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's Unique September Events Provide Cure for Back-to-School Blues
The Buckeye State salutes popcorn, pawpaws, Swiss heritage and more!
8/20/2008
CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 383-1621
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug. 20, 2008) - As children and parents alike make the transition from sleeping in, Fridays off and family vacations back to the daily business of school, homework and daily routines, there is no need to go from summer fun to autumn work cold turkey!
Come celebrate the weekends in Ohio where September is still going strong with fun and interesting family festivals, new art exhibit openings, races, air shows and more that will help you make it through the week. Plan now to take advantage of autumn getaways in Ohio.
Following is just a sampling of the events available to Ohio visitors in September. For additional events or to plan your very own Ohio getaway, please go to
www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. Ohio is too much fun for just one day!
Family Fun
Marion Popcorn Festival, Marion, Sept. 4-6
Did you know that Marion is one of the top producers of popcorn in the country and home to the Wyandot Popcorn Museum? Come celebrate the 28th annual Popcorn Festival with a softball tournament, cheer on participants of the Popcorn 5k Run and experience the town's infamous popcorn parade. Hundreds of food concession stands, crafts, arts and rides top off this deliciously fun event.
Ohio Pawpaw Fest, Lake Snowden, Albany, Sept. 13-14
The pawpaw is the only tropical fruit that's native to Ohio, and famous explorers Lewis and Clark often remarked on the fruit's delicious taste. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Pawpaw Festival and is the perfect way to wrap up the summer season! Stop by for tethered hot air balloon rides, live music, games, art vendors and more fun.
Ohio Swiss Festival, Sugarcreek, Sept. 26-27
Experience Ohio's Amish Country and some of Ohio's most delicious homemade cheeses. At this year's festival, visitors can immerse themselves in all things Swiss. Enjoy Swiss foods and music or try your hand at Swiss wrestling and stone throwing. Cap off the event by watching the crowning of Sugarcreek's Ohio Swiss Festival Queen on Friday evening.
Arts and Culture
Black Swamp Arts Festival, Bowling Green, Sept. 5-7
When the glacier covering Northwest Ohio began to melt thousands of years go, a wetland was formed and became commonly referred to as the "Black Swamp." While the draining of the swamp produced some of Ohio's most fertile agricultural areas, locals remember the area's history with The Black Swamp Arts Festival. The festival welcomes nearly 60,000 people and 100 art displays from artists across the country. Come enjoy this festival that fills the streets with art, music and savory food.
Andy Warhol: Other Voices, Other Rooms, Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, Sept. 13, 2008 - Jan. 4, 2009
Andy Warhol was a revolutionary artist in the world of popular culture. As the creator of "Pop Art," Warhol celebrated the ideas that inspired his work: consumer culture, sexual identity, the challenge of social conventions and the erosion of distinctions between high and low culture. Come see the only presentation of Warhol's work in the country as you browse the artist's films, videos, paintings, drawings, prints, wallpaper and more.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Sept. 20-21
Cincinnati is home to one of the world's largest celebrations of German heritage, second only to the mother country herself. Nearly 500,000 people gather in the heart of the city for tasty bratwursts, homemade sauerkraut and authentic German beer. Come see what the celebration is all about as you dance to German music and partake in the world's largest chicken dance!
Sports and Recreation
The World 100, Eldora Speedway, New Weston, Sept. 5-6
Come see where it all begins: The Eldora Speedway hosts this year's event where 200 race cars from more than 20 states venture to the speedway in hopes of earning one of the 24 starting positions in the 100-lap main event. Known as the first big race among the grassroots speedways, Eldora is considered to be the event that every dirt late model driver wants to win!
Blue Ash Air Show, Blue Ash Airport, Sept. 13-14
Grab the family and race to the Blue Ash Air Show, where you'll be greeted by aviation performers and other acts from around the country. Aside from the air show, revel in the sleek rides at the car and motorcycle show while listening to live music acts. A 5k race and Kids Fun Run will keep the family racing for more!
Junction Trail Festival, Milford, Sept. 26-28
The only place in the entire country where eight National Hiking Trails meet is in your own backyard! The American Discovery, Sea-to-Sea, Buckeye, North Central, Underground Railroad Cycling, Scenic Miami, Miami Canoe and Ohio Erie Bike trails all meet in Milford and beckon you to participate in this year's festival. Come enjoy long-distance hiking and biking, camping out and paddling on boats. Admission and parking are both free to this event.
History and Heritage
100th Anniversary of Fort Meigs Monument, Perrysburg, Sept. 6
In this milestone anniversary, stop by the Fort Meigs Monument and pay homage to the servicemen who held guard of Fort Meigs in 1813. War of 1812 soldiers and American Civil War soldiers will represent the Grand Army of the Republic veterans who attended the dedication ceremonies on Sept. 1, 1908. Salute the musket and cannon demonstration before a special rededication ceremony in the afternoon.
Toledo Irish-American Festival, International Park, Sept. 12-14
Come celebrate "Erin Go Bragh!" in northwest Ohio this September. Toledo's annual Irish festival celebrates the Irish heritage through music, dance, food and drink. Savor the flavor of Irish soda bread, scones and Irish sweet bread. Quench your thirst with a delicious Irish beer (Guinness, anyone?) while listening to authentic Irish music. Proceeds of the event benefit the Toledo Irish-American Club Scholarship Fund and St. Patrick's Historic Soup Kitchen.
Soakum Festival, Noble County Fairgrounds, Caldwell, Sept. 27-28
Settle back in time to a life in the 1800s as you enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, Appalachian crafters, musicians, broom and hat makers, homemade ice-cream and more! Other highlights include a covered bridge, historic church, log cabin and one-room school. Town's people even dress the part in authentic costume while the Town Crier keeps people informed of all the day's fun events.
Looking for additional September 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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