Ohio Proud at the Ohio State Fair

If you're planning on visiting the Ohio State Fair this week, you'll definitely want to visit the Ohio Proud areas to get a taste of some homegrown Ohio goodness!

Chefs from across the state will be gathering for the annual Heartland Cuisine demonstrations, where they will showcase their best recipes. The demonstrations will take place at the Taste of Ohio Cafe and will feature many products from Ohio agriculture. They are sponsored by Ohio Proud, as well as Ohio's commodity organizations, agribusinesses, top chefs, and other Ohio-based supporters.

You'll also receive a free copy of the Heartland Cuisine cookbook, which will provide you with the recipes from the demonstrations. Categories in the cookbook include: Apple, Beef, Dairy, Fish, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, and Ohio Proud.

Finally, you can sample and purchase fresh produce, jams, ice cream, and salsa at the Ohio Proud Farmers Market located just inside the Cardinal Gate at the fairgrounds.

The Ohio State Fair began on July 28 and will run through August 8, 2010. It takes place at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Gates are open from 9:00 AM until 10:00 PM each day except for August 8, when gates close at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, ages 13-59; $8 for youth, ages 5-12; $8 for seniors, ages 60 and over; and children under five get in for free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

Ohio Proud began in 1993 and serves as the Ohio Department of Agriculture's "marketing program that identifies and promotes food and agricultural products that are made in Ohio and grown in Ohio."

Right now, there are 410 Ohio proud partners in 77 counties across the state. Purchasing locally grown products help support the state's agriculture business and provides one in seven of your fellow Ohioans with a job. According to the Ohio Proud website, agriculture is the Buckeye State's biggest industry and each year, it contributes over $98 billion to the state's economy. You can learn more by visiting OhioProud.org.

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

Summer Fun & Festivals in Ohio

If you're looking for something to do this summer, Ohio is the place to be! Lots of fun festivals will be taking place, helping you celebrate and get into the summer mood. Below you'll find just a few activities for your family, whether you're looking to learn about history or celebrate the arts.

July 16 -17, the Marietta Sweet Corn Festival is the place to be! Fresh hot buttered corn on the cob will be served alongside delicious foods from local restaurants. You and your family can participate in or watch cornhole tournaments, historical re-enactments and more. You'll have the opportunity to pet your favorite farm animals, or take a hayride around historic downtown Marietta, along the Ohio River. Many local and regional artists will be performing, including Matt First Band, the Faculty, Todd Burge, and Odd Urges.

If you have twins, triplets or other multiples in your family, the Double Take Parade in Twinsburg is a must-attend event! With over 2,000 sets, this unique event is the world's largest annual gathering of twins and takes place this year from August 6 - 8.

If it's good German food you're looking for, the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival is full of German heritage and takes place August 19 - 21. In addition to open-fire-roasted brats, you can watch parades, visit art shows, and participate in rides and games, or you can cheer on the annual bicycle race and the Bratwurst Festival Queen.

In the heart of Cincinnati, the Macy's Music Festival takes place from July 30 - 31 and has so much R&B, jazz, hip-top, and soul music to offer. Performers will include Charlie Wilson, Maze, En Vogue, Jill Scott, and others.

The Dublin Irish Festival is one of the biggest Irish festivals in the entire country. Attendees will experience over 60 musical acts, Celtic sports, hands-on workshops, an area to research genealogy, and a 10th-century authentic Irish village. The Irish Festival will take place August 6 - 8.

Another musical celebration that will take place that weekend is the Lebanon Blues Festival on August 7. You'll get to see live performances from groups including No Saints No Saviors, Bryan Lee, Robin Lacy, Them Bones and DeZydeco. In addition you'll want to check out the Blue, BBQ, and Bumpers car show for delicious food, hot cars, and more! Admission is free to this exciting event.

The Juneteenth Cincinnati festival in Eden Park celebrates the end of American slavery and fight for freedom. You'll see a unique parade of flags of the African Diaspora, as well re-enactments of speeches from Abe Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. There will also be live musical entertainment from jazz, gospel, blues, reggae, and R&B performers. this event takes place July 19 - 20.

August 6 - 8, Zanesville infamous Y Bridge will turn into an outdoor gallery, which showcases multi-media artwork and contemporary crafts from over 50 artists. In addition to the art, the Y Bridge Arts Festival will include live entertainment, gourmet treats from local restaurants, pottery, blacksmith, fiber arts demonstrations, and a children's activity area.

Festival Latino in Columbus' Genoa Park will take place August 14 - 15 and will feature Ohio's Hispanic culture. There will be multiple stages of continuous salsa, cumbia, meringue, norte no and banda music. You can dance to the Mexican beats or explore the marketplace for Ecuadorian crafts and Mayan Jewelry.

If history is your thing, the Tall Ships festival returns to Cleveland July 7 - 11. You'll see vessels representative of maritime history from the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, Great Lakes trading Schooners, Baltimore Clippers, and so much more! The event is great for the entire family, and even offers a children's play area in addition to live entertainment and the maritime marketplace.

The Summer Moon Festival in Wapakoneta will take place July 15 - 17. Wapakoneta is the hometown of Neil Armstrong. The Festival features a moon rock hunt and a rocket building demonstration among other fun, unique activities. Participate in the moon pie eating contest, wiener dog races, festival rides, live music entertainment and more.

Celebrate Dayton's aviation heritage at the Vectren Dayton Air Show July 17 - 18. Watch as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds display skill, power, and precision in their F-16 Fighting Falcons. You can also watch world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations, and other entertainment for the entire family!

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

February Family Fun at the Middletown Library

If you've found yourself stuck indoors this winter, you've probably been looking for things to do - especially if you are a parent. The winter weather and frigid temperatures don't leave a lot of options. Never fear! The Middletown Library has several great activities for kids each month and February 2010 is no different.

If you have a two or three-year-old, you might want to consider attending a Tales for Tykes event. This storytime is for toddlers and their parents or caregivers and last for half an hour. Sing songs, read stories, participate in learning activities and have fun. Tales for Tykes takes place ever Monday and Tuesday from 10:15 - 10:45, however the library is closed on February 15th for President's Day.

If you're looking for something to do with your infant, Mother Goose Laptime may be for you. More stories, songs, and playtime aimed at children ages 6-24 months. This event takes place every Monday from 11:00 - 11:30, with the exception of February 15th.

For older children, ages 3 1/2 - 5, Preschool Storytime held on each Tuesday from 11:00 - 11:30 may be a great choice! Children will sing songs, hear stories and take part in activities. Parents are not required to sit with their child but they must remain in the children's area of the library.

On Wednesday's, children of all ages are welcome to take part in Family Story Time, which takes place from 11:15 - 11:45. Registration is not required for any of the above mentioned storytime events.

For students over twelve, the Teen Anime/Manga Club will take place on Saturday, February 27th, from 2:00 - 4:00. Teens can meet in the Community Room to discuss their favorite anime and manga, watch new shows, and see what kind of new Manga material is available in the library.

On Saturday, February 13th, from 2:00-2:45, students from the ages of five - twelve can meet in the Community Room for the Jedi Training Camp. Students can practice their Jedi skills with challenges and fun games. Registration is not required.

For more information on any of these events, you can call the Middletown Library's Children's Department at 513-424-8042.

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

February Fun in Southern Ohio

There is a lot to do in South and Central Ohio in the month of February. Whether you are looking for some family fun, an educational experience, or just a romantic day with your significant other, there's something for everyone!

Valentines by Candlelight (Ohio Village, Columbus, February 12-13) Enjoy what is one of the most romantic times of year with dinner for two at the Ohio Village and greeting at the American House Hotel by costumed interpreters. Before dinner, the Ohio Village singers will present a concert of historic love songs, including songs performed on the violin and hammered dulcimer, and humorous songs, as well as romantic poetry readings. You will also receive a handmade valentine. Call 614-297-3200 for more information. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

United States Air Force Band of Flight: Hearts, Heroes, and Heritage Concert (National Museum of United States Air Force, Dayton, February 13) The United States Air Force Band of Flight presents a concert to celebrate three holidays at once: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, and President's Day. Enjoy the patriotic music, along with a free tour of the museum. The concert is free but seating is first-come, first-served. The concert starts at 7:30 PM.

Sweethearts Hike at Ash Cave (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13) What better way to spend Valentine's than hiking with your sweetheart? Hold hands as you enjoy the beautiful landscape as dusk sets. The hike includes a stop at the famed Ash Cave, as well as refreshments and a cozy fire afterwards.

Appalachian Culture Fest (Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, February 13 - 14) Celebrate the unique Appalachian culture with skilled mountain crafters selling their handmade wares, traditional arts demonstrations, storytellers, bluegrass performances, and more! Learn about the music, folklore, crafts and other aspects of the Appalachian culture with hands-on experiences or purchase woodcrafts, jewelery and art to take home.

Maple Sugaring in the Hills (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13-14) Behind the Hocking Hills' Old Man's Cave Visitor's Center is the Naturalist Cabin which will be hosting this year's Maple Sugaring event. Watch the process of maple being extracted from the trees and boiled down to make syrup. Learn about how maple syrup is made and try a free sample before you go!

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show (Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, February 27 - March 7) This year's theme is "Art in Bloom" which is appropriate considering the event features full-size gardens! Enjoy over 400 exhibits, events, attractions, yards, and gardens, and tons of home decorating tips along with cooking demonstrations, workshops, and several celebrity appearances.

Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend (throughout Cincinnati, February 20-21) For the 24th year in a row, the Fine Arts Fund offers a weekend of over 100 free events. The take place throughout Cincinnati and most of them are at popular area attractions. Free admission or free events are available at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and more.

For more ideas on how you can have fun in South Ohio in February, visit DiscoverOhio.com!

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.