The Division of Travel and Tourism complies news releases on a regular basis, including monthly events releases, releases on a theme and Ohio tourism trends.
Festivals, Exhibits and Outdoor Activities Blossom in Ohio this May
4/17/2008
CONTACT:
Tamara Brown, Public Relations Manager
(614) 466-8591
Marty McDonald, Vice President of Fahlgren Mortine PR
(614) 888-1381
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 17, 2008) – Ohio is abuzz in May with summer just around the corner and events and activities in full swing throughout the state. Those looking to explore the cultures of the world will find the Columbus Culture Fest the perfect destination to learn about different backgrounds and traditions. A romantic late-night canoe ride down a scenic river is sure to please hopeless romantics, and a two-day-long celebration of chocolate takes place in northeast Ohio, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Following is a sampling of events and exhibits visitors can enjoy this May in Ohio.
Family Fun
The Zula Patrol: Mission Weather, COSI, Columbus, Now through May 24
Check out the latest invasion of space aliens! The PBS show’s Zula Patrol marches into Columbus’ science center to teach families a thing or two about the science behind weather. Captain Bula and Ace Pilot Zeeter perform experiments that test how weather works, how we affect weather and how it affects us. Highlights include educational exhibits on clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature and other weather phenomenon.
Northeastern Ohio Chocolate Festival, Cleveland Heights, May 10-11
Get the ultimate fix for your sweet tooth at the inaugural Chocolate Festival! A chocolate competition with categories like “Best Fudge” and “Best Chocolate Candy” are sure to bring crowds of chocolate lovers searching for their fix. Other highlights include entertainment, a children’s area with kid-friendly activities and special promotions for Mother’s Day.
Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Port Clinton, May 22-26
This year, Walleye madness celebrates 28 years of the Walleye Festival on the shores of Lake Erie in Port Clinton. Highlights of this year’s festival include live entertainment, the kid’s fishing derby, a parade, educational programs and activities, carnival rides and more than 130 vendors from around the nation! Come see for yourself why the Walleye Festival is the perfect summer family kick-off.
Arts and Culture
Ohio Wine Trails GPS Adventure, Geneva, Now through July 31
Put your GPS unit to good use on a search of the mystery wineries located on all six of the state’s wine trails. Once coordinates are input into your GPS device, you will be off on a hunt for the mystery winery where a riddle will be waiting for you to solve. If you can solve the riddle, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free overnight stay at the trail’s host lodge!
Arts of Fire, Toledo Museum of Art, Now through Jan. 4, 2009
Gather the family together and make a trip to Toledo to explore a "hot" new installation at the Glass Pavilion! Works of glass, metal and ceramic from the collection show how artists use heat, fire and their artistic skills to transform molten glass into beautiful art pieces. This educational show is sure to wow the whole family.
Columbus Culture Fest, Columbus, May 16-17
The center of Ohio becomes the center of the world at this year’s Culture Fest. Cultures from around the world will be celebrated through live music, food, art and other merchandise. A children’s area will have fun and educational activities representing numerous countries.
Sports and Recreation
Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas, May 2-4
Now in its seventh year, the Mohican Wildlife Weekend event continues to celebrate wildlife, heritage and the area’s natural history. This year’s event highlights nature-inspired activities that include bird walks, programs for children, crafts, fly-fishing demonstrations, wagon tours and other entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
Full Moon Romantic Canoe Trip, Logan, May 17
Illuminate the night with the light of the moon on a spectacular late-night rendezvous. The chirping of crickets and calls of owls will provide beautiful background music as you’re guided down a moon-lit river pathway from the Hocking Valley Canoe Livery. This terrifically romantic trip requires reservations.
Memorial Golf Tournament, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, May 26-June 1
Come check out the world’s best golfers and Columbus native Jack Nicklaus’ very own golf course. Each year, the tournament is dedicated to the memory of a person, living or dead, who has played the game with honor. Visitors can watch practice rounds Monday through Wednesday and tournament play Thursday through Sunday.
History and Heritage
32nd Annual Quilt Fair and Workshops, Sauder Village, Archbold, April 29-May 4
Each year, the Sauder Village Quilt Fair pays homage to the fine craftsmanship of quilters from across the Midwest. During this six-day show, more than 400 quilts will be on full-length display, creating a kaleidoscope of color and pattern. Other workshop highlights include music, quilting demonstrations and shopping.
Appalachian Festival, Cincinnati, May 9-11
This year’s Appalachian Festival celebrates 150-plus years of Appalachian culture in Ohio. Highlights of the festival include extensive arts and crafts, live music performances, dance numbers and the best of traditional Appalachian food dishes. Other features include traditional craftsmen demonstrating their trades and campers dressed in 1840s-style clothing.
Spirits of Schoenbrunn Village, New Philadelphia, May 31
Travel back in time to the year 1772 in historic Schoenbrunn Village. Ohio’s oldest settlement is rich in history, ghostly lore and Native American heritage. Enjoy a late-night dinner buffet and explore the village after dark with Haunted Heartland Tours. Tour Guide Sherri Brake-Recco explains the village’s past and local legends, ghost tales and history. Participants may use real investigative equipment to explore on their own at night! Reservations are required.
Looking for additional opportunities to enjoy May in Ohio? Visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com. The
Discover Ohio Travel Planner and
Discover Ohio Calendar of Events are both viewable online at
www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order your copy of the 2008
Discover Ohio Travel Planner, click on the Free Publications icon or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. For additional information, trained travel counselors are available at 1-800-BUCKEYE to assist callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $33.7 billion in visitor spending in 2006 and 560,000 full-time equivalent tourism industry jobs in Ohio. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division’s mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio’s unique travel opportunities and market the state’s outstanding quality of life.
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