A Step Back in Time
Each fall, the quiet hills of West Portsmouth, Ohio, come alive with the sights, sounds, and sweet aroma of one of Appalachia’s most authentic cultural celebrations. The John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival, hosted by the Arc of Appalachia in partnership with the Simon family, takes place on the last full weekend of September (Sept. 26-27, 2026). Visitors can experience the complete process of making old-fashioned sorghum syrup, learn about Appalachian culture, and tour portions of the Simon Farm property, including a museum filled with historic farm tools that tell the story of rural life in southern Ohio.
Nestled along Pond Creek and surrounded by more than 650 acres of forested Appalachian hills, the Simon Farm remains one of Ohio’s best-preserved historic farmsteads. The two-story farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings were constructed with lumber milled at the family’s own water-powered sawmill and have remained remarkably unchanged for more than 160 years.
The festival’s centerpiece is the time-honored tradition of sorghum making—from harvesting the cane to bottling the finished product. Sorghum, a hardy grass cultivated throughout the world, became an important Appalachian crop in the 19th century. During the festival, freshly cut cane is pressed to extract its juice, which is then slowly cooked over a wood fire until it thickens into a rich, amber syrup. Visitors can watch every step of this labor-intensive process and even purchase fresh sorghum syrup to take home—a sweet reminder of a nearly forgotten agricultural tradition.
Throughout the weekend, the Simon Farm becomes a showcase of Appalachian heritage. Skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as quilting, wool spinning, soap making, and blacksmithing. These hands-on demonstrations celebrate the ingenuity and self-sufficiency that once defined everyday life throughout the region.
Music is also part of the festival experience, with spontaneous jam sessions where musicians gather with banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and guitars to play traditional Appalachian tunes. These informal performances create an atmosphere that feels less like a staged event and more like an old-fashioned community gathering.
Of course, being a festival centered around sorghum also means food plays an important role in the festivities. Visitors can enjoy hearty country favorites, including bean soup and cornbread, hot dogs topped with Bea’s homemade meat sauce, and an assortment of baked goods sweetened with locally made sorghum syrup. Fresh sorghum products and other handcrafted items are available for purchase from local artisans and volunteers throughout the weekend.
In an era when many festivals focus on commercial entertainment, the John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival remains refreshingly authentic. It invites visitors to slow down, watch skilled hands at work, listen to old-time music, and experience a way of life that continues to shape the identity of Appalachia. For families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience genuine Appalachian culture, a visit to the John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival is more than a day trip—it’s a journey into the living heritage of southern Ohio.
While the festival is reason enough to visit, be sure to discover even more of what the region has to offer. From scenic outdoor adventures and fascinating historic sites to local restaurants, unique shops, and year-round events. Visit ExploreScioto.com to plan your visit to Portsmouth and Scioto County and make the most of your time in southern Ohio.
