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The second annual Reds Futures High School Showcase continues through Monday.

The showcase features 64 of the top high school baseball teams from Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana playing 32 games from March 25 to April 15 at area ballparks.

This weekend’s line up features LaSalle against Moeller at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by Elder against St. Xavier at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Lakota West will battle Princeton at 5 p.m., followed by Lakota East against Mason at 7 p.m. and Fairfield versus Middletown at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday’s and Friday’s game will be held at Prasco Park. The 550-seat stadium is on the corporate campus of Prasco Laboratories at 6125 Commerce Ct., Mason.

On Monday, Kings will face off against Loveland at 4:30 p.m. at Kings High School, while Harrison plays Talawanda at 4:30 p.m. at Harrison High School.

Prasco Park admission is free and open to the public. Tickets for Monday’s games are $5 and include all games on that day, along with a voucher for a ticket to a future Reds’ game and a coupon for a free Skyline cheese coney.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: baseball, harrison high school, kings high school, lakota, mason, prasco park, reds futures high school showcase, sports

Fiona Apple performs Saturday at the Aronoff. / Provided

From Oktoberfest and Fashion Week to the Beethoven Festival and Fiona Apple, here’s a list of some fun things going on in Greater Cincinnati this week.

Tuesday

Glennie’s Rhythm and Fire, 8-10 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. $10 and up. Registration required. 513-381-3300; www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

Sheepdogs, 8 p.m., 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley. With Black Box Revelation and the Buffalo Killers. $15. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday

Americans Who Tell the Truth art opening, 7-9 p.m., UC Blue Ash College Muntz Theater, 9555 Plainfield Road. Works by Robert Shetterly. Choral performance by Muse. 513-745-5705; www.ucblueash.edu.

Thursday

Brian Posehn, 8 p.m., Funny Bone Comedy Club, Newport on the Levee. $15-$17. Reservations required. Through Oct. 7. 859-957-2000; www.funnyboneonthelevee.com.

Mahler 3: Force of Nature, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos, conductor; Stephanie Blythe, mezzo soprano; Cincinnati Boy Choir, Women of the May Festival Chorus. $10 and up. Registration required. Also Saturday, 8 p.m. 513-381-3300; www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 8-11 p.m., Patricia Corbett Theater, University of Cincinnati. $30, $19 non-UC students, $17 UC students. Through Oct. 7. 513-556-4183; ccm.uc.edu.

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Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: 20th century theatre, a midsummer night's dream, acting up, americans who tell the truth art opening, an evening with charles wadsworth, aviator flight fest and 5k, barktoberfest, bayside, beethoven festival, belterra casino, brian posehn, bud light tailgate zone, ccm orchestra, charley pride, cincinnati fashion week, cincinnati zoo, corbett auditorium, dog jog, donauschwaben oktoberfest, eric church, esperanza spalding, fall fabulous, fiona apple, force of nature, funny bone comedy club, glenmore playhouse, glennie's rhythm and fire, go bananas, gorman farm, graves concert hall, hallzooween, lebanon antique show, little kings clambake, macy's, mahler 3, mason high school, music hall, rajiv satyal, reggae run, Seussical the Musical, sheepdogs, sleepy hollow arts and crafts fall celebration, snoopy the musical, sunflower festival, thompson house, travis tritt, u.s. bank arena, uc-blue ash college, washington park, weekend of fire

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Sign-ups for the Kings Basketball Association’s competitive and recreational teams are available online through Sept. 30.

Boys and girls enrolled in grades 2-6 in the Kings Local School District are eligible to play. Go to www.eteamz.com/kbahoops/ to sign up.

Those who elect to sign up for competitive teams will play a 20-game schedule with two weekly practices. Players on recreational teams play 10 games and practice weekly.

Competitive teams are open to boys and girls in grades 4-6 and require potential players to attend two tryout sessions:

• Fourth grade girls: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and Oct. 10
• Fourth grade boys: 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and Oct. 10
• Fifth grade girls: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 11
• Fifth grade boys: 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct.11.
• Sixth grade girls: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 9
• Sixth grade boys: 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 9

Final competitive team results for boys and girls will be posted online the week of Oct. 15. Boys in grades 4-6 who were not placed on a competitive team should also attend recreational skills assessments.

Assessments for all girls in second or third grades and boys in grades 2-6 who are interested in playing on recreation teams, should attend skill assessment sessions according to the following schedule:

• Oct. 23: sixth grade boys, 6-7 p.m.; fifth grade boys, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 24: second grade boys, 6-7 p.m.; fourth grade boys, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 25: third grade boys, 6-7 p.m.; second and third grade girls, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Both boys and girls are assigned to second grade recreational teams. Games and practices are held at J.F. Burns Elementary School. Third grade teams practice and play at South Lebanon Elementary School.

Cost is $100 for players in grades 4-6 plus $20 for those who play on a competitive team. Players in grades two and three will be charged $80. There is a $200 family maximum fee.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events, Sports |

Tags: Tags: boys, girls, j.f. burns elementary school, kings, kings basketball association, kings schools, sign-up, south lebanon elementary school, sports, teams

Check out the top 20 events going on in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Monday

Safetysuit, 8 p.m., 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley. With Taylor Berett. $19.64. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday

Picturesque Cincinnati: Then and Now, 6-8 p.m., Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati Race Street Gallery, 811 Race St., Downtown. Pictures by the Kraemer Art Company and David La Spina. Part of FotoFocus. Exhibit continues through Oct. 31. Free. 513-421-4469; www.architecturecincy.org.

Renee Fleming, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Three-time Grammy-winning soprano. Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor. $45 and up. Reservations required. 513-381-3300; www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

Wednesday

Fall Fringe Festival, 7:30-9 p.m., Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. Ages 18 and up. $12. Four-show Fall Fringe passes: $40. Through Sept. 22. 513-300-5669; www.knowtheatre.com.

Thursday

B-105’s Show for the USO: Uncle Kracker, 7:30 p.m., Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. With Jana Kramer and Dustin Lynch. $30, $25 advance; $20 with military ID at theater box office. 859-491-2444; www.b105.com.

Bacchanalian Society Fall Gathering, 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Varietal wine: Sauvignon Blanc. Benefits Junior League of Cincinnati. $20, $15 advance. 513-763-8036; www.bacchanaliansociety.com.

Books By the Banks Poster Debut, 6:30 p.m., Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Norwood. Posters available for sale $15; $10 previous years. Free. 513-396-8960; www.booksbythebanks.org.

Destination Imagination, 8-10 p.m., Parrish Auditorium, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton. Ohio Metropolitan Pops Orchestra. Award-winning 60-piece orchestra, 80-voice chorale and soloist. $12 advance. 513-755-2338; www.ohiomet.org.

NEEDTOBREATHE, 7:30 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. With Drew Holcomb. $30, $27.50 advance; plus fees. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Friday

Cincinnati Comic Expo, 5-8 p.m., Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Hall C. $65 VIP, $25 weekend, $15 one-day pass, free ages 12 and under. Through Sept. 23. 513-290-6583; www.cincinnaticomicexpo.com.

Joshua Bell: Superstar, 8-10 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. $10 and up. Also Saturday. Registration required. 513-381-3300; www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

Moerlein Lager House Oktoberfest, 4-11 p.m., Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Free. Through Sept. 23. 513-421-2337; bit.ly/N93Y2l.

Slash, 8 p.m., Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. With Foxy Shazam. $47.36. 800-745-3000; www.livenation.com.

Warhol and Green Acres Opening Celebration, 8-11 p.m., Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown. Featuring DJ sets by VHS or BETA. Exhibits continue through Jan. 20. $10, free for members. 513-354-8400; www.contemporaryartscenter.org.

Saturday

Bluegrass for Babies, 4-9:30 p.m., Sawyer Point, Pete Rose Way, Downtown. P&G Pavilion. Benefits Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. $20, $15 advance; free for children. Registration required. 513-352-4000; www.bluegrassforbabies.com.

Fire Up the Night, 5 p.m., Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. International fireworks competition begins at 9 p.m. Includes waterless pool party, craft beer festival and more. $15-$20 per carload; includes parking. $5 for walk-ups. 513-232-8230; www.coneyislandpark.com.

Merchants and Music Festival, 3-10 p.m., Tower Park, 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. Jo Dee Messina, Danny Frazier Band and Tupelo Honey. Food and shopping available. Free. 859-572-1278; www.merchantsandmusic.com.

NASCAR Nationwide Series: Kentucky 300, 4-7 p.m., Kentucky Speedway, 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta. $45-$75. 859-578-2300; www.kentuckyspeedway.com.

Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati USA, 11-midnight, Downtown Cincinnati, on six blocks of Fifth Street from Race to Broadway. Free. Through Sept. 23. 513-579-3111; www.oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

Sunday

Panerathon 5K to Fight Hunger, 9 a.m., Panera Bread, 5095 Deerfield Blvd., Mason. Celebration at finish line with fresh bagels, pastries, sandwiches and activities. Free Kids Fun Run for ages 10 and under at 10 a.m. $30, $25 advance; $25, $20 advance for children, seniors and military. 614-794-2008; www.panerathon.com/index-cincinnati.html.

Posted in: Community, Events, Health & Fitness, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: b-105s show for the uso, bacchanalian society fall festival, bluegrass for babies, books by the banks poster debut, cincinnati, cincinnati comic expo, destination imagination, events, fall fringe festival, fire up the sky, kentucky 300, merchants and music festival, moerlein lager house oktoberfest, nascar nationwide series, needtobreathe, oktoberfest zinzinnati, panerathon 5k to fight hunger, picturesque cincinnati then and now, renee fleming, safetysuit, slash, uncle kracker, usa

“THUNDER-SKY!,” a documentary feature about the life and legacy of Cincinnati’s own outsider artist Raymond Thunder-sky (a.k.a. “the Construction Clown”) has a local premiere. Filmmakers Alfred Eaker and J. Ross Eaker look at the late artist, and the Northside gallery and community inspired by him. Photo provided

From the Cincinnati Film Festival and Old West Festival to the Craft Beer Fest and Restaurant Week, here are 18 fun things going on in Greater Cincinnati this weekend.

Through Sept. 14: Cincinnati Film Festival
2:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. 8 p.m. Friday, St. Michael’s Art Sanctuary, 2110 St. Michael St., Cincinnati.
U.S. and international world premieres, documentaries and film shorts with star-studded events and in-depth workshops led by industry experts. See website for show times.
$95 full event pass, $25 single day pass; pricing varies for individual events. 513-281-8750; www.cincyfilmfest.com

Through Sept. 19: GCI Fall Restaurant Week
Various times, various locations across Greater Cincinnati.
Opportunity for restaurateurs to thank existing diners and for new diners to experience some local “flair” that is being created on a daily basis, all around the city.
Ages 18 and up. $33; eatlocalcincy.com/RESTAURANT_WEEK.asp

Sept. 14: ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd
7 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
ZZ Top is a rock band formed in 1969 from Houston. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a rock band best known for popularizing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s.
$85, $65, $59 four-pack lawn reserved pavilion, $35, $20; plus fees. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com

Sept. 14: Ben-Gals Calendar Release Party
6 p.m., Whisky Bar, 537 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown.
Meet this year’s squad at calendar unveiling party. Music, dancing and performance by the cheerleaders.
Additional calendars for $10. $25, includes calendar. 513-721-9227; www.bengals.com/cheerleaders

Sept. 14-16: Ballroom with a Twist
8-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. John Morris Russell, conductor.
Fast-paced dance showcase of tango, swing, samba and more, featuring pros from “Dancing with the Stars”; accompanied by vocals and up-tempo music by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
$25 and up. Registration required. 513-381-3300; www.cincinnatipops.org

Sept. 14: The Purple Party
10 p.m.-2 a.m., Purple People Bridge, Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati; Third Street, Newport, Newport.
Official Virgo birthday celebration. Wear classy, smooth, sexy and polished purple colors.
$10; plus fees. 859-655-7700; www.purplepeopleparty.eventbrite.com

Sept. 14-16: Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest
11-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Hofbrauhaus, 200 E. Third St., Newport.
Contests, entertainment, German bands, circus acts, traditional Bavarian fare and Oktoberfest beer.
859-491-7200; www.hofbrauhausnewport.com

Along with a liter glass mug of the Hofbrauhaus Premium Lager, one of the restaurant’s appetizers is the sausage and cheese tray. Enquirer file photo

Sept. 15: Scion Exposed underground party
2 p.m.-midnight, Downtown Cincinnati. Parking Lot A, Third and W. Pete Rose Way under Second Street overpass.
National music acts, a car show, indoor skate park and more. Paid parking across the street. Rain or shine.
Music by Rjd2, Chairlift, Walshy Fire, DAAP Girls, Archer’s Paradox, and others. Hosted by DJ Etrayn.
Free. Registration required online. 513-421-4440; www.goexposed.com

Sept. 15: Craft Beer Fest
Noon-7:30 p.m., Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence.
Unique intersection of craft beers and live horse racing with 50 different beers from breweries like Blue Moon, Samuel Adams, Crispin, Kentucky Ale and others.
$30 ticket includes 20 beer samples and 5-ounce souvenir cup. $7.50 designated driver ticket includes soft drinks and water all day.
859-371-0200; www.turfway.com

Sept. 15: Westwood Art Show
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center, 3017 Harrison Ave., Westwood.
Outdoor exhibition featuring local artist vendors, local food vendors, acoustic music, face painting, henna tattoos, wine tasting, Madcap Puppets and Contemporary Art Center craft tent.
Rain or shine. 513-405-4013.

Sept. 15: Live it Up Downtown
A Celebration of Urban Living, 3-11 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown.
Learn about local residential community. Realtors and property managers provide information about apartments and condos. Various properties open for tours.
Meet current residents. Browse booths representing downtown amenities. Music, food and drinks. Presented by Downtown Cincinnati Inc. and the Downtown Residents Council. Sponsors include 4EG and the Horseshoe Casino.
Family friendly. Free. 513-421-4440; www.downtowncincinnati.com

Sept. 15: 75th anniversary of Crowley’s
2-10 p.m., Crowley’s Highland House, 958 Pavilion St., Mount Adams.
Streets around pub, specifically David Crowley Way, shut down for block party featuring entertainment ranging from barber shop quartets to traditional Irish bands.
Free. 513-721-7709.

Sept. 15: Righteous Room’s anniversary
10 p.m.-2 a.m., The Righteous Room, 641 Walnut St., Downtown. Ages 21 and up. Free. 513-381-4408; www.therighteousroom.com

The first tailgating party of the season before the Bengals vs. Panthers game in 2011. Chase Vogel of Mason get the burgers well done.

Sept. 15: Erin and Philip Stead book signing
10:30-11:30 a.m., Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, 3054 Madison Road, Oakley.
Caldecott winning author and illustrator of “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” discuss and sign their newest book, “Bear Has A Story to Tell.” Line numbers given with purchase of book.
Free. 513-731-2665.

Sept. 15-16: Cincinnati Celtic Festival
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday, Washington Park, 1225 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.
Celtic music, dance, contests, crafts, food, shopping and culture. Free.
513-621-4400; www.cincinnaticelticfest.com

Sept. 16: Bengals game and tailgating

• Cincinnati Bengals Football,1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Bengals Drive, Downtown. Vs. Cleveland Browns. $55 and up, various packages available. 513-621-8383; www.bengals.com.
• Tailgate on the Square, 1-5 p.m., Fountain Square, Downtown. Kick off Cincinnati tailgate season with food, fun and entertainment. Free. http://myfountainsquare.com.
• Bud Light Tailgate Zone, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Banks, 150 E. Mehring Way, Downtown. Located on Freedom Way. Music, Bud Bar, interactive seated area with big screens, face painting and HYPE Photobooth. Free admission. 513-579-3194

Sept. 16: Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Robert Cray
7:30 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown.
Shepherd is a young blues guitarist from Louisiana. Cray is a five-time Grammy Award-winning blues guitarist and singer.
Doors open 6:30 p.m. $47.50, $37.50, $29.50; plus fees. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com

Sept. 16: Seether
7:30 p.m., Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville.
With Sick Puppies, Young Guns and Kyng. Doors open 6 p.m. $52.88.
Previously purchased tickets from Bogart’s or Hara Arena box office to canceled Montgomery County Fairgrounds concert may be exchanged at point of purchase.
800-745-3000; www.livenation.com

Weekends through Oct. 7: Old West Festival
10 a.m.-6 p.m., Old West Festival, 1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg.
Relive days of Wild West in unique entertainment experience. Re-enactments, trick shooting and roping, demonstrations, rides, food and music.
Free parking. Rain or shine. $12, $6 ages 6-12; free ages 5 and under.
866-937-8337; www.oldwestfestival.com

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: 75th anniversary, ballroom with a twist, ben-gals calendar release party, bengals, book signing, cincinnati, cincinnati celtic festival, cincinnati film festival, cincy pops, craft beer fest, crowley's, erin and philip stead, gci restaurant week, hofbrauhaus oktoberfest, kenny wayne shepherd, live it up downtown, old west festival, purple people bridge, righteous room, robert cray, scion exposed underground party, seether, the purple party, west wood art show, zz top & lynard skynard

Shannon Russell reports:

World-class tennis returns to the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason on Saturday through Aug. 19, but simultaneous WTA and ATP World Tour tournament matches aren’t the only things on tap.

The site offers plenty of entertainment options for every fan, from the casual spectator to the tennis aficionado.

Check out these 10 tips for having fun:

Autographs
If you’re hoping to get Roger Federer’s John Hancock — or the autograph of any other player — you have the best luck three places: Lining the breezeway of the Paul Flory Player Center, approaching players as they leave their practice courts and visiting the Western & Southern main display booth north of Center Court.

The latter option is the most organized way to collect autographs. Fans can take a number and get in line for a player’s signature based on the schedule of said player.

People stroll near the retail area last year.

“Many of the players have personalized cards there. For example last year, people got a Maria Sharapova card. It’s an enlarged playing card, like a trading card, and she’s signing it so it’s a pretty good keepsake,” W&S Open chief operating officer and tournament director Vince Cicero said.

Autograph-signing frequency and length depends on the pro (and is highly unlikely before a match). But in general, players take time to greet fans and sign memorabilia.

Shopping
Looking for a memento or souvenir?   Take a stroll through the 20,000-square-foot retail plaza and load up on everything from jewelry to sunglasses.

If your shopping is all about tennis, check out the expansive air-conditioned Midwest Sports tent next to the food court. It has everything you need for your game, including official W&S Open gear.

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Posted in: Events, Recreational events, Sports |

Tags: Tags: atp world tour tournament, autographs, cincy tennis, food, history, lindner family tennis center, mason, shopping, sports, tennis, w&s open, western & southern open, wta

John Kiesewetter reports:

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Events, Kings Island, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: cedar fair, ed alonzo, ed alonzo's psycho circus of magic & mayhem, kings island, magician, mason, max, saved by the bell

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

The Warren County Fair may be one day shorter this year when it opens Tuesday for a five-day run, but organizers say fairgoers shouldn’t see many changes.

“We’re just trying to save a little bit of money and pack all the fun into five days,’’ said Tari Maddox, fair secretary.

Like last year, more than 1,000 children and teens are participating in the Junior Fair through their 4-H clubs. New this year is the addition of wood carvers who will do four shows each day.

Tuesday’s 7 p.m. parade features more than 75 groups following the Lebanon High School marching band around the track. As marchers circle the track, 10 hot air balloons will launch from the infield, Maddox said.

This year’s shortened schedule is part of a plan to reduce expenses after county officials last October gave the Warren County Agricultural Society $50,000 for operating expenses and other costs.

That money came with a stern warning: be more prudent financially, racing is leaving.

“The entire model has to change and be more self-sustaining,’’ said Warren County Commissioner David Young.

The society manages the county-owned fairgrounds – where the Lebanon Raceway is located – and runs the fair. It receives a portion of racing revenue.

Officials blame last year’s poor attendance on the extreme heat during fair week. That, combined with fewer races generating less dollars, led to reduced revenue.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed. We’re hoping for a week of low humidity, even if it’s in the high 80’s,’’ said Ron Hurtt, president of the agriculture society’s board. “We’ll just have to see what Mother Nature gives us.”

Besides cutting one day out of the fair schedule – typically Monday and Tuesday are the least attended days – other measures are being done to reduce expenses.

The fair book won’t be printed or mailed; instead it will be published only online, saving about $6,000 in printing and mailing expenses, Hurtt said. There will be fewer days of judging, one less act booked and fair directors didn’t attend this year’s fair convention in Columbus and will get few perks Hurtt said.

Together, the changes and reduced days are expected to cut fair expenses by more than $25,000.

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: 4-h, fair queen, fairgrounds, festival, jungle island zoo, karaoke, king, lebanon, rides, tractor pulls, warren county, warren county fair, wood carvers

Amanda Osborne, 12 check on one of the Boer Goats she plans to show at the Warren County Fair. File photo

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

More than 45,000 visitors are expected to visit Lebanon over the five-day run of this year’s Warren County Fair, which begins July 17.

And that doesn’t include the 1,000-plus children and teens who are participating in the Junior Fair through their 4-H clubs.

“The numbers are staying true,’’ said Tari Maddox, fair secretary. “We have lots of entries.”

Fairgrounds will be open from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m., each day through July 21. Karaoke, tractor pulls, a demo derby and harness racing are all returning. Visitors will find more than 50 food booths, 20 rides and a plethora of animals.

The traditional opening day fair parade is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday at the track. More than 75 groups – everything from 4-H clubs leading goats, to politicians and floats – will follow the Lebanon High School marching band around the track.

But that’s not all that will happen in the track area. As marchers circle the track, 10 hot air balloons will launch from the infield, Maddox said. And in the activity tent, David Cain will be performing his Juggler for Jesus show.

New this year is the addition of wood carvers who will do four shows each day. They will be carving animals or other shapes by request.

They join the Jungle Island Zoo where children can feed animals, the barnyard display of animal mothers and their babies, along with the traditional baked goods, flowers, youth art, ceramics and other open class displays for judging.

Although the fair is one day shorter than in past years, families will still find things to do the day before the fair opens on July 16. 4-H shows begin at 10 a.m. and the fair queen and king will be crowned at 2 p.m.

“The midway and rides open Tuesday but the barn area and some food concessions will open Monday,’’ Maddox said.

On Thursday’s family day, patrons will get a price break on admissions and rides. The cost for each car, with up to six adults, will be $15. All day ride bracelets are $12 per person Thursday only.

If you go
What: Warren County Fair, 665 N. Broadway
When: July 17-21
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m
Admission: $8 per person; children ages 12 and younger are free; weekly pass, $23; senior citizens free on Thursday; uniformed members of the military receive free admission Tuesday; $15 per carload on Thursday, with limit of six adults
Information/schedule: 513-932-2636 or www.warrencountyfairohio.org

(more…)

Posted in: Community, Events, News, Recreational events, Warren County |

Tags: Tags: 4-h, fair queen, fairgrounds, festival, jungle island zoo, karaoke, king, lebanon, rides, tractor pulls, warren county, warren county fair, wood carvers

The band Switchfoot is one of many acts to perform this weekend at SpiritSong. The Christian music concert series runs Thursday through Saturday at Kings Island. Photo provided

Some of the biggest acts in Christian and Gospel music will converge in Mason today through Saturday at the annual SpiritSong concert series at Kings Island.

Now in its 19th year, SpiritSong uses an amusement park setting to present a soul-searching message from top contemporary Christian acts, including TobyMac, RED, Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Needtobreathe and Owl City, plus nationally known speakers.

“We bring in an astounding lineup of Christian music talent and speakers,” said Richard Young, director of operations for Premier Festivals, the event’s sponsor.  “People look forward to having fun, fellowship and worship in a unique atmosphere with all that the park has to offer, too.”

• View SpiritSong’s three-day lineup 

Cost: $48.99 for one day, $66.99 for two days or $76.99 for three days. Tickets include admission to Kings Island, Soak City Waterpark and the performances in the Timberwolf Amphitheatre.

Information: 800-965-9324, www.spiritsongfest.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events, Kings Island, Recreational events, Religion |

Tags: Tags: christian, concert, jeremy camp, kings island, mason, music, needtobreathe, owl city, series, spirit song, SpiritSong, switchfoot, third day, tickets, tobymac