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.
Discover all Ohio has to Offer During the Dog Days of Summer
Ohio is the perfect destination for home-grown foods, sporting events, art, history and fun
7/22/2008
CONTACT:
Tamara Brown, (614) 466-8591
Marty McDonald, (614) 888-1381
COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 22, 2008) – Get the family and all your friends together to celebrate some of Ohio’s finest happenings this August! Hear the sizzle of deliciously grilled bratwurst in memory of northwest Ohio’s German history. Gather together for the finest Ohio wines and home-grown foods. Celebrate the Ohio State Buckeyes football team with your favorite animals, or, indulge yourself in Ohio history as you walk the same streets the Wright Brothers and Paul Lawrence Dunbar traveled in Dayton. Whatever you choose to do, Ohio is rich in exciting celebrations this month that are sure to keep you on your feet!
Following is just a sampling of the events available to Ohio visitors in August. For additional events or to plan your very own Ohio getaway, please go to
www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Family Fun
Twins Day Festival, Twinsburg, Aug. 2 – 3
Every year during the first weekend of August, 2,000 sets of twins, triplets and other multiples gather in Twinsburg to celebrate the Twins Day Festival, making it the largest gathering of twins in the world. Twin or no twin—stop by for a parade where you’ll see double, along with talent shows, contests and other entertainment!
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, Bucyrus, Aug. 14 – 16
Wilkommen! Bucyrus is known for its German-rich heritage and the aroma of brats as they sizzle on a grill at the annual Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival. Bring the whole family for some open-fire-roasted bratwurst, parades, art shows, rides and games. Also, make sure to stick around to see which Bucyrus-native is crowned the Bratwurst Festival Queen!
Barbershop Sing & Vintage Base Ball Game at Sauder Village, Archbold, Aug. 23
Get a taste of all things American in a throwback celebration of life in the 19th century. The award-winning Cincinnati Southern Gateway Chorus charms visitors with their “barbershop chorus” in a performance at Founder’s Hall. Next, cheer your team on as Toledo’s Great Black Swamp Frogs and Columbus’ Ohio Village Muffins, dressed in uniforms reminiscent of the late 19th-century, take the field at the annual Sauder Village Vintage Baseball Game!
Arts and Culture
Vintage Ohio, Kirtland, Aug. 1-2
More than 30 Ohio wineries will gather together this year at one of the country’s premier wine festivals including musical entertainment and wine appreciation classes. In addition to wine tastings and sampling, dozens of food vendors will display Ohio-grown and produced samples of meats, salsas, cheeses, pastas and many other foods. Reserve your tickets today by calling (800) 227-6972.
Blues & Brews at Stan Hywet, Stan Hywet Hall, Akron, Aug. 9
Goodyear founder F.A. Seiberling’s Stan Hywet Hall hosts this year’s gathering of more than 80 of the world’s finest beers and ales. Cooking demos by local chefs will show visitors how to cook with ale while drum beats and guitar wails of fine blues music is sure to get guests in the groove. Call (330) 315-3287 for reservations; special rates are available for designated drivers.
Andy Warhol: Other Voices, Other Rooms, Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, Aug. 13 – Jan. 4
The only U.S. presentation of its kind, Warhol’s Other Voices, Other Rooms exhibit focuses on embracing consumer culture, exploring sexual identity, challenging social conventions and erasing distinctions between high and low culture – all themes central to this 20th-century artist’s Pop Art. Films, videos, paintings, drawings, prints, wallpaper and other art forms will also be on display. For ticket information, contact the Wexner Center for the Arts at (614) 292-3535.
Sports and Recreation
OSU Day at the Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Aug. 9
Buckeye fans of all ages are welcome at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for a celebration of the Ohio State University’s football team. Highlights of the event include inflatable sports-themed games, autographs from student athletes, musical presentations by members of the OSU marching band and appearances by the OSU cheerleaders. Even Brutus the Buckeye will be there to help you cheer, “O-H...I-O!”
42nd National Tractor Pull Championships, Bowling Green, Aug. 15 – 17
Since 1967, Bowling Green has been home to the country’s National Tractor Pull Championships. Participants compete in more than 10 categories to win the title in their respective class. More than 60,000 people travel to Bowling Green for camping, free concerts, a toy show and a visit to the Retired Tractor Museum.
2008 AVP Cincinnati Open, Mason, Aug. 28 – 31
It’s all about the sun, sand and volleyball at this year’s Association of Volleyball Professionals Open in Cincinnati! This professional beach volleyball tournament is held over Labor Day weekend and features more than 150 of the top professional beach volleyball athletes. Come watch the best in this ultimate beach sport as they compete for the coveted Crocs Cup on national TV. Call (800) 919-6272 for ticket information.
History and Heritage
Wright-Dunbar Neighborhood Walking Tour, Dayton, All month long
Guided by a ranger, the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood is a historic treasure that’s yours to discover! It’s here in west Dayton where the Wright Brothers discovered the principles of aerodynamics and Paul Lawrence Dunbar took a stand against discrimination in the late 1800s to become one of the most prolific African American writers of all time. A tour of their community puts you in their footsteps as you learn about these historical figures.
An Evening of Feasting and Canal Cruising, Piqua, Aug. 16
At the Historic Indian and Canal Museum, guests can enjoy a dinner before a relaxing twilight ride on the replica canal boat General Harrison as it glides through the entire length of the restored stretch of the Miami and Erie canals. During this evening ride, passengers will be able to experience the canal from an entirely different perspective while getting a history lesson of the canals’ importance in the 19th century.
Perch, Peach, Polka, and Pierogi Festival, Port Clinton, Aug. 30 – 31
When Eastern European settlers claimed Port Clinton as their home, they brought a rich history and culture to the area. This festival celebrates the perch in a salute to the area’s commercial fishermen who continue to build the economy. The peach is a tribute to Port Clinton’s farmers, while polka music and pierogis are staples of the Eastern Europeans who settled the area and honor their contributions to Port Clinton. Come celebrate this area’s rich history with polka music dancing lessons, a cornhole tournament, pierogi-eating contest and more!
Looking for additional August events? 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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