Seven Must-See Ohio Festivals: Local Craft Fairs Bring Fall Festivity Alive

Autumn is our family's favorite time of year. It signifies the beginning of so many exciting things-the first day of school, a new football season, and the change of colorful leaves decorating tree-lined streets. Most of all, it kicks off a flurry of fall harvest and craft festivals across the state where you are sure to find original handicrafts, fresh-pressed apple cider and live, local entertainment. If you plan to hit the festival circuit this year, the list below offers some events not to be missed this season.

1. OHIO SAUERKRAUT FESTIVAL
(Admission is Free)

When: October 10 & 11, 2009 from 9am - 8pm and 9am - 6pm respectively (Second full weekend in October)Location: Waynesville, Ohio
Phone: 513-897-8855
Website: www.sauerkrautfestival.com

The jury is out as to whether Waynesville is the Antiques Capital of the Midwest or the Home of the Sauerkraut Festival. However, it's clear this town has plenty of both. The Sauerkraut Festival also offers an abundance of works from local artists and craftsman in the region to add to your unique collections. Where food is concerned, there are unusual recipes of sauerkraut based goods which may sound peculiar to the palette but enhance this festival's experience. Sample the sauerkraut ice cream, brownies, doughnuts and pizza. Don't knock it until you try it. Locals urge that just because it's made with sauerkraut doesn't mean it tastes like it.

2. OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

When: September 5 - October 25, 2009 Saturdays and Sundays plus Labor Day 10:30 am - 6 pm
Location: Renaissance Park in Harveysburg, OH (conveniently located between Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus in Warren County on State Route 73 between I-71 and I-75)
Phone: 513-897-7000
Website: www.renfestival.com

Step into a 30-acre authentic replication of a 16^th Century English village. The Renaissance Festival offers more than 130 arts and crafts shops. In addition, there is fun for the whole family at this event which features 12 stages of continuous entertainment and 7 food and beverage buildings, a Knights, comedy, and daring stunt shows indicative of the time period. The experience isn't complete until you indulge in a giant roasted turkey leg or bread bowl stews.

3. CIRCLEVILLE PUMPKIN SHOW
(Admission is Free)When: October 21 - 24, 2009 (always 3rd Wednesday through Saturday of October)
Location: Circleville, Ohio
Website: www.pumpkinshow.com

Said to be Ohio's oldest and largest pumpkin celebration, one will find many displays, arts, crafts and live entertainment among the festivities at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival and Show. Of course, there are plenty of pumpkins, squash and gourds too. An abundance of parades are held during the event, including Pumpkin Parade, Pet Parade and Baby Parade to name a few. Those with a competitive side, may want to take part in the fair's multiple contests like the Big Wheel Race, world's largest pumpkin pie, a pumpkin toss, pie eating competition, hog calling, egg toss or pumpkin carving.

4. LEBANON ANTIQUES SHOW
(Admission: $6 - good for both days)

When: October 3 & 4, 2009
Where: Bowman Primary School off St. Rt. 123 and Hart Road in Lebanon, OH
Phone: 513-932-1817
Website: www.wchsmuseum.org/index.php/antique-shows

One of Ohio's oldest antique shows, visitors will find seventy antique dealers offering goods and decorative accessories spanning three centuries. Whether your pleasure is simply browsing or finding and purchasing that special piece for your collection, sellers display formal and country furniture, paintings, pottery, textiles, jewelry and more. The show provides an excellent opportunity for new collectors to learn about their interests.

5. BEAVERCREEK POPCORN FESTIVAL
(Admission is Free)
When: September 12 & 13, 2009 (Always the weekend after Labor Day in September)
Location: Beavercreek, Ohio
Phone: 937-427-5514
Website: www.beavercreekpopcornfestival.org

Celebrate America's favorite snack at Beavercreek's annual Popcorn Festival. A Beavercreek native, I actually attended the city's first-ever Popcorn Festival back in the late '80s. Since then, this event has grown to more than 300 booths poppin' with activity. It was also named among the Top-100 Events in North America, by the American Bus Association. Visitors can see an artist's original popcorn sculpture, popcorn showers and other popcorn specialties. It also features name entertainment, car show, children's area, 300 + unit parade and balloon rally. A 5K run is also scheduled in conjunction with the event.

6. GERMAN VILLAGE OKTOBERFEST
(Admission: $8.00 - Adults; Children twelve and younger FREE)

When: October 2 - 4, 2009
Where: 303 W. Broad St. at Genoa Park & Amphitheater, by COSI, in Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-8888
Website: www.germanvillage.com/calendar.php

As a former resident of German Village, Oktoberfest is close to my heart. This fall celebration blends a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of a thriving urban neighborhood outside of our state's capital. Oktoberfest features traditional German polka as well as various other styles of music, a variety of authentic German food and other festival favorites. Don't miss Marketplatz filled with artisans and unique shops. Grab a beer and enjoy one of the top 100 events in North America!

7. APPLE BUTTER STIRRIN' FESTIVAL
(Admission is $3/person for those 13-years-old and older)

When: October 16, 17 & 18, 2009 (Oct 16 - 10am to 6pm; Oct 17 - 10am to 6pm; Oct 18 - 10am to 5pm)
Location: 600 North Whitewoman St. in Coshocton, OH 43812 at Historic Roscoe Village
Phone: 800-877-1830
Website: www.roscoevillage.com

This festival pays tribute to one of fall's best guilty pleasures-Apple Butter. With more than 100 crafters, this invitational craft festival celebrates the sights, sounds and scents of autumn. The smell of fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire is enough to bring you back year after year. Bring the family to stroll through the streets of this quaint historic village and feel as if you've been transported back in time. But, be sure to stop long enough to enjoy the tunes of bluegrass and old-time music. Visitors may also watch cooking demonstrations on the Canal Town Journey Tour, participate in a craft auction, a unique contest or sign up for a quilt raffle. Events such as boat rides, children's activities and entertainment continue throughout the weekend.

Ohio offers so many harvest and craft festivals in the late summer and early fall that it would be impossible to name them all. Treat your family to at least one of the above this season and it may just be the beginning of an annual tradition you all can look forward to each year.