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.
Plan Your May Getaway Around an Exciting Event
Outdoor activities, exhibits and festivals awaken the senses for good, clean spring fun
4/22/2009
CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 383-1621
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 22, 2009) - There's nothing better than hopping in the car on a bright, refreshing day and navigating your way to a new adventure. Ohio is ripe with exciting things to do in May, including a party in the Walleye Capital of the World, festivals that celebrate Asian culture and America's favorite dessert and a night of trying your hand at flying a Wright Brothers airplane. Check out all the exciting experiences awaiting you and your family and friends as you plan your next Ohio three-day getaway. After all, Ohio is Too Much Fun for Just One Day!
Following is just a sampling of May events available to those looking for fun and exciting travel ideas close to home. For additional events, visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Family Fun
Dogwood Festival, Coshocton, May 1 - 9
Now in its 24th year, the Dogwood Festival features numerous activities throughout its eight-day run. Enjoy festivities at the Towne Centre Civic Hall to Arts, a spectacular art exhibit at the Pomerene Center for the Arts and a variety of awesome musical entertainment.
Ohioana Book Festival, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, May 9
Calling all bookworms...Visit the Ohioana Book Festival where Ohio authors will be available to talk about their work and sign copies of their books, including Columbus-native R.L. Stine (Goosebumps and Fear Street series); Jeff Smith (Bone series); Thrity Umrigar (First Darling of the Morning) and more. Support the festival that strives to increase awareness of the importance of Ohio writers and their contributions to the literary arts.
Utica Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival, Ye Olde Mill, May 23 - 25
You don't need to scream for ice cream at Ohio's tastiest festival. Now in its 35th year, Utica celebrates Velvet Ice Cream during the festival that brings you an ice cream eating contest, car show, parade and live music every day.
Arts and Culture
High School Musical, La Comedia Dinner Theater, Springboro, May 7 - July 5
Gather the family together for a night of show-stopping fun! High School Musical comes to life on stage and even delivers a few surprises. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet with the family and a critically-acclaimed show all at once.
Asian Festival, Franklin Park, Columbus, May 23 - 24
Explore a world of sights, sounds and tastes as you shop the Asian Market, explore hands-on children's activities, eat delicious Asian cuisine from Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, Thailand and more. Get cultured and enjoy thrilling stage performances and intriguing cultural booths.
Quilt National, The Dairy Barn, Athens, May 23 - Sept. 7
Southeast Ohio's premier cultural center is home to the collection of more than 80 quilts across the country. These tributes to textile art feature contemporary quilts with materials that vary from simple fabric to embellishments of metal, foam and beads to make distinctive, beautiful works of art.
Sports and Recreation
Flying Pig Marathon, Sawyer Point, Cincinnati, May 3
Welcoming athletes of all running abilities, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon has made its mark as the third-largest, first-time marathon in the country. Aside from the race, there is a full weekend of activities and events for the whole family to enjoy, including a health and fitness expo, post-race victory party and a pasta "pig out."
1st Annual National Rib Festival, Market Square Drive, Streetsboro, May 14 - 17
Featuring six nationally recognized rib-cooking experts, Streetsboro's first Rib Festival is sure to be a delicious event. Among the aroma of appetizing barbecue, enjoy a car cruise-in and live entertainment fit for the whole family.
Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, May 21 - 25
Kick off the summer in taste. The 29th Annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival gets underway on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie with an array of free live concerts, kids fishing derby, parade, educational programs and activities, carnival rides and more than 130 vendors from around the nation.
History and Heritage
First Lady Style: White House Gowns, Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, Now through Aug. 2
Make sure to visit this must-see exhibit of exquisite gowns worn by America's First Ladies. Each gown is accompanied by a brief biography of the First Lady for whom it was created, a photograph and a description of the dress. A second exhibit of miniature inaugural gowns worn by every First Lady through Hillary Clinton also is on display.
Night at the Air Force Museum, National Museum of the United States Air Force, May 15
Enjoy the Museum after hours as exhibits and history are brought back to life. Visitors can attempt to fly a Wright B simulator in the Early Years Gallery, get their faces adorned with camouflage paint in the Modern Flight Gallery and write a postcard to the troops in the Cold War Gallery. Registration is required; call the National Museum of the United States Air Force at (937) 255-3286 for more information.
Feast of the Flowering Moon, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, May 22 - 24
Started in 1984, this festival draws crowds of approximately 85,000 annually. Historic downtown Chillicothe makes a perfect setting for this family-oriented, three-day event featuring Native American music and dancing, traders, Mountain Men encampment, working craftsmen and demonstrations of arts and crafts.
Looking for additional May events? Visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order your free copy of the 2009 Ohio Travel Planner or Spring/Summer Ohio Calendar of Events, click on the Free Publications icon online or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events also are both viewable online at
www.DiscoverOhio.com. For questions and additional information, trained travel counselors are available to assist 1-800-BUCKEYE 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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