creek14
06-03-2005, 05:25 PM
And so it starts. The YUMMY Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Then comes festivals of all shapes and sizes. So here's a list.
And it's not listed, but Beavercreek will be having an Ox Roast (use to be a yearly event here) in late June - where else can you see a parade of 25 6-foot Beavers... :eek:
Summer Festival Guide
Music, rides, games and a lot of food...
It's that time of year again — a time that gives a deeper, more shameful meaning to the word glutton. A time filled with foods that, although noticeably absent from the food pyramid, are not from our diets. If we're being honest with ourselves, it's not like this year will be any different. So bring on the corn dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, sweet corn, strawberries, cotton candy and french fries — just don't forget the Tums.
June
• TROY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Food, games, crafts, live entertainment. Children's parade and cruise-in (6 p.m.), opening ceremonies (6:15 p.m.) today. Parade (8:45 a.m. Saturday). Festival continues 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Miami River Levee, Troy. 339-7714.
• PRECIOUS BLOOD FAMILY FESTIVAL: Food, rides, games, flea market, bingo, live entertainment by local high school marching bands and Celtic folk band Dulahan, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday, Precious Blood Church, 4961 Salem Ave. 276-5954.
• BROOKVILLE'S DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY: Garage sale (9 a.m.), Texas Hold'em (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), beer garden (5:30-11:30 p.m.), live entertainment (7 p.m.) Saturday on Market Street, downtown Brookville.
• BANANA SPLIT FESTIVAL: Live music by Ticket To Ride and Phil Dirt & The Dozers, cruise-in, performance by Streetwise, crafts and collectibles, games, rides, food and more, 5-10 p.m. next Friday, noon-10 p.m. June 11, Denver Williams Memorial Park, on Rombach Avenue, Wilmington. Free. (877) 428-4748.
• ST. HELEN CATHOLIC CHURCH FESTIVAL: Rides, refreshments, games, raffles, flea market and more, 6:30-11 p.m. next Friday, 1-11 p.m. June 11, 1-10:30 p.m. June 12, 5100 Burkhardt Road, Riverside. Free. 254-6233. Dinner will be served in the school cafeteria 6:30-9 p.m. next Friday, 1-7:30 p.m. June 11 and 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 12.
• VERSAILLES POULTRY DAYS: 54th annual festival kicks off in downtown Versailles next Friday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; June 11, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; June 12, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. with fireworks at dusk. www.versaillespoultrydays.com.
• SPASS NACHT AUSTRIAN FESTIVAL: Kettering Sister City Association will turn Lincoln Park into a bier garten. Features authentic dinner and more, 5-9 p.m. June 15, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• MIAMI TOWNSHIP 175 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FESTIVAL: Carnival, live entertainment (Chubby Checker June 18), a car show, a 5K run and a parade (June 18), craft and food booths, fireworks (June 18), 5-11 p.m. June 17, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. June 18, noon-6 p.m. June 19, on the south parking lot area of the Dayton Mall and the west parking lot area of Poelking Lanes on Kingsridge Drive, Miami Twp. Free. 433-9969 or www.miamitownship.com.
• STOP THE VIOLENCE FESTIVAL: Food, entertainment and more, noon-10 p.m. June 18, Arthur O. Fisher Park, 5661 Dayton-Liberty Road. 898-9397.
• JAZZ FESTIVAL: Featuring Daron Bell and the Jazz For You Band, a citywide line dance and step show, health screenings, cake-baking contest and more, 3-7 p.m. June 18, John Wolfe Park, 4030 Denlinger Road, at Turner Road, Trotwood.
• FRAZE PAVILION'S BLUES FESTIVAL: Authentic barbecue, live music by Kelly Richey Band, Scotty Bratcher Band, Teeny Tucker, Noah Wotherspoon Band, Buddy Guy with the Eric Johnson Electric Band (8 p.m.), 2-11 p.m. June 18, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free for the festival; $27 general admission to 8 p.m. concert. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• MORAINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Grand opening activities (June 24), 5K run and walk (10:30 a.m. June 25), parade (10 a.m. June 25), battle of the bands (noon-4 p.m. June 25), youth and teen amateur talent show (4:30 p.m. June 25), car and motorcycle show (1-4 p.m. June 26), bluegrass bands (1-5:30 p.m. June 26), air show (2-4 p.m. June 26), live entertainment, laser show and more, 5-11 p.m. June 24, noon-11 p.m. June 25, noon-10:30 p.m. June 26, 3800 Main St., Moraine. Free. 535-1060 or www.ci.moraine.oh.us.
• CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION FESTIVAL: Rides, games, food and more, 6 p.m.-midnight June 24, 3 p.m.-midnight June 25, 3-10 p.m. June 26, 2025 Woodman Drive, Kettering. 429-9943.
• FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL FESTIVAL: Vendors, rides, games, food and more, (the Dominic Esposito spaghetti dinner, June 26), 6 p.m.-midnight June 24, 4 p.m.-midnight June 25, 4-10 p.m. June 26, Fenwick High School, 4855 Ohio 122, Middletown. Free. (513) 727-1500.
• MARIA STEIN COUNTRY FEST: Featuring a hot-air balloon launch (7:30 p.m. June 24), live entertainment (Savannah, Free Rider, Red Ball Jets), rides, food, competitions, Freestyle Motocross Show and more, 5 p.m. June 24, 9 a.m. June 25 and 26, 2291 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein. (419) 925-4151.
• WRIGHT-DUNBAR MARKET DAYS: Live stage entertainment, food, craft, retail vendors, children's carnival, healthy lifestyle area, karaoke and more, sponsored by Wright Dunbar Inc., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 25, along the historic corridor of Wright Dunbar Business Village, West Third Street between Broadway Avenue and Shannon Street. 443-0249 or www.wright-dunbar.org.
• CAESAR'S CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE OLE TYME MUSIC FESTIVAL: Bluegrass, Celtic, gospel, folk and country music, banjo contest (June 24), fiddle contest (June 25), crafts and homemade foods, 5-10 p.m. June 24, noon-10 p.m. June 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26, Pioneer Village, Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville. $5 adults, $2 children 6-12, (513) 862-5551.
• WATER LILY FESTIVAL: Educational seminars, games, music, food, auction and more, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25 and 26, Green Vista Water Gardens, 4034 Dayton-Springfield Road, Springfield. Free. (937) 324-5039 or www.greenvista.com.
• FINE ARTS MARKET: Original artwork on display, food vendors, art demonstrations, children's craft booth, live music and more, presented by the Centerville Arts Commission, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26, Stubbs Park, 255 W. Spring Valley Road, Centerville. Free. 433-7155.
July
• AMERICANA FESTIVAL: Talent contest, concert, 5K run, entertainment and more, June 30-July 4. Parade in downtown Centerville at 10 a.m. July 4, entertainment and fireworks begin at 8:30 at the high school stadium. 433-5898 or www.americanafestival.org.
• CITYFOLK FESTIVAL: Live entertainment (Mountain Heart, Cherish the Ladies, Rhythm in Shoes, Rosie Ledet), food, arts and crafts, family activities, fireworks (10 p.m. July 3) and more, 6-10 p.m. July 1, 1-11 p.m. July 2, 1-10 p.m. July 3, RiverScape, 111 E. Monument Ave., between Jefferson Street and Patterson Boulevard. 223-3655.
• SPRINGBORO FREEDOM FESTIVAL: Demonstrations, food vendors, strolling musicians, live entertainment (the Franklin Civic Band and Miami Valley Chorus on July 3) and more, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 2, noon-5 p.m. July 3, Historic District, on South Main Street, Springboro. (937) 748-0916.
• SPRINGFIELD LIEDERTAFEL SUMMERFEST: Featuring traditional German foods, live music and dancing, raffles, games and more, noon-10 p.m. July 3, Springfield Liedertafel, 1901 S. Burnett Road, Springfield. Free. (937) 324-0542.
• FOURTH OF JULY ICE CREAM FESTIVAL: Opening ceremonies, baseball games, dunking machine, various contests (including tug-of-war challenge and Miss West Carrollton and Little Miss pageants), fire department display, food and more, 1 p.m. July 4, Weidner Park, West Carrollton. Free. 859-5181.
• FAIRBORN PARADE FESTIVAL: Pig roast and fireworks, July 1, Community Park East; block party featuring food, rides, games and live music, July 3, downtown Fairborn, parade with a flyover by the Ohio Air National Guard, 10 a.m. July 4, downtown Fairborn.
• MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS FESTIVAL: Live music by Key West (July 8), The Players, Smooth Renditions and Key West (July 9), Interplay-Light Jazz, Focus Point and Blind Justice (July 10), children's games, adult games, arts and crafts, rides and more, 6-11 p.m. July 8, noon-11 p.m. July 9, noon-9 p.m. July 10, 954 N. Maple Ave., Fairborn. 878-8353.
• ST. RITA OF CASCIA CATHOLIC CHURCH FESTIVAL: Games, amusement rides, flea market, food, raffles, stage and strolling entertainment by Cotton (July 8), Dulahan (July 9), 6-11 p.m. July 8, 4-11 p.m. July 9, 2-10 p.m. July 10, 5401 N. Main St. Free. 278-5815.
• DAYTON BLACK CULTURAL FESTIVAL: Live music, international exhibitors and more, July 8, 9, 10, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main St. 224-7100.
• APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL: Live entertainment, flea market vendors, food, craft demonstrations, children's activities and more, sponsored by Twin Towers Block Leaders, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 9, 624 Xenia Ave. 254-8683.
• "COMING TOGETHER" FESTIVAL: Gospel music and more, noon-8 p.m. July 9 and 10, Eastwood MetroPark, Ohio 4 and Harshman Road. Free. 256-5628.
• GOSPEL FESTIVAL: Featuring Dayton's national gospel recording artist Tonya Baker, Time Travelers, Ms. Arvenia Montague & Company dance troupe, health screenings, rib contest and more, 3-7 p.m. July 16, John Wolfe Park, 4030 Denlinger Road, at Turner Road, Trotwood.
• FRAZE PAVILION'S SWAMP ROMP: Creole cookin' and zydeco music by Zydeco Jones, Mark Laurens and Zydeco Fire, Creole Stomp, Squeezebox, Thomas "Big Hat" Fields and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, 2-11 p.m. July 16, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• ART AND POTTERY FESTIVAL: See hand-thrown pottery, glassware, jewelry, wall art and more, noon-7 p.m. July 22, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. July 23, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington. $4 adults, free for children younger than 12. (937) 382-6442.
• BROOKVILLE COMMUNITY PICNIC: Food and craft booths, live entertainment by Annie Crackie and 24/Seven, (live rodeo on July 28), eating contest, auction, kids games and rides, fireworks and more, July 28, 29 and 30, Golden Gate Park, Brookville. Free. 833-2375.
• DAYTON CELTIC FESTIVAL: Live musical (Gaelic Storm) and dance entertainment, Clan Desdin, a reenactment of an 18th century Scottish Camp, Celtic Ways, where visitors can learn about Celtic arts and language, cultural and artisans' demonstrations, 5K run/walk and more, 5-11 p.m. July 29, noon-11 p.m. July 30, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. July 31, RiverScape, 111 E. Monument Ave. Free. 254-0194.
• MIDDLETOWN'S GREEK FEST: Food, music (Pavlo July 30), dancing, cultural exhibits and more, 5-11 p.m. July 29, noon-11 p.m. July 30, noon-7 p.m. July 31, St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave., Middletown. $1 July 29 and 31, $2 July 30. (513) 267-0981.
• POLISH SUMMER FEST: Picnic, live music by Duane Malinowski and his polka band, dancing, games and more, sponsored by the Polish Club of Dayton, 2-9 p.m. July 31, Polish Club of Dayton picnic grounds, 3690 Needmore Road. $2 carload. 236-3551.
August
• LEBANON BLUES FESTIVAL AND CRUISE-IN: Live blues music, classic car cruise-in, beer garden (noon), food, antique and specialty shops and more, presented by the Lebanon Optimist Club, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 6, downtown Lebanon. Free. (513) 588-0321 or www.lebanonbluesfestival.com.
• BRITISH CAR DAY FESTIVAL: Car show, food and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 6, Eastwood MetroPark, Harshman Road. Free. 293-2819.
• GERMAN PICNIC: Music by Pros't Band and Alte Kameraden band, German food, fashion show (2 p.m. Aug. 14), Liederkranz Volkstaenzer (folk dancers), games, polka Mass (11 a.m. Aug. 14) and more, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 12, noon-8 p.m. Aug. 13, noon-7 p.m. Aug. 14, Carillon Park, 2001 S. Patterson Blvd. 223-9013.
• K99.1FM'S A DAY IN THE COUNTRY: Country music (Aaron Tippin, Buddy Jewel, Jimmy Wayne, Muleskinner and local Battle of the Bands winner), carnival rides, merchants, food and more, 9 a.m. gates open, 10:30 a.m. music begins Aug. 13, Thomas Cloud Memorial Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights. Free, but tickets are required. 259-2111 or www.k99online.com.
• FITFEST 2005: Family fun festival featuring entertainment, bike corral, tours and safety rodeo, walks, runs, food, health and safety exhibits and more, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 13, noon-4 p.m. Aug. 14, RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave.
• FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: Sponsored by the Troy Mayor's International Council featuring a parade of flags, cultural booths, ethnic music, dancing and food, 4-9 p.m. Aug. 20, Troy Public Square, intersection of Ohio 55 and Ohio 41, Troy. Free. 339-1044.
• TROTWOOD CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL: Live entertainment by Boney James, Walter Beasley, Lao Tizer, Chris Bowman and Deron Bell, noon Aug. 20, Madison Park, 301 S. Broadway, Trotwood. $25 advance, $30 day of event. 854-7213 or sheila.edwards@trotwood.org.
• TROY FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: Host nations are South Slavic countries, sponsored by Mayor's International Council, 4-9 p.m. Aug. 20, on the Square, downtown Troy.
• FAIRBORN SWEET CORN FESTIVAL: Live music, arts and crafts, food, children's activities and more, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 21, Community Park, on Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn. Free. 231-2853.
• ALEFEST: Craft beers, celebrity beer tasting, raffle, silent auction, food and more, to benefit the Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area, 2-6 p.m. Aug. 27, Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Boulevard. $25 advance, $30 day of event. 298-4545.
• RIVERSIDE FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL: Entertainment, food, games, rides, car show (Aug. 28) and more, Aug. 26-28, Shellabarger Park, 5800 Burkhart Road at Kemp Road, Riverside. Free. 532-6623 or 258-8017.
• SEAFEST: Featuring seafood creations from some of the area's restaurants. Sample a variety of wines in the wine garden, listen to music by Deighton Charlemagne, the Ark Band and Curly and The Q-Balls and more, noon-7 p.m. Aug. 28, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
And it's not listed, but Beavercreek will be having an Ox Roast (use to be a yearly event here) in late June - where else can you see a parade of 25 6-foot Beavers... :eek:
Summer Festival Guide
Music, rides, games and a lot of food...
It's that time of year again — a time that gives a deeper, more shameful meaning to the word glutton. A time filled with foods that, although noticeably absent from the food pyramid, are not from our diets. If we're being honest with ourselves, it's not like this year will be any different. So bring on the corn dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, sweet corn, strawberries, cotton candy and french fries — just don't forget the Tums.
June
• TROY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Food, games, crafts, live entertainment. Children's parade and cruise-in (6 p.m.), opening ceremonies (6:15 p.m.) today. Parade (8:45 a.m. Saturday). Festival continues 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Miami River Levee, Troy. 339-7714.
• PRECIOUS BLOOD FAMILY FESTIVAL: Food, rides, games, flea market, bingo, live entertainment by local high school marching bands and Celtic folk band Dulahan, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday, Precious Blood Church, 4961 Salem Ave. 276-5954.
• BROOKVILLE'S DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY: Garage sale (9 a.m.), Texas Hold'em (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), beer garden (5:30-11:30 p.m.), live entertainment (7 p.m.) Saturday on Market Street, downtown Brookville.
• BANANA SPLIT FESTIVAL: Live music by Ticket To Ride and Phil Dirt & The Dozers, cruise-in, performance by Streetwise, crafts and collectibles, games, rides, food and more, 5-10 p.m. next Friday, noon-10 p.m. June 11, Denver Williams Memorial Park, on Rombach Avenue, Wilmington. Free. (877) 428-4748.
• ST. HELEN CATHOLIC CHURCH FESTIVAL: Rides, refreshments, games, raffles, flea market and more, 6:30-11 p.m. next Friday, 1-11 p.m. June 11, 1-10:30 p.m. June 12, 5100 Burkhardt Road, Riverside. Free. 254-6233. Dinner will be served in the school cafeteria 6:30-9 p.m. next Friday, 1-7:30 p.m. June 11 and 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 12.
• VERSAILLES POULTRY DAYS: 54th annual festival kicks off in downtown Versailles next Friday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; June 11, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; June 12, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. with fireworks at dusk. www.versaillespoultrydays.com.
• SPASS NACHT AUSTRIAN FESTIVAL: Kettering Sister City Association will turn Lincoln Park into a bier garten. Features authentic dinner and more, 5-9 p.m. June 15, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• MIAMI TOWNSHIP 175 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FESTIVAL: Carnival, live entertainment (Chubby Checker June 18), a car show, a 5K run and a parade (June 18), craft and food booths, fireworks (June 18), 5-11 p.m. June 17, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. June 18, noon-6 p.m. June 19, on the south parking lot area of the Dayton Mall and the west parking lot area of Poelking Lanes on Kingsridge Drive, Miami Twp. Free. 433-9969 or www.miamitownship.com.
• STOP THE VIOLENCE FESTIVAL: Food, entertainment and more, noon-10 p.m. June 18, Arthur O. Fisher Park, 5661 Dayton-Liberty Road. 898-9397.
• JAZZ FESTIVAL: Featuring Daron Bell and the Jazz For You Band, a citywide line dance and step show, health screenings, cake-baking contest and more, 3-7 p.m. June 18, John Wolfe Park, 4030 Denlinger Road, at Turner Road, Trotwood.
• FRAZE PAVILION'S BLUES FESTIVAL: Authentic barbecue, live music by Kelly Richey Band, Scotty Bratcher Band, Teeny Tucker, Noah Wotherspoon Band, Buddy Guy with the Eric Johnson Electric Band (8 p.m.), 2-11 p.m. June 18, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free for the festival; $27 general admission to 8 p.m. concert. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• MORAINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Grand opening activities (June 24), 5K run and walk (10:30 a.m. June 25), parade (10 a.m. June 25), battle of the bands (noon-4 p.m. June 25), youth and teen amateur talent show (4:30 p.m. June 25), car and motorcycle show (1-4 p.m. June 26), bluegrass bands (1-5:30 p.m. June 26), air show (2-4 p.m. June 26), live entertainment, laser show and more, 5-11 p.m. June 24, noon-11 p.m. June 25, noon-10:30 p.m. June 26, 3800 Main St., Moraine. Free. 535-1060 or www.ci.moraine.oh.us.
• CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION FESTIVAL: Rides, games, food and more, 6 p.m.-midnight June 24, 3 p.m.-midnight June 25, 3-10 p.m. June 26, 2025 Woodman Drive, Kettering. 429-9943.
• FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL FESTIVAL: Vendors, rides, games, food and more, (the Dominic Esposito spaghetti dinner, June 26), 6 p.m.-midnight June 24, 4 p.m.-midnight June 25, 4-10 p.m. June 26, Fenwick High School, 4855 Ohio 122, Middletown. Free. (513) 727-1500.
• MARIA STEIN COUNTRY FEST: Featuring a hot-air balloon launch (7:30 p.m. June 24), live entertainment (Savannah, Free Rider, Red Ball Jets), rides, food, competitions, Freestyle Motocross Show and more, 5 p.m. June 24, 9 a.m. June 25 and 26, 2291 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein. (419) 925-4151.
• WRIGHT-DUNBAR MARKET DAYS: Live stage entertainment, food, craft, retail vendors, children's carnival, healthy lifestyle area, karaoke and more, sponsored by Wright Dunbar Inc., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 25, along the historic corridor of Wright Dunbar Business Village, West Third Street between Broadway Avenue and Shannon Street. 443-0249 or www.wright-dunbar.org.
• CAESAR'S CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE OLE TYME MUSIC FESTIVAL: Bluegrass, Celtic, gospel, folk and country music, banjo contest (June 24), fiddle contest (June 25), crafts and homemade foods, 5-10 p.m. June 24, noon-10 p.m. June 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26, Pioneer Village, Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville. $5 adults, $2 children 6-12, (513) 862-5551.
• WATER LILY FESTIVAL: Educational seminars, games, music, food, auction and more, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25 and 26, Green Vista Water Gardens, 4034 Dayton-Springfield Road, Springfield. Free. (937) 324-5039 or www.greenvista.com.
• FINE ARTS MARKET: Original artwork on display, food vendors, art demonstrations, children's craft booth, live music and more, presented by the Centerville Arts Commission, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26, Stubbs Park, 255 W. Spring Valley Road, Centerville. Free. 433-7155.
July
• AMERICANA FESTIVAL: Talent contest, concert, 5K run, entertainment and more, June 30-July 4. Parade in downtown Centerville at 10 a.m. July 4, entertainment and fireworks begin at 8:30 at the high school stadium. 433-5898 or www.americanafestival.org.
• CITYFOLK FESTIVAL: Live entertainment (Mountain Heart, Cherish the Ladies, Rhythm in Shoes, Rosie Ledet), food, arts and crafts, family activities, fireworks (10 p.m. July 3) and more, 6-10 p.m. July 1, 1-11 p.m. July 2, 1-10 p.m. July 3, RiverScape, 111 E. Monument Ave., between Jefferson Street and Patterson Boulevard. 223-3655.
• SPRINGBORO FREEDOM FESTIVAL: Demonstrations, food vendors, strolling musicians, live entertainment (the Franklin Civic Band and Miami Valley Chorus on July 3) and more, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 2, noon-5 p.m. July 3, Historic District, on South Main Street, Springboro. (937) 748-0916.
• SPRINGFIELD LIEDERTAFEL SUMMERFEST: Featuring traditional German foods, live music and dancing, raffles, games and more, noon-10 p.m. July 3, Springfield Liedertafel, 1901 S. Burnett Road, Springfield. Free. (937) 324-0542.
• FOURTH OF JULY ICE CREAM FESTIVAL: Opening ceremonies, baseball games, dunking machine, various contests (including tug-of-war challenge and Miss West Carrollton and Little Miss pageants), fire department display, food and more, 1 p.m. July 4, Weidner Park, West Carrollton. Free. 859-5181.
• FAIRBORN PARADE FESTIVAL: Pig roast and fireworks, July 1, Community Park East; block party featuring food, rides, games and live music, July 3, downtown Fairborn, parade with a flyover by the Ohio Air National Guard, 10 a.m. July 4, downtown Fairborn.
• MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS FESTIVAL: Live music by Key West (July 8), The Players, Smooth Renditions and Key West (July 9), Interplay-Light Jazz, Focus Point and Blind Justice (July 10), children's games, adult games, arts and crafts, rides and more, 6-11 p.m. July 8, noon-11 p.m. July 9, noon-9 p.m. July 10, 954 N. Maple Ave., Fairborn. 878-8353.
• ST. RITA OF CASCIA CATHOLIC CHURCH FESTIVAL: Games, amusement rides, flea market, food, raffles, stage and strolling entertainment by Cotton (July 8), Dulahan (July 9), 6-11 p.m. July 8, 4-11 p.m. July 9, 2-10 p.m. July 10, 5401 N. Main St. Free. 278-5815.
• DAYTON BLACK CULTURAL FESTIVAL: Live music, international exhibitors and more, July 8, 9, 10, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main St. 224-7100.
• APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL: Live entertainment, flea market vendors, food, craft demonstrations, children's activities and more, sponsored by Twin Towers Block Leaders, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 9, 624 Xenia Ave. 254-8683.
• "COMING TOGETHER" FESTIVAL: Gospel music and more, noon-8 p.m. July 9 and 10, Eastwood MetroPark, Ohio 4 and Harshman Road. Free. 256-5628.
• GOSPEL FESTIVAL: Featuring Dayton's national gospel recording artist Tonya Baker, Time Travelers, Ms. Arvenia Montague & Company dance troupe, health screenings, rib contest and more, 3-7 p.m. July 16, John Wolfe Park, 4030 Denlinger Road, at Turner Road, Trotwood.
• FRAZE PAVILION'S SWAMP ROMP: Creole cookin' and zydeco music by Zydeco Jones, Mark Laurens and Zydeco Fire, Creole Stomp, Squeezebox, Thomas "Big Hat" Fields and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, 2-11 p.m. July 16, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
• ART AND POTTERY FESTIVAL: See hand-thrown pottery, glassware, jewelry, wall art and more, noon-7 p.m. July 22, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. July 23, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington. $4 adults, free for children younger than 12. (937) 382-6442.
• BROOKVILLE COMMUNITY PICNIC: Food and craft booths, live entertainment by Annie Crackie and 24/Seven, (live rodeo on July 28), eating contest, auction, kids games and rides, fireworks and more, July 28, 29 and 30, Golden Gate Park, Brookville. Free. 833-2375.
• DAYTON CELTIC FESTIVAL: Live musical (Gaelic Storm) and dance entertainment, Clan Desdin, a reenactment of an 18th century Scottish Camp, Celtic Ways, where visitors can learn about Celtic arts and language, cultural and artisans' demonstrations, 5K run/walk and more, 5-11 p.m. July 29, noon-11 p.m. July 30, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. July 31, RiverScape, 111 E. Monument Ave. Free. 254-0194.
• MIDDLETOWN'S GREEK FEST: Food, music (Pavlo July 30), dancing, cultural exhibits and more, 5-11 p.m. July 29, noon-11 p.m. July 30, noon-7 p.m. July 31, St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave., Middletown. $1 July 29 and 31, $2 July 30. (513) 267-0981.
• POLISH SUMMER FEST: Picnic, live music by Duane Malinowski and his polka band, dancing, games and more, sponsored by the Polish Club of Dayton, 2-9 p.m. July 31, Polish Club of Dayton picnic grounds, 3690 Needmore Road. $2 carload. 236-3551.
August
• LEBANON BLUES FESTIVAL AND CRUISE-IN: Live blues music, classic car cruise-in, beer garden (noon), food, antique and specialty shops and more, presented by the Lebanon Optimist Club, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 6, downtown Lebanon. Free. (513) 588-0321 or www.lebanonbluesfestival.com.
• BRITISH CAR DAY FESTIVAL: Car show, food and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 6, Eastwood MetroPark, Harshman Road. Free. 293-2819.
• GERMAN PICNIC: Music by Pros't Band and Alte Kameraden band, German food, fashion show (2 p.m. Aug. 14), Liederkranz Volkstaenzer (folk dancers), games, polka Mass (11 a.m. Aug. 14) and more, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 12, noon-8 p.m. Aug. 13, noon-7 p.m. Aug. 14, Carillon Park, 2001 S. Patterson Blvd. 223-9013.
• K99.1FM'S A DAY IN THE COUNTRY: Country music (Aaron Tippin, Buddy Jewel, Jimmy Wayne, Muleskinner and local Battle of the Bands winner), carnival rides, merchants, food and more, 9 a.m. gates open, 10:30 a.m. music begins Aug. 13, Thomas Cloud Memorial Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights. Free, but tickets are required. 259-2111 or www.k99online.com.
• FITFEST 2005: Family fun festival featuring entertainment, bike corral, tours and safety rodeo, walks, runs, food, health and safety exhibits and more, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 13, noon-4 p.m. Aug. 14, RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave.
• FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: Sponsored by the Troy Mayor's International Council featuring a parade of flags, cultural booths, ethnic music, dancing and food, 4-9 p.m. Aug. 20, Troy Public Square, intersection of Ohio 55 and Ohio 41, Troy. Free. 339-1044.
• TROTWOOD CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL: Live entertainment by Boney James, Walter Beasley, Lao Tizer, Chris Bowman and Deron Bell, noon Aug. 20, Madison Park, 301 S. Broadway, Trotwood. $25 advance, $30 day of event. 854-7213 or sheila.edwards@trotwood.org.
• TROY FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: Host nations are South Slavic countries, sponsored by Mayor's International Council, 4-9 p.m. Aug. 20, on the Square, downtown Troy.
• FAIRBORN SWEET CORN FESTIVAL: Live music, arts and crafts, food, children's activities and more, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 21, Community Park, on Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn. Free. 231-2853.
• ALEFEST: Craft beers, celebrity beer tasting, raffle, silent auction, food and more, to benefit the Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area, 2-6 p.m. Aug. 27, Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Boulevard. $25 advance, $30 day of event. 298-4545.
• RIVERSIDE FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL: Entertainment, food, games, rides, car show (Aug. 28) and more, Aug. 26-28, Shellabarger Park, 5800 Burkhart Road at Kemp Road, Riverside. Free. 532-6623 or 258-8017.
• SEAFEST: Featuring seafood creations from some of the area's restaurants. Sample a variety of wines in the wine garden, listen to music by Deighton Charlemagne, the Ark Band and Curly and The Q-Balls and more, noon-7 p.m. Aug. 28, Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard, Kettering. Free. 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.