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.
Ohio is Alive in June with Outdoor Family Fun and World-Class Festivals
5/23/2008
CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 888-1381
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 23, 2008) - Summer is on the horizon in Ohio with outdoor activities and celebrations that usher in warm weather and fun for everyone. Whether you're looking to spend your day watching race cars zoom around their track, celebrate the emancipation of slavery or paddle your way down the Ohio River, Ohio has something for everyone to enjoy in the sunrise of summer. Following is a sampling of events and exhibits visitors can enjoy this June in Ohio.
Family Fun
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton County Fairgrounds, June 6-8
Gather the family together for some high-rise fun: The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival has been wowing families for more than 25 years. Highlights of the festival include watching more than 20 hot air balloons taking flight at once, musical entertainment, carnival rides, food and an arts and crafts booth.
Banana Split Festival, JW Denver Williams Memorial Park, Wilmington, June 13-14
Observe the heyday of the 1950s and '60s with all things American: rock and roll, classic cars and of course, banana splits! Visitors will enjoy a make-your-own banana split booth, an Elvis tribute artist and a banana split eating contest. Grab your poodle skirt and hula hoop and hop to the Banana Split Festival, now in its 14th year.
Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Veteran's Memorial Park, Avon, June 13-15
Did you know Avon is home to the world's Duck® tape brand duct tape? This Father's Day weekend, get together with the family and celebrate Dad and his favorite tape at Avon's pirate-themed duct tape festival! The festival features everything duct tape - from sculptures and crafts to fashions and games. More importantly, stick around for the duct tape parade with floats made of - you guessed it - duct tape.
Arts and Culture
Columbus Arts Festival, Discovery District, June 6-8
Each year, Columbus opens its streets for one of the country's finest art events featuring more than 240 outstanding artists and craftspeople, live entertainment and food from the city's finest dining establishments. Now in its 47th year, the festival's new location places it in the heart of a creative, learning environment, surrounded by the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus State Community College.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, (Olde Gahanna) Gahanna, June 20-22
Attendees to this jazzy festival will find themselves singing along to their favorite 12-bar blues songs as sung by one of hundreds of musicians. The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival has grown into a feature event for Central Ohio combining fantastic musical acts with the talents of regional artisans and crafters, amusement rides, family-oriented games and activities, local entertainment and great food creating the perfect family outing.
Crosby Festival of the Arts, Toledo Botanical Garden, Toledo, June 28-29
The Crosby Festival of the Arts celebrates its 43rd year and encourages art enthusiasts to come see the striking work of new and returning artists. In addition to the art work on display, visitors will be greeted with a plethora of food tastings, a children's play area all set against the exquisite beauty of the Toledo Botanical Garden.
Sports and Recreation
DREAM at Eldora Speedway, New Weston, June 6-8
If you enjoy high-speed entertainment, stop by the Eldora Speedway for DREAM, the crown jewel of high-paying dirt track racing. Visitors will witness 120 racecars reaching top speeds as they compete for a slot in the 100-lap Dream event on Eldora's famed one-half mile dirt oval. The final racing champ will win a top prize of nearly $180,000!
Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, June 14-21
You don't even need a bike or helmet to participate in this year's Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure world record attempt! Stop by Wellington, Galion, Mount Vernon, Coshocton or Orrville to cheer on bicyclists as they bike 45-60 miles a day. Or, become an even bigger supporter and follow the cyclers on their quest to dominate 250-400 miles (depending on optional routes) of all-terrain biking fun.
Paddlefest 2008, Coney Island, Cincinnati, June 27-28
Over the course of two days, Paddlefest 2008 aims to celebrate, promote and protect the beauty of the Ohio River with events including the Kids Ex-Stream Expo, five live bands, boating and safety demos, vendors and other exhibits. This event is free and open to the public.
History and Heritage
American Indian Heritage Celebration, Fort Ancient, Oregonia, June 7-8
This year, Oregonia will celebrate American Indian heritage through a lively performance of dozens of dancers, drummers and other vendors and presenters. Enrich your knowledge of the American Indian heritage with story-telling sessions and hands-on activities available for children.
Muster on the Maumee, Fort Meigs, Perrysburg, June 14-15
Muster on the Maumee presents real-life demonstrations of soldiers from the Medieval period up to Vietnam. Period military camps, including one of the largest Roman and Viking encampments in the country, are open for visits with re-enactors. Musket, rifle and artillery demonstrations will take place throughout the day, and period trades people will be offering their wares for sale.
Juneteenth Festival, Eden Park, Cincinnati, June 14-15
Every year, thousands gather in Cincinnati to celebrate the end of slavery in America. Bring the family for free music by nearly two dozen artists and mingle with historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas. Don't miss the parade of flags, sweet potato pie bake-off, an opportunity to trace your family tree, great food and more!
Looking for additional opportunities to enjoy June 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 free 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 $38 billion in visitor sales in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. 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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