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.
July is Prime Time for Ohio Festivals, Air Shows, Powerboats, Patriotism
Go to DiscoverOhio.com to plan an exciting, affordable Ohio getaway
6/19/2009
CONTACT:
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 19, 2009) - July is a great time to celebrate summer in Ohio with festivals, patriotic celebrations and the sound of music in the air. Take in the sights of dozens of hot air balloons lighting up the night sky, check out Ohio's largest R&B festival and its all-star lineup, take in the power of military jet demonstrations or celebrate the Fourth of July with the largest fireworks display in the entire Midwest. However you're looking to spend summer's finest days and fantastic nights, Ohio is Too Much Fun for Just One Day!
Following is just a sampling of July 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
Darwin, Great Lakes Science Center, June 27 - Sept. 18 (NE)
Explore the life and mind of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution by natural selection was so revolutionary that it forever changed the perception of the origin and nature of our species. This engaging exhibition goes on view during the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and offers a fascinating collection of specimens, artifacts, manuscripts and memorabilia to stimulate a hands-on experience.
Champaign County Balloon Fest, Urbana Airport, July 10 - 12 (SW)
Enjoy the uplifting feel of boldly colorful hot-air balloons as they take flight at this year's Balloon Fest. One of the most spectacular sites at this event includes the Balloon Glow during which hot-air balloons use their burners to light up the night sky like giant, vibrant light bulbs.
30th Annual Archbold Carp Festival, Ruihly Park, Archbold, July 16 - 18 (NW)
Enjoy Archbold's small-town welcome during this annual family-friendly festival. Visitors are welcome to stroll the streets for local retailers' "inside-out" sales or savor the flavors of Friday night's fish fry. Other highlights include a volleyball tournament and kids fishing derby.
Arts and Culture
North Market Food & Ohio Wine Festival, Columbus, July 10 - 12 (C)
Get your taste buds ready for the ultimate in food and drink at this year's Food and Ohio Wine Festival in Columbus' delicious North Market. Savor vintage wines from 18 Ohio wineries and learn what foods you can pair with your favorite wine. Children will enjoy face painting, balloon twisting and a chance to scale the Ohio Farm Bureau's corn climbing wall.
Ingenuity Festival, Playhouse Square Center, Cleveland, July 10 - 12 (NE)
The Ingenuity Festival celebrates art and technology in the center of Downtown Cleveland. Prominent international art masters present original works alongside the finest of northeast Ohio's performing and visual artists. High technology forms are presented alongside acclaimed artists to create a dazzling display of exciting and immersive new work that is sure to push normal boundaries.
Macy's Music Festival, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, July 31 - Aug. 1 (SW)
Listen to some of the world's finest contemporary music in an incredible combination of R&B, hip hop and jazz at the two-day concert that offers musical variety for every taste. Don't miss this year's line-up including The O'Jays, John Legend, Fantasia Barrino, Eric Benet and more.
Sports and Recreation
Marietta Riverfront Roar, Ohio River Levee, July 10 - 12 (SE)
Fulfill the need for speed at the Marietta Riverfront Roar the second weekend of July. The hottest Formula 2 and 3 race boats in the world unleash full-bore exhilaration during the professional SuperLeague Powerboat Races along the Ohio River Levee at Front & Ohio Streets. Bring a blanket, cooler and your shades for an exciting weekend of speed.
Tour of the Valley, Youngstown, July 10 - 12 (NE)
Get a taste of the Tour de France right here in Ohio! Youngstown invites you to experience the excitement of four separate bicycle races: time trials, a road race and two criteriums. This environmentally friendly event welcomes both professional and amateur cyclists. To register, call (800) 447-8201.
Vectren Dayton Air Show, July 18 - 19 (SW)
This year's Vectren Dayton Air Show welcomes the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron, known for its fact-paced, close-up aerobatics and spectacular smoke displays. Enjoy a weekend of military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family that celebrates Dayton's rich aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
History and Heritage
Red, White and Boom!, Downtown Riverfront, Columbus, July 3 (C)
The Fourth of July comes one day early in Columbus with the loudest celebration in the state. Festivities begin early with music, live entertainment and food throughout the day, and end with the largest fireworks display in the Midwest. Other highlights include children's activities and an Independence Day parade.
22nd Annual Civil War Encampment Days, The Commons, McConnelsville, July 10 - 12 (SE)
Travel back in time in Morgan County and learn more about the Civil War. Witness a night-time cannon firing over the Muskingum River, tour Union and Confederate camps by lamplight or enjoy a ladies' tea (period clothing required). Other highlights of this free event include Sutler's Row, a period marketplace that sells reproduction wares and clothing.
Summer Moon Festival, Throughout Wapakoneta, July 13 - 20 (NW)
In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historic first steps on the moon, Armstrong's hometown of Wapakoneta celebrates with a week-long series of events. Visit the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum all week for a spectacular display of thousands of American flags and daily events, a large community festival in downtown Wapakoneta, children's activities and other celebrations to honor this giant leap for mankind.
Looking for additional July events? Visit
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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