Portage County & Ohio Events and Activities by Category / Type
FESTIVALS - CONCERTS -SALES - EXPOS - THINGS TO DO IN RAVENNA, KENT, PORTAGE COUNTY & OHIO For Balloon Festivals see ~HotAirBAlloon~ page http://ohiotidbits.com/6.html
Also seeAttractions - Info links - Restaurants - Shops FLEA MARKETS ON ATTRACTIONS PAGE
Last Modified 2009 EVENTS - The year immediately follows the name. If a previous year is listed, most events are evey year around the same date,
SITES BY CATEGORY What should be listed? Most of these sites I have visited and would like to share with others. Others have been recommended by friends or from other sources. Time and space prohibites this from being a complete listing even for the immediate Northeast Ohio area. And why should I duplicate other printed and internet sources? I hope you will find these as interesting as I have.
Portage County events are listed first with no county designation. Cities outside of Portage County have the county listed. Other pages, this site, for the event, organization or city is indicated by : (org pg).
SOME OF THE EVENT DATES ARE FROM SECONDARY SOURCES-ACCURACURRY IS STRIVED FOR BUT NOT GURANTEED. When traveling to an event, please verify the information. A few years ago in Southwest Ohio we saw a poster in Octorber about the lighted parade in December-the time was 7 pm. When I called for more information in December, I found out the time of the parade was changed to 5 pm.
PORTAGE COUNTY NON-PROFITS may get a free event (of any size) listing at www.portagecountyevents.com (This site is not affiliated with Ohiotidbits)
BOOK SALES: Usually fund raising activity by the Libray support organization, or local social organizations. Also includes the Ohio Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, and a collectors show in Akron, OH by rare book dealers from Ohio & Pennsylvania.
LIBRARY BOOK SALES AURORA LIBRARY: 2008 On going sale during library hours.
BRIMFIELD2008 On going sale during library hours.
RANDOLPH2008 On going sale during library hours.
RAVENNA- Friends of Reed Memorial Library- 2010 Fri,Sat, Sun Mar 19,20,21 2010 Thur Mar 18 Patron nite 4pm-7:30pm - Fri Mar 19 10am-7:30pm / Sat 10 am-4pm/ Sun 1-4pm 60,000 books & items - One of the largest library book sales. Also has small sales room Mon 4-8pm; Tue 11-3;Wed - 4-8; Thur -11-3; Fri 11-3; Sat 10-2 -(11-03-2007) ~SALES ROOM CLOSED UNTILL AFTER BOOK SALE. The library is now open Sundays durings most of the year. 1-4 pm After Labor Day to Memorial Day -(even Dec23 & 30) except Easter. www.reed.lib.oh.us Friends page: Friends of Reed
HIRAM COLLEGE, Friends of Library--2006, Mon Mar 20- Fri Mar 24 8am - 5pm each day, Weds 8-9pm.
KENT Free Library - at Roosevelt High School April & October
GARRETTSVILLE - 2008 On going sale during library hours.
RANDOLPH - 2008 On going sale during library hours.
STREETSBORO - Friends of Pierce-Streetsboro -2008 6 Fri Mar 14 noon - 5pm Sat Mar 15, 10-5pm ~Member night Thurs 6-8pm 2008 On going sale during library hours.
WINDHAM - Friends of Windham Library- 2008 On going sale during library hours.
SUMMIT CO CUYAHOGA FALLSUsually 1st full weekend of May & Nov 2006 - Fri May 5, 10-6pm(lib closes @5) Sat May 6, 10-4pm ELLET - 2006 Sat May 20 10-3pm 2470 E. Market Street, Akron, 44312 - 330-784-2019 HUDSON (2006) The Friends of the Library hold a book sale on the first Saturday AND THE 3RD Thurs of every month except June- Book Sale Hours 9 to 4:30 MOGADORE 2007 Aug 9 Friends Preview 6-8 pm - Aug 10 1-5pm - Aug 11 10-1pm 144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, 44260 - 330.628.9228 Website: Mogadore Branch STOW -MUNROE FALLS - 2007 Thur Apr 26,–10- 8 pm,= Fri Apr 27-10-5pm, =Sat pr 28-10-2pm
STARK CO ALLIANCE Rodman Public Library- 2006 330.821.2665 Mon Aug 14 - Wed AUG 16 - On Main St www.rodmanlibrary.com
OTHER BOOK SALES SUMMIT CO: Akron Antiquarian Book Fair -2008 - Fri Mar 21 - 3-8:30pm/Sat Mar 22 10-4pm Commercial sellers. Contact the Northern Ohio Bibliographic Society, Inc. John S Knight Cntr,Akron www.nobsweb.org WAYNE CO:
WOOSTER: BUCKEYE BOOK FAIR - 2007 Sat Nov 3 9:30am-4-pm About 100 authors -etc- with their books for sale. www.buckeyebookfair.com
COMMUNITY EXPOS: BUSINESS EXPOS: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Usually sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce with free admission. - A good place to see what area businesses have and to get free items
AURORA - 2010 Sat Mar 13 Aurora High School 10am-2pm GARRETTSVILLE AREA CHANBER - Bi-Annual - 2009 - Thur Oct 22 5pm - 8pm James A Garfield High School www.garrettsvillearea.com/showcase.htm
STREETSBORO - 2009 - Sat Oct 3 10am-2pm Streetsboro Middle School www.streetsborochamber.org SUMMIT CO CUYAHOGA FALLS- 2010 Sat March 27, 9 am - 3 pm, Natatorium www.cuyahogafallschamberofcommerce.com STOW-MUNROE FALLS 2008 - Every 2 years. 2010 Sat Apr 10, 10-5pm; Sun Apr 11, 11am-4pm Stow Munroe Falls High School www.smfcc.com
TALLMADGE - 2009 - Apr 4 910am-4pm/) (Rec Center East Ave & N Munroe?) This has been a biennual event. http://www.tallmadge-chamber.com HUDSON - 2009 Mar 14 East Wood School 120 N Hayden Pkwy 330-650-0621 bi-annual? STARK CO: HARTVILLE- LAKE AREA - Oct 2005 WWW.lakechamber.com
CONCERTS A listing of vocal and instrumental concerts, most by community choral groups or intrumental banks with free performances or a low admission price.
RAVENNA : Ravenna Community Choir (Organizations page) Concerts --Spring-April ---- July ------Dec
SPRING CONCERT - 2010 SUN APR 11 or18? - 3pm - Free admission - true freewill donation accepted.
SUMMER CONCERT 2009 Sun July 26 . 3pm Congregational Church - Popular music - Free admission - true freewill donation accepted.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - 2009 - Sun Dec 13 3pm . First Congregational Church?. FREE - a true free will donation, donate what you want or not.
HOME SAVINGS CONCERT - 2007 Court House Lawn THR 7-9 pm, 2007 THR MAY 17 Ravenna Hi Steel Blue 2007 JUL 19 Work In Progress
GOSPEL FEST - 2009- Sat Aug 15 - --(2 -6 pm?) Singing - Entertainment - Food Free- Bring your own chairs. info - Ravenna Chamber.
KENT : KENT STAGE : Downtown Kent- Old Theater presents concerts jazz-bluescountry-by National known stars. www.kentstage.org/
HOME SAVINGS PLAZA CONCERTS - - Main & Water Sts. 7-9 pm Thurs. 2007 Thr - May 24 Roosevelt orchestra & Jazz Emsemble - Jun 7 Bob Hoefler's Big Band BRIMFIELD : HOME SAVINGS CONCERT - 2006 - Thur Jul 6 7 -pm - DEERFIELD ; DEERFIELD COMMUNITY CHORUS - 2007 Sun July 8
SUMMIT CO : HUDSON - 2010 Music Nights at First & Main 2010 Every Fri in July
FAIRFIELD CO : LANCASTER LANCASTER FESTIVAL 2010 - Thur July 22- Sat July 31 - Muscians and artists from around the world-classical, contemporary,Jazz, dance music and art exhibits.-Many events free- Paid admission varies. 75 events. www.lanfest.org
FESTIVALS & SUCH--OPEN HOUSES Also see ~ HotAirBalloon~ page
AURORA : AMERICAN INDIAN POW WOW & FAMILY FESTIVAL - 2007 8th Sat Sun Sep 8 11-6pm; Sept 9 11-5pm High School -- Admission: $5.00 - 65 + $1.00 - 6 -12 years $2.00 Corn Husk Dolls - Weaving - Flintknapper- Auction-Food -Vendors. Dances -- Programs by Kulture Kids Info: aurorapowwow@yahoo.com
BRADY LAKE : CAPTAIN BRADY DAY - 2007 - Cancelled this year
PORTAGE COUNTY SOAP BOX DERBY. 2009 Jun 13 High St - starts 9am
ART ON THE HILL downtown area. 2009 July 11 9am-5pm Artists, food, demonstrations, entertainment, childrens activities. Sponsored by Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corp. Now accepting applications from artists and food vendors. 330.414.6486
ST JOSEPH'S OX ROAST FAIR - 2010, Fri, Sat, Sun, July 16-17-18. 3rd full weekend of July - 47h annual. ~2006 info~~44rd ANNUAL- Rides, Booths, Ox Roast Dinners,Food Booths, Tractor Pulls, Casino Games and alot more. One of the biggest attractions county wide for many years. Admission FREE - $3.00 Parking www.stjosephmantua.com/stjosephox.html
MANTUA POTATO FESTIVAL- 2009 Fri Sept 11 -Sun Sep 13 The 33rd has many food items made from potatoes: candy, doughnuts, piroghies, pancakes, bread, cookies and more. There is something for everyone: kid's games, rides, entertainment,crafts, antique tractors, 15k Potato Stomp, potato bake-off, queens, and Sunday parade. Full Schdule www.ofea.org/view.php?fest_id=40
RIVERVIEW FARMS : Corn Mazes 2007 -Every weekend October Fri 4-7pm, Sat 11-7, Sun 11-4- Adults $6.00 5-10 $4.00 St Rt 82 and Sheldon Rd.? 330.274.9008
MOGADORE (Summit & Portage Co.)
MOGADORE SUMMER FESTIVAL-2009 -Weekend of Jul 17 ? Lions Park. 2006 info: Fireworks- Fri / Parade Sat / Car Show Sun // Fri 6pm- MdNt / Sat 11- MdNt / Sun 10-8pm 330-628-9035
ART IN THE PARK - 2009 - SEPT Sat 12th 10am-6pm, Sun Sept 13 11am- 5pm Professional Artists, juried show - Music - Children's Activites - Food - FREE Admission 2009 - Artists application deadline July 13, - form on website www.kentparksandrec.com festival link: Kent Art in the Park
RAVENNA - RAVENNA SUMMERFEST -2009 Sat June 13 Downtown - Band, car show, karaoke, face painting, petting zoo, small inflatables, organization booths, food. Sidewalk sale - crafts &or yard sale booths- to rserve space Becky Frawlley 330.298.1233 Sponsored by Ravenna Merchants Assoc.
ROOTSTOWN HERITAGE DAYS : 2006 Returns after 1 year off. Rootstown Historical society . 2006 - Sun Sep 10 -Town Hall Lawn - Sponsored by Rootstown Historical Society
RANDOLPH : RANDOLPH FESTIVAL -Is cancelled-the committee has been dispanded-remaining funds have been given to commmunity organizations. THERE WILL BE A NEW FESTIVAL TO REPALCE THE OLD ONE
JOHNNY CAKE HOLLOW HERITAGE & CRAFT FESTIVAL - 2008 2008 - Sep 27 - 28 Randolph Fair Grounds --Replaces the old festival.
MAY'S FARM - Alexander Rd- S of Rt 224 - East of RT 44 - open Sept 22 daily thru Holloween. 10am-10pm Sat - Sun nights - Hayrides & Corn Mazes by flashlight. Sat - Sun all day -Corn Maize - Hay rides - Farm animals - Kids play area - Farm Products for Sale. Addmission charge for activities. www.maysfarmfestival.comwww.maysfarm.com
STREETSBORO : DAY BREAK LAVENDER FARM OHIO LAVENDER FESTIVAL - 2009 - DayBreak Lavender Farm, 2129 Frost Rd, Streetsboro, OH 44241 The field will be open to the public on these dates: • From June 24 - June 30. From July 8 - August 8. • www.ohiolavenderfestival.com
Products for sale: 9292 Market Square Dreive, Streetsboro Oh 44241 Weds - Sat - Noon to 4pm 330.212.3135 No sales at farm excepth during open houses or festival
STREETSBORO NATIONAL RIB FESTIVAL - 2010 Thur -Sun May 20-23 Market Square Plaza Sponsored by Family Days Festival -- www.streetsborofamilydays.org
SUFFIELD : SUFFIELD FESTIVAL - 2008 Fri Aug 15- 4-11 pm; Sat Aug 16 - 10am-Midnight Lions Park - Waterloo Rd. Music - guitar contest - Car Show - much more. Free www.suffieldfestival.com
RUFENER FARM -Farm Produce --Sping thru fall in Fall season Sept 30 - Oct 29 Sat s & Suns 11-6pm admission to activities Corn Maze - Hayrides - Pony rides - Petting Zoo- Food-Fri- Sat nights-mazes & hay rides. www.rufeners.com fall info http://www.rufeners.com/2006/2006public.html
SUMMIT CO :
AKRON
Annual National Hamburger Festival, 2010 - Lock 3 -downtown, 2017 Sat July 17 Sat (Noon-10:30 pm, Sun July 18 (Noon-7 pm, ) 716.565.4141 www.hamburgerfestival.com
BARBERTON : STUDEBAKER CAR SHOW - Now AT TALLMADGE OH -
CUYAHOGA FALLS: ITALIAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL - 2009- moved to Akron Lock 3 July 10-12www.it-am.org There will be a festival at Cuyahoga Falls River Fromt Square this sum;mer.
ALSO SEVERAL FESITVALS & CONCERTS DURING SUMMER. www.cityofcf.com Falls River Cruises, North Pier Boardwalk of Riverfront Centre Mall, Narrated Pontoon boat rides, Mon-Fri 3-7 pm, Sat-Sun Noon-7 pm, 330.971.8372
MOGADORE Mogadore Summer Festival see Portage Co.above
KENT STATE AVIATION HERITAGE FAIR 2007 - Sat Sept 6 - 7am-5pm KSU Airport Past years has had early morning Hot Air Balloon flight- www.stow.oh.us/Community/comEvents.shtml TWINSBURG - TWINS DAYS 2009 Fri Sat Sun Aug 7-8-9 Probably worlds largest gathering of twins, 3000 sets - Big festival. www.twinsdays.org
CUYAHOGA CO :
CHAGRIN FALLS : Chautauqua in Chagrin series brings speakers and musicians from the renowned Chautauqua instituion in New York. Presented by the Chagrin Foundation for Arts & Culture in partnership with the Chautauqua Institution. 2009 July 14, 28, Aug 11, 18. www.charginfoundation.org complete brochure: http://chagrinfoundation.org/Chautauqua-in-Chagrin_2009.pdf
CLEVELAND - HUNTINGTON CLEVELAND HARBORFEST - 2006 WED-SUN July 12-16 Tall Ships- Parade on Wed- Open for tours Thur -Sun -Admission www.clevelandharborfest.com
STARK CO
ALLIANCE CARNATION FESTIVAL - 2008 >M< 1 & 1/2 weeks, 2008 Thurdays -Sundays- Aug 7-17 Thur Aug 14 - Hot Air Balloons at Silver Park - evening Sat Aug 16 - Grand Parade - on State & Union Streets 11:00 am.
This is a large parade well worth seeing. Sat Aug 16 - Fireworks at Silver Park 9:30 pm. Large display www.carnationfestival.com
CANAL FULTON Olde Canal Days Festival, -- 2007 July 12 - 14 Art Show - Antique Cars - Fireworks - Grand Parade - Canal Boat Rides - more. 330-854-2225
HARTVILLE HARVILLE RAILROAD DAYS 2007 - Sat Aug 189:30am - 5:30pm Tickets now on sale www.lakechamber.com
MAIZE VALLEY FARM. Farm Products - Chesse & lunch meats are food price - convenience type store Winery 2007 Fri May 18 Celtic Beltane Festival & Highland Games. Sat May 19 Ladies Highland games. 2007 Sat - Sep 29 - Hot Air Balloons - Flight and glow $8.00 & $5.00admission Balloons - www.maizevalleywinery.com/2006HotAirBalloonLiftandGlow.htm
PERRY CO : NEW STRAIGHTSVILLE MOONSHINE FESTIVAL 2010 - May Thur-Mon 27-31 -- Operating still display- moonshine burgers - 2 Parades - Fiddle contests - MUCH more - see site www.ofea.org/view.php?fest_id=4 www.new-straitsville.lib.oh.us/festival.htm 740.394.2838
MERCER CO Oh: MARIE STEIN - MARIE STEIN COUNTRY FEST 2010 - Fri Sun-Jun 25-26-27 Balloon launch Fri 7:30,& Glow? --Free admission & parking. Many activities. SSW of St Marys-NW of of Sidney OH www.mscountryfest.com
CHAMPAIGN CO : URBANA Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival --FreshWater Farms-2624 N. U.S. Hwy. 68 one mile North of Urbana 2009 - Sat Sep 19 10-8/ Sun Sept 20 10-4 - free admisson. www.fwfarms.com
HORSE SHOWS The Big Charity event - the Portage County Charity Horse Show, Horse shows by 4-H and other non-profit groups.
RAVENNA : PORTAGE COUNTY CHARITY HORSE SHOW - Sunbeau Valley Farm- Brady Lake Rd West of Rt 59. Large- well worth seeing- attracts horses from all over. By Port Co Sheriffs Assoc -Benefits Hartti Larlham Center & other area charities. 2008 - Fri Sat Sun July 18, 19,20 - In 2007 $5.00 admissio - under 12 free. contact Eileen Wilson 330.296.4774
PORTAGE COUNTY HORSEMAN'S ASSOCIATION - Sunbeau Valley Farm 9am 2007 - Sun June 17, July 29, Aug 12 - www.ohiopcha.com
FOXY TROTTERS OPEN HORSE SHOW - 2007 Sat Aug 4 10 am INFO- Hillary 330.628.4637
MISCELLANEOUS Inclues CHRISTMAS WALKS, DANCES by local non-profit groups, CRAFT SHOWS, CIRCUS
WATER SKI SHOWS : MEDINA CO : CHIPPEWA LAKE WATER SKI SHOW TEAM - FREE show on Weds - Jun Jul Aug National Champion team member of the group. http://www.chippewaskiteam.com/
GARRETTSVILLE CHRISTMAS WALK - Annual Homes Tour. by James A Garfield Historical Society 2006 -Nov 3,4,5 10,11,12 4 area homes decorated for Christmas- other activities -$10.00 Donation - Reservations needed 330.527.2910 Be prepared to remove your shoes at homes. http://www.weeklyvillager.com/Garrettsville.htm Oct 20 edition, 6th articale down.
RAVENNA OH
DANCE - Balloon A-Fair Kick off Dance 50'S - 60'S Theme dance -2010 Sat Feb 27 7-11pm - $8.00 per person. Admission (serious snacks included) Door prizes, raffels, contests. 21 and Over Please. VFW Hall. 330.296.Fair
DANCE - Balloon A-Fair Sponsored HALLOWEEN FALL DANCE 2010 Sat Oct 23? 7pm VFW Hall. $7.00?. per person includes snacks- 21 and Over Please www.ravennaballoonafair.com 330.297.FAIR
MIDNIGHT MADNESS - Downtown. 2010 Fri Nov 26-(day after Thanksgiving) Stores open till midnight, Annual Balloon A-Fair Lighted Christmas Parade, Carrage Rides?. train rides? more
CRAFT SHOWS RAVENNA MAPLEWOOD CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS 2006 - Fri - Sat Nov 17-18 7075 St Rt 88 - Fri 5 - 9:30pm, Sat 10 - 4p
CRAFT SHOW PEOPLE: See Balloon A-Fair page Booth space for crafters is available at a very reasonable price. Time periods: Saturday- downtown all day OR Sunbeau late afternoon to night. Because of time overlaps you could not move to Sunbeau Sat- you would need a separate set up there to do both on Saturday. Sunday - all day at Sunbeau (moring to 7pm).
NON-PROFIT FUND RASING
ORGANIZATION PROGRAMS(Open to Public) Public talks, lectures, historical, travel programs by local historical societies, libraries, and other public groups| and governmental parties as department of parks or recreation.
Brimfield Kelso Memorial House 4185 sT Rt 43 330..673.1058 Brimfield Historical Society see Attractions Page Jan Feb Mar Apr 1st Friday
RAVENNA FRIENDS OF REED MEMORIAL LIBRARY 2008 - Annual Meeting Sat Apr 12 at Library ---business meeting 6:00pm Program - 6:30 Open to Public - Cleveland TV's Neil Zurcher -- One Tank Trips Refreshments - Free
Portage County Historical sociey - See Attractions PG 2006 - Sun Dec 10--Christmas Open House 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All buildings will be open for tours-weather permitting. Refreshments available.
Ravenna Community Choir - Concerts Apr, July, Dec. See CONCERTS above for specific info Spring -Usually Religious, Gospel Summer - Usually Popular, Show Tunes, Fun Music Christmas - Christmas, Winter songs
SUMMIT CO : Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society Normally the 2nd Wednesday of Month at Taylor Libaray (except July, Aug, (Sept normally a picnic elsewere)
PARADES Parades -most of them -not part of festivals or Holdiday events. RAVENNA PORTAGE COUNTY BICENNTENNIAL PARADE 2008 Monday Jun 9 evening Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Grand Parade - Sept 3rd weekend see HOTAIRBALLOON Page & BALLOON A-FAIR page Ravenna Balloon A-Fair - Lighted Christmas Parade 2007 Sat Dec 1 --7 pm - High School to Meridian.
KENT :
SUMMIT CO, MOGADORE FESTIVAL - Aug ? STOW - 4TH OF July Parade.
STARK CO ALLIANCE CARNATION FESTIVAL PARADE - 2 Parades. Aug See OTHER FESTIVALS above
