Old-time Farming Festival brings Farm Life to masses
By Giles Kennedy, Travels and Events around Central Ohio

40 miles northeast of Columbus lies the small town of Centerburg. It is not only the geographical center of Ohio; but the heart of one of Ohio’s best festivals.

The Old-time Farming Festival; established in 1991, has been focused on celebrating the heritage and history of Ohio’s farming community.

“We are here to promote the history of farming” smiled Old-time Farming Festival president Bob Newton, “as well as a family friendly venue of entertainment”

The spirit of community in forming the festival has kept it strong and alive.

You are probably wondering in this day and age; would an festival dedicated to old fashioned hobbies, living, and lifestyle bring a draw?

The festival is free admission, free parking, and free entertainment. This also includes a free shuttle within the parking area and handicap access.

Everything from antique tractors, antique farm equipment exhibitions and a parade has been major events at the festival. It has been held every year at Centerburg’s Community Memorial Park on the third weekend in September.

Fifteen years ago drew a crowd from surrounding towns. The 2005 Festival drew a crowd of visitors ranging as far as Canada and as close as Centerburg, Sunbury, Johnstown and surrounding areas.

So, the Festival has been and continues to be a large event in the charming village of Centerburg.

Great detail and much effort goes into the Old-time Farming Festival. The finds of unique demonstrations exhibit the ways of farmers and their hobbies such as quilting, hay making, cow milking, and wheat threshing.

Also, everything behind the scenes is very important.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Department and Festival volunteers make sure parking is fluid. A large grass lot next to the park allow nearby access.

Meetings are every month throughout the year. Floats of the festival are featured in various parades throughout Central Ohio. Then, two months before the festival becomes crunch time. All members of the Festival committee step into roles to prepare booths, vendors, and entertainment.

What does one eat at the Old-time Farming Festival? The two great staples at Centerburg’s great event is kettle corn and IBC root beer. There are various other old fashioned eats as ice cream, corn bread and beans. You most certainly will not go hungry at the Old-time Farming Festival.

Entertainment is of the old fashioned fare. Bluegrass, country, and folk music usually bill the stage at Memorial Park.

With the activities, the food, and the various entertainment, the Old-time Farming Festival proves to be one of the best values for fun in Central Ohio.

Just in case you are wondering, Centerburg is extremely easy to drive to the Festival. Take 71 north from Columbus to the U.S. 36/ State Route 37 Sunbury exit. Take U.S. 36 east through Sunbury to Centerburg. State Route 3 follows 36 from Sunbury. The park is north of town next to the intersection of Ohio Route 314 and 3/36.

Just because this is a old time festival doesn't mean they forget technology. The Old-time Farming Festival has their own web site to invite and inform folks on the ongoing planning and ways to get involved.
www.oldtimefarmingfestival.org

In the coming months, Central Ohio Crossroads will feature....

The Hartford Fair

Dublin Irish Festival

A brief overview of county and independent fairs

And many other places to visit not far from Columbus.

Any ideas, please e-mail us at GilesKennedy@ColumbusWired.net