Summer Festivals in Ohio

Ethnic heritage, banana splits, and... duct tape? Whatever it is you are looking for this summer, you might just find it in Ohio. This state is home to some of the most varied, and unusual festivals of the season.

The Columbus Culture Fest, May 18-19, on Marconi Boulevard in Columbus, Ohio, is a small festival, created in an effort to promote acceptance and understanding of the diversity within the city and surrounding areas. This free event is focused on the idea of "Build[ing] a community for all." This mostly education-minded event, with booths and food, also has a children's activity area. Find out more at http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us/Culture%20Fest/

For some of the best eats and best music of the southern Ohio region, get to Taste of Cincinnati, May 26-28, 2007. This three-day event, with entertainment on four stages and lots and lots of food, takes place on Central Parkway, between Elm and Main Streets. Get all of the information at http://www.tasteofcincinnati.com/

The Columbus Arts Festival, one of the most respected arts shows in the country, features over three hundred artists from across the United States. Non-stop entertainment on two stages, activities for children and adults alike, food, street performers, and more are offered up at this festival on the riverfront in downtown Columbus, June 7-10. Find more information at http://www.gcac.org/

If you're favorite ice cream treat is the Banana Split, you owe some thanks to the city of Wilmington, Ohio, which is considered the birthplace of this fine frozen treat. June 8^th and 9^th, celebrate the 50s and 60s at the Banana Split Festival at JW Denver Williams Memorial Park, with free concerts, games, and, of course, a banana split.

Even if you aren't of Italian descent, there will be plenty to enjoy at The Italian American Summer Festival June 8^th - 10^th in Berea, Ohio. The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds hosts this three-day heritage fair, which features Italian food, performers from Italy, strolling musicians, grape stomping, and more. Find out what you can find at this great event at http://www.italianamericansummerfestival.com/

Celebrate one of America's favorite sticky substances at the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, at Veteran's Memorial Park in Avon, Ohio, June 15-17, 2007. This festival honors the "Duct Tape Capital" of the world, home of Duck brand duct tape. Usual carnival rides, food and booths aside, the real draw here are the creations crafted from, you guessed it, duct tape. A laser light show is also on tap, if the duct tape isn't enough of a draw. Get the facts, and just the facts, at http://www.avonducttapefestival.com/main.html

Would you like to see some large ships without going all the way to a coast? You can in Cleveland from July 12^th through 16^th, when The Huntington Cleveland Harborfest floats into town. This on-land and on-lake event, brings plenty of large ships into Huntington Harbor, and ship tours are only a small part of the offerings. Concerts, exhibits, strolling musicians, hands-on activities, food, and more round out this great maritime event. Get additional information on the website at http://www.clevelandharborfest.com/

Pieroges, kielbasa, brats, sauerkraut, beer, and polka? This must be Poland! Actually it's Lagrange Street, just outside of downtown Toledo, during the Polish Neighborhood Festival July 13-15, 2007. The beer comes assorted and plentiful, and there is lots more food to choose from. There is dancing, music, and activities to keep the kids entertained. Check it out at http://www.polishfestival.org/

One of the largest Irish festivals in the country is the Dublin Irish Festival. It takes place at Coffman Park in Dublin, Ohio, August 3^rd - 5^th. Dozens of bands bring music to seven stages, and a tenth century Irish village will transport you back in time. The Columbus Feis dance competition has drawn as many as sixteen hundred participants in past years. Additional information is available at http://dublinirishfestival.org/