Come celebrate the birthplace of the banana split with a wonderful weekend festival the second weekend of June. This festival features 1950's and 60's collectibles, music, "fun stuff" from the poodle skirt and hot rod post-World War II era and a huge cruise-in featuring muscle cars from the time period. Featured each year on Friday and Saturday night are concerts performed by well-known groups from the 50's or 60's. The banana split was first made in Wilmington at Hazard's Drug Store in 1907. J. W. Denver Williams Jr. Memorial Park, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

Come celebrate agriculture as Clinton County honors one of the area's biggest industries with a three-day extravaganza the weekend after Labor Day in September. This festival features antique farm machinery, all types of food made from corn, crafts and the Corn Olympics! Also, shop for crafts and antiques galore. This is an event not to miss in Clinton County! Clinton County Fairgrounds, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-KORN.

Eight days of action in July with live entertainment, harness racing, an antique tractor pull, and a demolition derby. If you enjoy animals, be sure to catch the Junior and Senior Fair shows of cattle, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, horses and pets. Find out what a great county fair is like. Clinton County Fairgrounds, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. 1-877-4-A-VISIT.

This festival guarantees to thrill, chill and excite. An annual Labor Day weekend event, the day is full of excitement with a cycle rally ride, games and activities for children, food of all kinds, craft tents, an Evel Knievel and Elvis Presley exhibit, martial arts and gymnastic demonstrations, a corn hole tournament, continuous live entertainment on two stages and much more. 664 W. Main St., Blanchester, Ohio 45107. (513)256-5437.

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, which will arrive downtown at 7 p.m. Santa Claus will end the parade and be available afterward to hear the kids' wish lists. Indoor carnival games, delicious food and strolling musicians help bring in the holiday season. Wilmington, Ohio 45177. 1-877-4-A-VISIT.

Wilmington Oktoberfest is a family/community celebration that blends a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of small-town America. Oktoberfest features traditional German polka, as well as various other styles of music. Come hungry and sample a variety of authentic German or traditional festival foods. You can also test your skills at one of many games of chance, Monte Carlo tournaments or kids games. Wilmington Oktoberfest is presented by the local Knights of Columbus, Council 3369. All proceeds from this annual event go to a local charity. Be sure to check their website (www.wilmingtonoktoberfest.org) for updates and more information. St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (Corner of Mulberry & Main Streets). 1-877-4-A-VISIT.

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 which takes place twice a year is the area's only indoor Bluegrass festival. Past performers have included Female Vocalist of the Year-Rhonda Vincent, Bluegrass Vocal Group of the Year-Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, as well as IIIrd Tyme Out, JD Crowe and the New South, Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, the Larry Stephenson Band, gospel singer and songwriter Paul Williams and many more nationally known musicians and bands. Interviews, storytelling and workshops will also be part of the on-stage excitement. Comfortable seating, a food court and free parking are all provided. Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 372-3531, ext. 104.

Juried art and pottery are featured at this family festival. Expect entertainment, food and a great time for all. The festival is held at the Roberts Conference Centre at 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-6442.