ATTICA Crisp autumn leaves against October's azure skies mark the approach of another Oak Ridge Festival in the woods north of Attica.
The twice-yearly festival's fall run is Saturday and Sunday, framed by Ohio's frontier heritage and farming from the horse-drawn era through steam threshing and beyond.
"We're going to have an expanded military weapons display," said festival committee member Judy Fry of this fall's show.
Article Photos
PHOTO BY VICKI JOHNSON
Sharon Ebersole of Flat Rock, a historical re-enactor, walks through the craft area at last October’s Oak Ridge Festival.
Fry said sheep-shearing demonstrations are planned for the weekend, along with displays of antique farm machinery, primitive plowing and an old-time harvest.
Other attractions include dozens of handcraft artisans and vendors demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the woods, including many harvest season and holiday items.
"We have more vendors than we've ever had before," Fry said. "More than 30 new ones."
Living history re-enactors plus tomahawk and knife throwing competitions capture the frontier spirit, while blackpowder rifles firing on the Simon Kenton Range will resound through the woods.
Shorty's Barnyard is to be stocked with animals, while the meadow is to be framed with hay bales, pumpkins and corn shocks.
Traditional entertainers extend their voices and musical talents, while pre-1840 pioneer re-enactors, Native Americans and Western life will be represented.
The festival entertains youngsters with hands-on crafts, games and a one-room school.
Visitors will work up hearty appetites walking through the woods, as lunch vendors await at Split Tree Meadow with "savory, home-cooked, country vittles fixed over open fires." Sandwiches, coffee, chicken and corn are among a host of favorites.
The Oak Ridge Festival is one mile north of Attica, off of SR 4 at TR 104. Turn onto the township road at the sign and continue over the tracks to the parking area.
Pick up a copy of the "Oak Run Review" at the admissions area or information booth for a map of the festival grounds and complete list of activities.
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Sunday includes morning worship services and an afternoon craft auction. Daily admission is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $4 for ages 8-12, and free for ages 7 and younger with a paying adult.
Parking is free, along with free shuttle rides to the ticket gate. The festival is handicapped-accessible. Organizers forbid pets and alcoholic beverages.
For additional information, visit www.oakridgefestival.com or call (419) 426-0611.
