, great food and antique engines, tractors and automobiles.

Printout: Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival

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HOLMES COUNTY ANTIQUE FESTIVAL
 

  • When: October 8 & 9, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) Historic Downtown Millersburg, Ohio

  • Phone: 330-674-6781

The festival features a Classic Car Parade, Firemen's Parade and Grand Parade. In addition, there are 25-30 Antique Dealers, Arts and Crafts, 5-K Run, Antiques, continuous entertainment and great food. Take a walking trip through the village and view the Downtown Window Museum, shop in unique stores and then tour the Victorian House and enjoy the beautiful Fall season in Holmes County.

Printout: Holmes County Antique Festival

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HALLZOOWEEN
(Call for admission information)

  • When: October 8 & 9, 15 & 16 and 22 & 23, 2011, Noon – 5 p.m.

  • Location: (Map It) Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 

  • Phone: 513-475-6124 or 1-800-94-HIPPO

Little ghouls, boys and animals can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during HallZOOween, young Frankensteins (12 and under) can trick-or-treat their way around the Zoo.  Along the way, guests may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium – the Zoo animal’s version of trick-or-treating, including Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, Indian Rhino Apple Bob and Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. Other activities include a Little Creatures Carnival, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, spooktacular train ride, scare-ousel, strolling characters, face painting, and mini pumpkin decorating activities. This event is FREE with Zoo admission.

Printout: HallZooween at the Cincinnati Zoo

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OHIO SAUERKRAUT FESTIVAL
(Admission is Free)
 

  • When: October 8 & 9, 2011 from 9am - 8pm and 9am - 6pm respectively (Second full weekend in October)

  • Location: (Map It) Waynesville, Ohio

  • Phone: 513-897-8855

The people of Waynesville may debate whether they are the Antiques Capital of the Midwest or the Home of the Sauerkraut Festival but make no mistake they have lots of both. And some say antiques and sauerkraut saved this little town. Either way, more than 11,000 pounds of sauerkraut are cooked up for the annual festival. Some of the more unique recipes for visitors’ indulgence include sauerkraut ice cream, brownies, doughnuts and pizza. The local folks urge that just because it’s made with sauerkraut doesn’t mean it tastes like it. Awards are given to those with the largest cabbage, greenest cabbage and most “congenial” cabbage.

Printout: Sauerkraut Festival

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WOOLY BEAR FESTIVAL
(Admission is Free)

 

  • When: October 9, 2011

  • Location: (Map It) Vermilion, Ohio

  • Phone: 440-967-4477

Everyone knows about Ground Hog Day but a fuzzy little critter in Vermilion will forecast how severe of a winter Ohio can expect before it even starts – or so they say. The Wooly Bear is a fuzzy caterpillar. It is said that if the black band on the critters brown back is wide, get ready for lots of white stuff to fall from the sky. Well, this festival pays tribute to the Wooly Bear with its annual weather forecast, parade, wooly bear races and many contests, arts and crafts and additional entertainment for the whole family.

Printout: Wooly Bear Festival

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BOB EVANS FARM FESTIVAL
(Admission $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 6-18 and children under 5 free) 

  • When: October 14 - 16, 2011 (Held the second full weekend of October every year)

  • Location: (Map It) Rio Grande, Ohio at the Bob Evans Farm

  • Phone: 740.245.5304

  • Web Site:  www.bobevansfarm.com 

This celebration of the harvest season attracts thousands with its entertainment, traditional crafts, farm contests, food, children’s  activities, and demonstrations.  A weekend of fun for friends and family of all ages, the Bob Evans Farm Festival offers a taste of yesteryear. Click here to read an article about Bob Evens Farm.

Printout: Bob Evans Farm Festival

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APPLE BUTTER STIRRIN' FESTIVAL
(Admission $3.00 / person for guests 12 and older. Free parking

  • When:  October 14 - 16, 2011. Friday, October 15, 10am to 6pm. Saturday, October 16, 10am to 6pm. Sunday, October 17, 10am to 5pm

  • Location: (Map It) 600 North Whitewoman St. in Coshocton, OH  43812 at Historic Roscoe Village

  • Phone:  800-877-1830

  • Web Site: www.roscoevillage.com

Host to over 100 talented artisans and crafters, this invitational festival celebrates the sights, sounds and scents of autumn.  Smell the fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire, and stroll through the street to a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and tunes from days gone-by. Find a quilt raffle, artisans’ items raffle and fun, unique contests to enter, and don't miss various educational and entertaining outdoor demonstrations throughout the weekend.  Special features include Canal Town Journey Tours, eerie Spirit Tours, canal boat rides, and a children’s activity area.

Printout: Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival

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FALL FESTIVAL OF LEAVES

(Admission is Free)

 

See the autumn colors in the hills and valleys of the village of Bainbridge. The community is open to all visitors for their annual festive event to celebrate the season. It hosts parades, pageants, flea markets and a midway with entertainment for all. In addition, there is a pedal tractor pull, arts and crafts plus several self-guided scenic tours of the beautiful colorful landscape. 

Printout: Fall Festival of Leaves

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ADAMS COUNTY CIVIL WAR DAYS
Admission:
$5.00 parking (per car load, includes entry). $2.00 walk in. (kids 12 and under free)

  • When: October 15 – 16, 2011

  • Location: John T. Wilson Homestead at 92 Old State Route 32
    Peebles, OH 45660

  • Phone: (513) 724-3186

  • Website - www.johntwilsonhomestead.com

Imagine being transported to the Civil War era – it is not that far-fetched. When you arrive at the Adams County Civil War Days, you will leave your modern day car behind to board horse drawn wagons that will take you to a Civil War encampment. The boom of cannons, sharp military drills, and the sights and sounds of the 1860s will greet you as you arrive.

The historic John T. Wilson Homestead is proud to host the Adams County Civil War Days. It is only fitting that this event be held at the Wilson home. John T. Wilson recruited, funded, and formed up Company E of the 70th Volunteer Ohio Infantry at this very location. Please visit our website for a printable program of activities.

Printout: Civil War Days

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PUMPKIN SHOW (CIRCLEVILLE)

(Admission is Free)

 

  • When: October 19 - 22, 2011 (always 3rd Wednesday through Saturday of October)

  • Location: (Map It) Circleville, Ohio

  • Web Site: www.pumpkinshow.com 

Great pumpkins Charlie Brown, this is said to be Ohio’s oldest and largest pumpkin celebration. It hosts seven different parades in half as many days. This includes the Pumpkin Parade, Pet Parade and Baby Parade to name a few. The events also include a Big Wheel Race, world’s largest pumpkin pie, a pumpkin toss, pie eating competition and Fun Show. Additional contests of interest include hog calling, egg toss and pumpkin carving. Many displays, arts, crafts and live entertainment also accompany the festivities as well as plenty of pumpkins, squash and gourds.  

Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

Circleville
PUMPKIN SHOW
 

It’s the “Greatest Free Show on Earth.” That’s what the promoters of Circleville’s festivities contend, and no one argues the point. Furthermore it’s the sixth largest festival of any kind in the whole country with attendance over four days soaring to 400,000 fun-loving people.  

If Charley Brown is still looking for the “Great Pumpkin” this fall, he need only to extricate himself from the comic strip and come to the Pickaway county seat, because that’s what all the clamor is about—pumpkins—really great pumpkins.  

Since this event was started in 1903 by the city mayor with a single display of corn stalks and pumpkins, it has grown to a street fair that covers eight city blocks filled with twenty-five or more amusement rides and over three hundred food booths, games and craft vendors. There are daily parades, the obligatory beauty contest, and constant entertainment performed on three different stages from early morning until threatened by the midnight hour. 

Regardless of the many activities vying for your attention, the main theme of pumpkins never wanders far from awareness.  The emphasis begins early the first day with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh In on Main Street. If you’re thinking of bringing that nicely matured 80 lb. orange globe from your garden to enter in the competition, forget about it. These pumpkins are trucked in, usually one at a time, and off-loaded with heavy equipment. Behemoths weighing 400 to 500 pounds are as common as Thanksgiving pies, and Dr. Robert Liggett, who has won several times, set the record in 2004 with a prodigious contribution from his special patch tipping the scales at 1353 pounds. Holy jumpin Jehoshaphat!  

In 1946, seeing that their fair was growing by leaps and bounds, the citizens of Circleville formed a non-profit corporation exclusively for the operation of the pumpkin show. The show is self-supporting, with all profits turned over to the city for community projects. Their mission statement—pointing proudly to the “no gate, no ticket” policy—can be summed up with intent to promote goodwill among Pickaway county residents and all who visit—of which the perennial success seems self evident.  

Every year the fair starts on the third Wednesday of October and runs through Saturday night. (21st thru 24th) There are both afternoon and evening parades with more than forty floats, and fifty bands participating. Stage performing music groups range from country pop to gospel, jazz, rock and youth bands.  There are cooking demos, dance extravaganzas, an egg toss, a pumpkin toss, and a demonstration by a gentleman who bills himself as Gus the Squashcarver who has elevated pumpkin sculpture to an art form. 

Adding to the colossal feats of nature, consider the effort taken by Lindsey’s Bakery each year in throwing together and displaying their gigantic 6-foot diameter, 400-pound pumpkin pie. Supplemental to the 100 pounds of pumpkin are ingredients of 26 gallons of milk, 15 dozen eggs and 42 pounds of dough baked for six hours. 

Events fill every hour of every day—far too many to mention here—but among them, annual favorites are the pumpkin pie eating contest, and hog calling.  As you may surmise, the Circleville Pumpkin Show is all about old-fashioned, unpretentious fun. 

There will be more than 20,000 pumpkin pies for sale and in excess of 100,000 pounds of pumpkins on display.  By the time you leave you’ll be fed up with pumpkins—that doesn’t mean melancholy—it’s just that everything you’re fed is pumpkin flavored—donuts, pancakes, cookies, ice cream, cake, fudge, cream puffs, even burgers. If you want to burn off some of those calories, bring your running shoes. There is a five-mile run usually scheduled for Saturday morning—you may need it. 

To schedule your visit to the day or days of favorite activities call 740-474-7000 or check the website www.pumpkinshow.com for a full calendar of events. 

Getting to Circleville is easy. It’s just off of Route 23 about twenty miles south of Columbus. Before you see the signs you’ll recognize the water tower painted like a pumpkin—stem and all. Don’t want to drive? There are more than thirty bus tours that stop at the show. Information on the tours is also available through the above phone listing. 

Oh, and if your thinking of waiting around for a piece of that 400-pound pie, forget about that too.  They feed that to the hogs they call in.

By Robert Carpenter

Printout: Circleville Pumpkin Festival

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DOLL & BEAR SHOW AND SALE

Olentangy Valley
Doll Club of Ohio
 
(Admission: adults $4.00 and Children $1.00)

  • When: October 23, 2011 (Always the fourth Sunday in October)

  • Location: (Map It) Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus Ohio (4 miles north of the airport or exit I-270 at Morse Road/Easton)

  • Phone:  614-562-9752      e-mail - fuller1200@aol.com

Antique, Collectible, Modern, Artist Dolls, Bears and Related items

Appraisals by Barbara DeHays - $3 per item - limit 2

Doll Display: Bachelor Party - Boy Dolls

Food Available * Door Prizes * Free Parking

Printout: Doll and Bear Show

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TALL STACKS - CINCINNATI RIVERBOATS
(Ticket prices vary) 

  • Open: Scheduled every four years (new dates to be determined - skipping 2012 but may resume in 2013)

  • Location: (Map It) Cincinnati, OH

  • Contact info@tallstacks.com

The world’s largest gathering of riverboats, this is one of the best special events in America, let alone Ohio! It features more than 350 different specialty cruises from steamboats in the port of Cincinnati on the Ohio River.  Visitors will be able to take tours of and/or go on cruises in the riverboats.  The event will also house world-class live music, food, boat races, and entertainment galore for the kids.

Printout: Tall Stacks Cincinnati

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GERMAN VILLAGE OKTOBERFEST
Renamed the Columbus Oktoberfest and is at a new location under new management. See Columbus Oktoberfest for more information.

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