blog - clinton county

Get personal with llamas at the first annual Clinton County Llama Classic being held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Wilmington on October 11, beginning at 9 a.m. Llamas will be ready to meet you. Their owners will be waiting to answer the very important question, “What do you do with a llama?” You may be surprised to know that question has many answers!

So, you think llamas are cool, but you don’t know much about them? Not sure what a llama is supposed to look like? No problem! The main event of the day will be a llama show. Everyone is invited to watch and learn. Before the show, judges will give plenty of practical information about llama anatomy and fiber. Then you can watch as the judges put the information into action during the show. You are invited to ask the judges questions anytime they are not in the show ring.

Local 4-H’ers will be on site with hot dogs and hamburgers to raise money for their club. Mark your calendar now, so you don’t miss the fun Saturday, October 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Clinton County Fairground, 958 West Main Street in Wilmington.

Contacts: Malinda Norman: mnorman@texasllamas.com 903-658-0555:
Diane D’Angelo: dangelod@hughes.net 937-218-2559

The Ohio Buckeye Draft Horse Association is an event for the entire family to enjoy, at one of the nation’s top equestrian indoor facilities. Roberts Arena, just one hour away from Cincinnati and Columbus and just 35 minutes from Dayton, will once again host this annual event. This public event takes place September 5 through September 7 in Wilmington, Ohio.

To promote the use of draft horses through family oriented fun and educational activities, programs such as the Professional Dressage Exhibition presented by Paxton Farms, clinics for Preparing Your Horse For Show, and halter and hitch classes, will be part of the lineup.

Load your horses, wagons, carts and harnesses or simply load up your car with your family. There will be loads of fun. This three-day event will also feature an auction with everything from tack to tools to toys, vendors including Stauffer’s Harness Shop from Hillsboro, Ohio, and entertainment by the Silver Spur Band. The Giddy-Up-Cafe offers great food while watching the show. Camping facilities and overnight accommodations are plentiful throughout the area. Observers can enjoy watching the horse show, shopping, eating and watching the entertainment at the Ohio Buckeye Draft Horse Show.

For a bit of information about the draft horse, draught horse or dray horse, it is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labor. There are a number of different breeds, with varying characteristics but all share common traits of strength, patience and a docile temperament which made them indispensable to generations of pre-industrial farmers. Draft horses and draft crossbreds are versatile breeds used today for a multitude of purposes, including farming, show, and other recreational uses. They are also commonly used for crossbreeding, especially to light riding breeds such as the Thoroughbred. While most draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden and some of the lighter draft breeds are capable performers under saddle.

Located at the Roberts Arena, 3991 Ohio Route 73, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Exit 45 or exit 50 off I-71, in southwest Ohio.
Hours for the event are Friday, September 5, 5pm – 10pm, Saturday, September 6, 9am – 10pm and Sunday, September 7, 9am – 4pm.

Admission: Gate donation of $5.00.

From blocks away, the ground begins to shake and an underlying rumble can be heard. Is it an earthquake, or is there perhaps another explanation? As the rumble gets louder and the sight of hundreds of antique tractors comes rolling down Main Street in Wilmington, Ohio, it becomes clear that it’s none other than the annual Corn Festival Parade, bringing literally thousands of out-of-towners to a county with a rich agricultural heritage, the weekend after Labor Day. If you are from the city, odds are the names John Deere and McCormick will mean little, but what you will take away is an essence of the pride held by the men and women who feed our country.

For more than 30 years, the Clinton County Corn Festival and Parade has arrived the weekend after Labor Day in Wilmington, Ohio. This year will be no exception. Visit the festival, see the parade, get some laughs at the Corn Olympics, as local corporations compete in a hog calling contest, the outhouse race, an outrageous obstacle course and more. There’s something for everyone, even if you’ve never set foot on a farm.

Feel the rumble of a 70-year-old, 200 horsepower diesel engine, see antique power equipment such as tractors, windmills, stone crushers, wheat thrashers, and corn shellers, savor country cooking, watch demonstrations of life on the farm as it used to be, sample apple butter stirred for hours over a wood burning fire, watch as quilters painstakingly hone their craft with tedious stitches, shop for antiques and crafts, listen to delightful live entertainment, let the kids see the farm animals at the popular petting corral, step back in time as you view the antique car show, and this is only the short list of things to do.

The event runs September 5, noon to 11 p.m., September 6, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and September 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Clinton County Corn Festival is located at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, 958 W. Main St., Wilmington, Ohio. For more information, please call 1-877-4-A-VISIT.

In 1656, many members of the Society of Friends immigrated to America in search of religious freedom. Friends, also known as Quakers, dressed in traditional mainstream fashion. Then, around 1790 fashion ceased. Quakers were to wear the same style garments for the next 110 years. What was once fashionable was often described as plain, drab, peculiar, distinct, unadorned, and out-of-date.

The exhibit attempts to address some of the mysteries of historic Quaker dress -how the wearing of the gown, fichu or neckerchief, shawl, day cap and bonnet were influenced by world events, reigning kings, Paris fashion, social culture, migration, and separation.

Simply Quaker:Women in Plain Dress, a clothing exhibit by the Clinton County Historical Society, features forty-one articles of clothing worn by Quaker women between 1840 and 1900.

The exhibit at the Clinton County History Center, 149 E. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio, can be viewed Wednesday through Friday from 1 until 4. There is a $5 admission fee. Group tours or a special crator presentation and tour can be arranged for groups of six or more. For more information contact the History Center at (937) 382-4684 or by e-mail cchs@core.com.

Abraham Lincoln has long fascinated the British. As early as 1914, Parliament was making plans to have a statue of Lincoln put in Parliament Square as a tribute to democracy. Delayed by World War I, plans moved forward in 1920.

The Taft family in Cincinnati offered a copy of their statue, a young, solid, raw-boned Lincoln. Parliament accepted. Robert Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, preferred a copy of the statue in Lincoln Park, showing an older, wiser, dignified 16th President. Controversy ensued. Goodwill, politics, family pride and “sorrow” were at risk. How would Parliament resolve the issue?

Join Lincoln scholar, Gary Kersey, as he reveals “A Tale of Two Lincolns” on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clinton County History Center, 149 E. Locust Street in Wilmington. Donations appreciated. Due to limited seating, reservations are encouraged. To make your reservation, please call the Society at 937-382-4684.

The Taft museum in Cincinnati is the home of the original statue of Abraham Lincoln as a young, humble, struggling attorney. An excursion to Cincinnati to see this statue will be discussed at Mr. Kersey’s presentation.

Main Street Wilmington will host a Parrothead party on Friday, August 29, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live “Jimmy Buffett” music will be performed by Parrots of the Carribean. On hand will be great food, margarita’s and Landshark Lager, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

So put on your appropriate Parrothead attire and come out and have some fun. The event will take place in the Mural Parking Lot in the heart of downtown Wilmington, next door to the General Denver Hotel. There is no admission charge for the event.

Hundreds of country-loving collectors and home decorators will visit the Annual Fall Ohio Country Antique Show on Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Held at the Roberts Convention Centre in rural Clinton County, this biannual show and sale presents the cream of the crop from antiques and Americana dealers in a friendly, one-day format. Besides its solid Midwestern following, the show has hosted buyers from as far away as Maine to California.

Representing five states, Ohio County’s dealers are held to a strictly enforced -no contemporary crafts- rule. This emphasis on authenticity is backed by a -guaranteed as represented- promise that supports the show’s reputation as an excellent source for true antique Americana and primitives.

Offerings include a well-rounded selection of traditional country furniture and decorative accessories. Furnishings range in style from 18th century period pieces to early 20th century log cabin rustic – original painted finishes are a show hallmark. Collectors can choose among an array of accessories: primitive lighting and stoneware; quilts and coverlets; paintings, lithographs, and folk art; early advertising and ephemera; toys and children’s items; and, garden and architectural artifacts.

There will be no preview or early buying period beforehand. Adult admission is $5.00 and parking is free. Show activities end at 4 pm.

The Roberts Centre is located north of Wilmington at the intersection of U.S. 68 and Interstate 71 (exit #50). The facility is less than an hour’s drive from either Cincinnati or Columbus, and about 45 minutes from Dayton. The complex includes multiple exhibition halls, a Holiday Inn and contemporary bistro restaurant.

Complete Ohio Country Antique Show information, including photos from past shows, detailed directions, other area lodging and a list of participating dealers is available at http://www.ohiocountry.com or from manager Bruce Metzger at 513-738-7256.

Leap of Faith to Highlight Crabfest 2008

The first annual Crabfest, (Saturday August 30, 2008) to be held at the site of the World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab in Blanchester, will feature an incredible motorcycle jump with Knievel connections. Crabfest is a one day music event scheduled by Freedom Worship Baptist Church, in Blanchester, featuring both Christian groups and music from the 50’s & 60’s, games, food and more. Organizers of the event have announced that Clinton County Motorsports, in Wilmington, and Harley Davidson/Buell of Eastgate have teamed up to present motorcycle jumper, Gene Sullivan’s attempt at a death defying leap over the World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab. Sullivan is Evel Knievel’s former body guard and he also preached Knievel’s funeral last November. The jump will be filmed for use during a feature special on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) during a worldwide look at Sullivan’s career and this tour. The jump will be extremely difficult as he will not be able to see his landing ramp due to the size of the “Crab”. During his landing he will crash through a wall of fire as a highlight. Gene Sullivan is celebrating 30 years of motorcycle jumping and plans are currently in place for the jump to take place during the Crabfest event on Saturday, August 30th.

The World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab has become a highlight to roadside travelers with visitors from over 20 states making their way into Blanchester to see this unusual site. It has been recognized by local and national television and print media, as well as ranked as one of the top 20 sites to see in Ohio. Measuring over 24 foot wide and 68 foot long, with a 13 foot tall domed body, this structure adds to the oddity of the event. The “Crab” has been host to everything from Vacation Bible Adventures to weddings to photo shoots for album covers. And now, it will host a worldwide television motorcycle jump on August 30th.

Sullivan features a Christian theme to his jumps and is thrilled to have the opportunity to make this “leap of faith” as a highlight to this television special, his 30th Anniversary tour and Crabfest 2008.

This Friday evening (7/18) will be occasion for the second Downtown Alive! event. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., (live music at 7 p.m.), come and enjoy barbecue featuring locally owned Beaugard’s Southern Barbeque, beverages, and live music by the Hadden Sayers Band. Hadden Sayers began his blues career with legendary BB King and then toured with bluesman Lucky Peterson and Miss Molly and the Whips. Sayers has created four albums of blues-rock. There is no admission charge for the event.

Reprinted from the Wilmington News Journal (http://www.wnewsj.com)

The largest trucking show in Ohio rolls into the Roberts Convention Centre 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25-26. The Expedite Expo is North America’s only trucking show with a focus on expedited trucking. More than 100 exhibitors will fill the more than 70,000 square feet of the Roberts Centre, showcasing the newest and best of the trucking world.

This admission-free event will feature big rigs, little rigs and everything in between including trucking companies, truck dealers, “how-to-get into trucking” workshops, thousands of dollars in cash and giveaways, live music and family entertainment. If it’s related to trucking, you’ll find it at the Expo.

Expedited trucking is sometimes referred to as the “ambulance service” of trucking. From a hot shipment going to NASA in Florida, to parts for an assembly line in Cleveland, expedited trucking gets it there, safely and on-time.

The drivers in expediting are small business owners (owner-operators) who own and drive their own trucks (from cargo vans to tractor-trailers) that are “leased” to an expedited carrier. Because this is a custom service, expediters enjoy some of the highest compensation rates in transportation. Although the industry is primarily composed of owners with one truck, many owner-operators have expanded their businesses by becoming fleet owners with multi-truck operations.

Expedited trucking is populated with numerous retirees from a variety of professions — people who are now into their second or third career. Expediting also holds a special appeal for retired couples who want to see the country together and get paid for it. These team operations are among the most successful in the industry.

The Expo will feature the largest and best-known expedited carriers in the industry. They’re looking for self-motivated, business-minded individuals and couples who would like to become expedited owner-operators and drivers.

The Expo is where you can find answers to your questions about expedited trucking and the opportunities available in this fast-paced industry.

If you’ve been looking for a new and exciting career, then the Expo’s workshops have the information you need to make an informed decision. The workshops offer educational content for individuals and couples searching for a profitable career opportunity as expedited owner operators.

The workshops also offer valuable information for the current truckers as well with successful business strategies and money-saving tips presented by industry veterans. The workshops are presented on both days of the Expo and like most everything at the Expo – are free.

The industry’s best-known truck dealers will have their newest equipment on display and attendees will have a chance to talk trucks with knowledgeable expedited truck specialists.

It’s no secret that rising cost of fuel is a big stress on owner-operators and drivers. Progressive found that 69 percent of professional drivers say fuel costs are their business expense of most concern. To relieve some of that stress, Progressive is giving away more than $150,000 nationwide in free fuel.

Progressive is giving away hundreds of decoder cards with a chance for you to win $25 in fuel — Plus you can enter for a chance to win $25,000 in free fuel.

The 2008 Expedite Expo will also award a lucky attendee with cold cash. Expo visitors can vote for their favorite truck exhibited by a truck dealer in the Commercial Insurance Expedite Drivers Choice Award. Their ballot is also their entry form and the lucky winner will pocket a tidy $1,000.00.

The 2008 Expedite Expo also will feature an appearance by the Chrome Shop Mafia of Country Music Television. They will sign autographs, visit with the crowd and display one of their latest trucking art creations.

The Expo will also offer a variety of live musical entertainment from Bluegrass to Classic Rock, presented on our outdoor stages.

The expo is a great family value — it offers free admission and free parking.

Learn more about the Expedite Expo by visiting www.expediteexpo.com.