Oil & Gas- Drilling from a landowner's perspective : May 17, 2012
Learn about drilling from a landowner's perspective from Rhonda Reda, executive director of the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Program and the Ohio Oil and Gas Foundation.
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Spring Garden Waldorf School, 1791 S. Jacoby Rd.; Copley
Contact Phone #: (800) 654-5158
Expected Attendance: 250

American Heritage Days : May 17, 2012 - May 20, 2012
Originally the 1804 estate of Revolutionary War veteran Christian Waldschmidt, the property was later used as part of Camp Dennison, the Union Army's largest training installation, and is now owned and managed by the Ohio Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Admission is $5-adults; $3-students and seniors. Active military with I.D. - no charge. Historical interpreters, artisans, and vendors will provide insight to our local and American history. The main house and the Civil War Museum will be open for tours. Interpreters include Patrick Henry, George Rogers Clark and first lady, Dolley Madison, who will recall our earliest days of a new nation. Moving to the War of 1812, recruiting Sgt. Michael Cooper will be on hand to talk about his experience in this celebrated war along with his wife, Rebecca. On Saturday, Chris Miller and Novella Slaughter from the Freedom Center will discuss the life of the African Americans and how they used the underground railroad system to obtain their freedom. We are honored to also include the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, War Birds aviators, and the U.S. Colored Troops. Demonstrating their crafts will be a beekeeper, blacksmith, weaver, spinner, and more. Flying Cloud Academy of Vintage Dance, Celtic Rhythm Dancers USA, Southern Singers Native American dance/drum ensemble, dulcimer players, fiddlers, and bagpipers will be on hand to entertain. We enthusiastically welcome school and other groups, especially Thursday and Friday. With permission of a student's teacher, they may earn extra credit for programs they attended at this event. Attendance will be certified by qualifying program presenters. The Schoolhouse Restaurant will be open for lunch on Thursday and Friday to support this event, in addition to the regular Thursday-Sunday dinner schedule.
Hours: May 17-19, 10 am - 4 pm; May 20, 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Christian Waldschmidt Homestead, 7567 Glendale-Milford Road, Camp Dennison
Contact Phone #: (513) 576-6327
Expected Attendance: 400
http://www.ohiodar.org/waldhouse.shtml

Taste of the Arts : May 18, 2012
Enjoy delicious taster size portions of popular menu items from local restaurants while enjoying live music, children's activities and fun for the whole family. Artists demonstrate a wide variety of artistic expression from watercolor painting to pottery and more. This event is held in Piqua's quaint historic downtown district, surrounded by wonderful shops open late for festival goers!
Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Piqua
Contact Phone #: (937) 773-9355
Expected Attendance: 1,000
http://www.mainstreetpiqua.com

Irrigating Urban Gardens : May 19, 2012
Larry Brown and Angelica Huerta from Ohio State University will lead this hands-on workshop on building irrigation systems that allow gardeners to grow higher-yielding crops with less labor. Participants are asked to reserve a spot by contacting Cole Wardell, cwardell@local-matters.org or 614-263-5662.
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus
Contact Phone #: (614) 263-5662
http://www.local-matters.org/blog/cole/

Upper Valley Fiber Festival : May 19, 2012 - May 20, 2012
A two-day event that showcases fiber arts. We have vendors, demonstrations and a spin-in & weave-in for anyone wishing to participate. The Upper Valley Fiber Fest came about several years ago when a group of fiber enthusiasts decided that the Miami Valley area needed a spring show. After much brainstorming, and with the help of the Upper Valley Fiber Guild, the Upper Valley Fiber Fest was born. The first year exceeded our wildest dreams. The second year was even bigger and now we have expanded into two days. We have also become a separate organization and hope to be around for years to come!
Hours: Sat. 5-9 pm, Sun. 11 am-4pm
Location: Miami County Fairgrounds
Contact Phone #: (937) 339-1044
http://uppervalleyfiberfest.org

Learn To Knit Class : May 26, 2012
Come learn to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, and more as you start on a beautiful scarf. This is the perfect class if you have never knitted or if it has been years since you last picked up needles! We will be making the "Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf" pictured on our website. Mistake Stitch creates a deep and lofty rib that looks like so much more work than it actually is. Size US 11“ 8.0 mm knitting needles are needed for class. Three skeins of "Snuggle" yarn are provided. You may register and pay for this class on our website or by calling Julie Petty at (419) 529-8152.
Hours: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Alpaca Meadows
Contact Phone #: (419) 529-8152
http://www.alpacameadows.com

Woof, Wag, & Wine : June 02, 2012
Lake Humane Society's 3rd annual Woof, Wag & Wine. Bring your four-legged friend along for a tour of the vineyards while you enjoy a wine tasting, live music, the chance to win great prizes in the Silent and Chinese auctions and much more! Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and canopies to set up on the lawn. Admission is only $10 per person. $1 from every bottle of wine sold at the event benefits Lake Humane. The first 100 attendees receive a free gift. Come support your local animal shelter!
Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
Contact Phone #: (440) 298-9838
Expected Attendance: 200
http://www.grandrivercellars.com

Banana Split Festival : June 08, 2012 - June 09, 2012
Join us at the nation's only Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio. This June is our 18th year. Enjoy free concerts, continuous entertainment, a cruise-in of classic cars, crafts and collectibles, games, rides, unique food and of course Banana Splits!
Hours: Fri. 4 pm - 10 pm & Sat. noon - 10 pm
Location: J. W. Denver Williams Park, 1326 Fife Ave., Wilmington, OH 45177
Contact Phone #: (877) 428-4748

Snappin' Asparagus & Strawberry Jam : June 09, 2012
Come celebrate the beginning of the growing season with plenty of fresh asparagus and pick-your-own strawberries. A free family-friendly event where you can find fun, educational activities and events such as farm walking tours, live animals, gardening kits, kids' games, live music and festival food.
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Branstrator Farm, 885 N. George Rd., Clarksville
Contact Phone #: (937) 203-8202
http://www.branstratorfarm.com

Family Days at Johnston Farm : June 09, 2012
Enjoy a Family Day! John Johnston's family home will come alive with games and activities enjoyed in days past. Allow enough time to visit the Johnston's home to learn how the family lived, take in the Historic Indian and Canal Museum to gain insight to the lives of the first people who called Ohio home, and don't forget to include time in your day for a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua and relive the time when mules pulled boats and the world moved at four miles per hour.
Hours: All Day
Location: Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, Piqua Ohio
Contact Phone #: (937) 773-2522
http://www.JohnstonFarmOhio.com

14th Annual Garden Gala Tour : June 09, 2012 - June 10, 2012
This self-directed tour, sponsored by Circle of Caring~Faith in Action, features lovely residential gardens in the Circleville area, Rain or Shine. Vendors & musicians at some gardens. Tickets: Advance $8 Event Days $10
Hours: Saturday, 10 am- 3 pm; Sunday, 1 p,m- 6 pm
Location: Circleville area
Contact Phone #: (740) 474-7844
Expected Attendance: 200
http://bit.ly/HxVUWG

Plastic Pot Recycling : June 09, 2012
Free recycling of plastic flower trays, plastic pots and non-food-grade plastic foam packing material.
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus
Contact Phone #: (614) 688-3479

A Fine Pairing of Wine & Alpacas : June 09, 2012
Alpaca Crossroads, an advertising co-op of six Northwest Ohio alpaca farms, invite you to join them at Chateau Tebeau for a fun and informational afternoon. You can taste the marvelous wines produced at the winery, have a casual meal and interact with some amazing alpacas. Throughout the afternoon learn more about alpacas with short presentations - Alpaca 101, Fiber Usage and for the existing owner, Ask the Vet. with Dr. Cheryl DeWitt. The event is free and open to the public. Alpaca Crossroads: Lazy G Alpaca Ranch - Fremont; Lofty Pines Alpaca Ranch - Lindsey; StarGazer Farm Suri Alpacas - Helena; Sunny Meade Alpacas - Swanton; Planet Lama - Bluffton; Portage Valley Suri Alpacas - Bowling Green.
Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Chateau Tebeau, 525 State Route 635, Helena
Contact Phone #: (419) 638-3005
Expected Attendance: 600
http://thealpacacrossroads.com

5th Annual Bexley House & Garden Tour : June 11, 2012 - June 12, 2012
Once again, the Bexley Women's Club continues a tradition of working with generous homeowners to share their beautiful homes and gardens, all the while supporting the Club's vision of scholastic and social service.
Hours: June 11, 4 pm - 10 pm; June 12, 10 am - 5 pm
Location: Bexley, Ohio
Contact Phone #: (614) 258-3312
http://www.bexleywomen.org

Fast Food Homemade : June 13, 2012
Learn simple, creative techniques for preparing quick, easy meals. If you have a busy family, homemade fast food can provide great meals in a short time. Also, learn how to prepare food in advance through interactive cooking demonstrations. Register by June 8. Cost: $5 for Farm Bureau members, per seminar or $25 for all seminars: $10 for nonmembers, per seminar or $50 for all seminars. For more information or to register, call Preble County Farm Bureau at 937-456-5400.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton
Contact Phone #: (937) 456-5400
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

Summer Solstice Lavender Festival : June 16, 2012 - June 17, 2012
Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm will hold its 4th annual Summer Solstice Lavender Festival. Experience the overwhelming beauty of two acres of certified organic lavender in full bloom. Lavender food, vendors, u-pick, wreath and wand workshops, yoga in the field, massage therapy, children's activities, music and more.
Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
Location: Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm, 2391 Martinsville Rd., Martinsville, OH 45146
Contact Phone #: (937) 242-5055
http://www.peacefulacreslavenderfarm.com

Farmer's Share Breakfast : June 16, 2012
Enjoy pancakes, biscuits & gravy, fruit, sweet rolls, muffins, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donations are accepted.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Paulding County Fairgrounds
Contact Phone #: (419) 523-5874
http://paulding.ofbf.org

Building and Testing Soil : June 16, 2012
A portion of the workshop will be devoted to reading participants' individual soil tests. Leaders will determine the types and amounts of soil amendments to balance and enhance the soil. Veteran garden educator Mike Hogan of OSU Extension will discuss building soil and techniques to create a rich ground for growing food. Participants are asked to reserve a spot by contacting Cole Wardell, cwardell@local-matters.org or 614-263-5662.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus.
Contact Phone #: (614) 263-5662
http://www.local-matters.org/blog/cole/

Breakfast on the Farm : June 16, 2012
Visit the Yutzy family on their dairy farm, Kramer Homestead, and enjoy breakfast in their pasture. Get your food and farming questions answered while seeing what life is like on an Ohio dairy farm. Register by June 4. Cost: Free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, contact the Franklin and Madison County Farm Bureau office at 800-451-8908.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Kramer Homestead, Plain City
Contact Phone #: (800) 451-8908
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

Fast Food From the Farm : June 16, 2012
Join Clinton County Farm Bureau and Clinton County Farmers Market for the first presentation of Fast Food from the Farm, a monthly series of local-foods cooking demonstrations. Join local chefs as they prepare fast, easy and affordable recipes using fresh, locally grown food from market vendors. Participants will learn how to use seasonal products to create delicious dishes that the whole family will love. Cost is free and no registration is required. Contact the Clinton County Farmers Market at 937-728-7075 for more information.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Clinton County Farmers Market, Wilmington
Contact Phone #: (937) 728-7075
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

Tastes of Local Agriculture : June 21, 2012
Join Farm Bureau member, Duke Wheeler, on his diverse farm in Whitehouse for a behind the scenes tour of the farm followed by dinner in the field. Guests attending this event will have the opportunity to talk with the Wheeler family and other farmers as they tour the farm's butterfly house and also learn about tree and shrimp farming. The dinner will feature locally grown foods. Register by June 15. Cost: $25 per person. For more information and to register, call 614-246-8241.
Hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Wheeler Farms, Whitehouse
Contact Phone #: (614) 246-8241
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

The Perennial Plant Peddler Open House : June 23, 2012 - June 24, 2012
The Perennial Plant Peddler offers an extensive, walkable plant collection in our show gardens including 500 varieties of daylillies, 100 hostas, 50 succulents, and 600 other common and unusual perennials. The open house will take place at the Perennial Plant Peddler located at 8755 Township Road in Findlay. The event will include sale items and a drawing for free plants. There will be activities for kids which include: a scavenger Hunt, face painting and craft activites. Group and personalized tours will be available.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 8755 Township Rd. 251 Findlay
Contact Phone #: (614) 774-6098
Expected Attendance: 150
http://www.pplantpeddler.com

Muskingum County Picnic and Farm Tour : June 24, 2012
Join Muskingum County Farm Bureau for a summer picnic at the Sands Family Farm. Enjoy a delicious meal from the beautiful bank barn. Participants will also get farmer-led tours to see cattle, chickens, and the hay operation after the meal. Cost: Free for Ohio Farm Bureau members, $10 for nonmembers. Register by June 15. Call the Muskingum County Farm Bureau office at 800-964-8184.
Hours: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Sands Family Farm, Zanesville
Contact Phone #: (800) 964-8184
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

Cheese, Please! : June 24, 2012
The farmers at Laurel Valley Creamery invite you to a unique behind-the-scenes tour of their dairy farm and cheese house. Meet the cows and tour the milking parlor before visiting the cheese house to learn about the cheese making process. And of course, a cheese sampling will follow the tour. Cost is $10 for Ohio Farm Bureau members. Register by June 20. For more information and to register, call 614-246-8241.
Hours: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Laurel Valley Creamery, Gallipolis
Contact Phone #: (614) 246-8241
http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

2012 World Vintage Shotguns Championship : July 12, 2012 - July 15, 2012
The National Skeet Shooting Association has selected the Clinton County Farmers & Sportsmen Association as the site for the 2012 World Vintage Shotguns Championships. Competition runs throughout the day. Top shooters from across the country will compete in 4 days of competition at the outdoor range. Competitions will include Trap and 5-Stand Sporting. Programs with daily activities can be found at www.ccfsa.com.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: 301 Batson Rd., Wilmington
Contact Phone #: (937) 382-1178
http://www.ccfsa.com

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival : August 03, 2012 - August 04, 2012
The most acclaimed summer wine and food festival between the Appalachians and Rockies will be celebrating its 18th anniversary. Annually, over 30,000 wine and food lovers travel to the beautiful grounds of the Lake Metroparks Farmpark to taste exceptional regional wines, learn a little, sample an incredible range of fine cuisine and enjoy the area's best musical talent. Vintage Ohio is noted for presenting some of the finest regional entertainment. Three stages will feature jazz, reggae, oldies and light rock from the time the doors open through the last hour. Friday night features a spectacular fireworks display. Vintage Ohio restaurants offer truly fine cuisine. Loretta Paganini's School of Cooking is recognized as one of the best in the Midwest.
Hours: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland
Contact Phone #: (800) 227-6972
http://www.visitvintageohio.com

Miami County Fair : August 10, 2012 - August 16, 2012
Celebrating Miami County's rich agricultural heritage, the Miami County Fair is a timeless tradition and a great family favorite. This week long event consists of competitions, entertainment, harness racing, tractor pulls, art exhibits, games and rides, and great food! Children of all ages have the best time at the fair. Imagine the look of excitement in a child's eyes when they first see the many types of animals paraded proudly at the fair. Cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, horses, pigs and sheep, all on display and waiting for that first blue ribbon or to be labeled the grand champion at the auction. And there is no doubt that a kids favorite fair spot is the Midway with new thrill rides, games of chance and more of that great fair food. This year's main Grandstand concert is Hunter Hayes Saturday, Aug. 11, 8pm. Tickets go on sale May 12, 9am-5pm, by calling 937-335-7492 or by going to the website. To pick your tickets in person, visit the fair office beginning May 19.
Hours: All Day
Location: Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Rd. 25A – Troy, OH 45373
Contact Phone #: (937) 339-7492
http://www.MiamiCountyOhioFair.com

Wilmington Art & Pottery Festival : August 17, 2012 - August 18, 2012
Juried art and pottery are featured at this family festival. See demonstrations by basket makers, soap makers, potters, local artists, wood workers, candle makers, blacksmiths and more. Expect entertainment, food and a great time for all.
Hours: Fri. noon - 9 pm & Sat. 9 am - 6 pm
Location: Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
Contact Phone #: (937) 382-6442

Mid-Ohio Fiber Fair : August 18, 2012 - August 19, 2012
Shop over 35 vendors offering the finest in yarns, fiber, tools, and supplies. Fiber arts classes are offered. Win a basket of fiber arts goodies in our raffle that benefits the Licking County Food Pantry Network
Hours: 9-5 Saturday, 10-3 Sunday
Location: Reese Center COTC/OSU-Newark Campus 1209 University Drive, Newark
Contact Phone #: (740) 345-2199
Expected Attendance: 500
http://www.midohiofiberfair.com

Clinton County Corn Festival : September 07, 2012 - September 09, 2012
Come to the 35th annual Clinton County Corn Festival. Help us celebrate our agricultural heritage as we honor one of the area's biggest industries with a three-day extravaganza. Featuring antique farm machinery, a parade, games, all types of food made from corn, a quilt show, musical entertainment, antiques and crafts and the Corn Olympics!
Hours: Fri & Sat 11 am - 10 pm & Sun 9 am - 6 pm
Location: Clinton County Fairgrounds
Contact Phone #: (937) 383-5676
Expected Attendance: 40,000
http://www.antiquepowerclub.org

Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival : September 14, 2012 - September 16, 2012
Festivities kick off with live music and mouth-watering seafood selections. The fun continues on Saturday and Sunday with more live music, a large variety of food options, games and activities for the whole family. Freshly harvested shrimp will be for sale beginning Saturday morning at 10 a.m. They sell out FAST, so get here early! Enjoy extensive displays of live fish, frogs, turtles and other native critters. Swing by the fish farm market for a taste of gourmet smoked trout products. Join in the Trout Feeding Frenzy, the Kids Wet Zone, sand castle play zone and wading pool fountain fun. Don't forget to visit the famous sturgeon pool, where you can pet Ohio's largest native fish. Also stuff yourself in the Shrimp Peeling & Eating Contest, buy a Shrimp Festival souvenir shirt and come enjoy the country atmosphere at the farm! Admission: $4 general admission, 2 & Under Free. 50% off return admission. Parking: Free.
Hours: Fri.: 5p-9p, Sat.: 10a-8p, Sun.: 11-8p
Location: Freshwater Farms of Ohio; 2624 N. U.S. Highway 68, Urbana
Contact Phone #: (800) 634-7434
http://www.ohiofishandshrimpfestival.com

Heifer Festival : September 22, 2012
Parking and admission are free. Local talent will be performing and lunch will be served. Among the activities planned will be a large silent auction where area merchants and service providers have donated generously to this cause. There's also a cakewalk where well over 40 cakes and pies are given away each year. There are many carnival-like games for children where they "win" tickets that can be exchanged at the General Store for a wide variety of gifts. There are lots of animals and many other activities including such fun as a bouncer, a splash tank and a straw maze. Proceeds benefit Heifer International, which has helped families in more than 125 countries including many in the United States. At the core of the Heifer philosophy is the idea that families who receive "gift animals" return their first offspring to a neighbor in need. The giving becomes self-sustaining and helps entire communities.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Richwood Fairgrounds, 1 Gill Street, Richwood
Contact Phone #: (937) 644-0383
http://www.heiferfestival.org

Stir Farm Family Fall Festival : October 01, 2012 - November 01, 2012
Pumpkins, pick your own or chose one already picked, along with hayride, bond fire with hotdogs and apple cider, face painting and bounce house. Join us for a real farm adventure with farm animals to see and pet a can't miss festival.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: 8050 madison Walnut Rd., Ashville
Contact Phone #: (740) 497-2935
http://StirFamilyFarm.yolasite.com

Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival : November 09, 2012 - November 10, 2012
Bluegrass and acoustic music have outsold and outgrown all other American music forms in the past decade, and Ohio has always been home to many great outdoor music events. However, this event is the area's only indoor Bluegrass festival.
Hours: 10 am - 11 pm
Location: Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
Contact Phone #: (937) 372-5804
http://www.somusicfest.com

Hometown HoliDazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival : November 24, 2012
Downtown Wilmington closes its streets and opens its doors for everyone to see our hometown all lit up, from the twinkling decorations to the thousands of lights decorating the nighttime parade. Santa Claus, indoor carnival games, delicious food and strolling musicians help bring in the holiday season.
Hours: 2 pm - 10 pm
Location: Downtown Wilmington, Main St., Wilmington, OH 45177
Contact Phone #: (937) 383-9090
http://www.hometownholidazzle.com

Lebanon Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival : December 01, 2012
Historic Lebanon Ohio sets the perfect backdrop for the 24th annual Lebanon Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival. Over 100 horse drawn carriages decorated for the holidays parade thru downtown Lebanon for an afternoon parade and evening parade. Horses include adorable minis, ponies, Belgians, Percherons and the notorious Clydesdales. Between parades shop in the 80+ antique and specialty shops or stroll the festival which includes craft and food vendors, visits with Santa and Mrs Claus, live entertainment throughout the day or take a ride on the North Pole Express. There's something for everyone.
Hours: Festival 10am-8pm, Parades 1pm & 7pm
Location: Downtown Lebanon Ohio
Contact Phone #: (513) 932-1100
Expected Attendance: 175
http://https://www.facebook.com/lebanoncarriageparade