Make plans with family and friends to get out to Freshwater Farms of Ohio, a mile north of Urbana on U.S. 68, for the 21st annual Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival. On three consecutive Saturdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23, the festival offers a delicious selection of food, including seafood, from the farm and other vendors, a rich variety of live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
Scroll down for links to more happenings in Champaign County.
A total of 12 bands – four each day of the festival – represent a wide variety of genres … blues, country rock, folk, pop, reggae, Celtic and jazz. They include familiar names like McGuffey Lane and local favorites like Eleyet McConnell and Meridith Evans, who started her vocal career in Urbana.
Where: Freshwater Farms of Ohio, a mile north of Urbana at 2624 N. U.S. 68
When: Three consecutive Saturdays, September 9, 16 and 23, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free parking; gate admission $5, ages 13 and up; $2 for kids ages 3-12; free for age 2 and under. You can get in free, though, if you come dressed as a mermaid, pirate or sea creature. (Secret judges will award cash and game ticket prizes for costumed adults and youth 16 years and under, in each category.)
Admission covers live music, the farm’s sturgeon petting zoo, fish and critter displays, bounce houses, art and craft vendors and the kid’s play zone. There will also be games like the ever-popular Battling Water Balloon Catapults.
The outdoor stage and dining area of the Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival, Freshwater Farms of Ohio, Urbana, Ohio
This year’s festival will offer three times more vendors, including local merchants and many local artisans.
Food selections include Freshwater Farms’ pan-fried rainbow trout, jambalaya, grilled and coconut shrimp, fish tacos, and a full dinner menu, as well as food trucks and vendors serving bourbon chicken, pizza, shrimp and fish dishes, sushi, tacos, barbeque, pastries and coffees.
Charlies Bar will serve wine, beer, margaritas and cocktails. Feisty Brood Meadery will serve mead pours at the bar from 1 to 9 p.m.
New this year:
Overnight self-contained RV and tent camping, Friday and Saturday night each weekend. Reservations (not required, but recommended) may be made at eventmanagerffo@gmail.com or 937-652-3701.
Additional areas for small groups to gather to enjoy meals and drinks: the farm’s fountain display area and the Rainbow project, which features a wisteria dome and wildflower meadow maze. Seating also is available around the outdoor stage.
Balloon Fest, September 8 and 9, at Grimes Field Municipal Airport
Second Saturdays: Johnny Appleseed Celebration, September 9, in downtown Urbana. Extended shopping, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., food trucks, sidewalk vendors, kids’ games and activities, and live entertainment.
Don “Doc” Sanders knows cows from every angle, inside and out. Even from under a fallen cow, as depicted below in an illustration from his newly published book, Beyond the Barn. This, his eleventh book, offers a mix of humorous and poignant recollections from his far-flung 50-year career as a large animal veterinarian.
On most days, Doc Sanders has managed to stay atop his profession:
On Friday, August 4, the Ohio Agricultural Council inducted him into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame – in recognition of his professional contributions to agriculture. (Check out the video about Don’s career, produced by the Ohio Agricultural Council, at the end of this post.)
Bovine Veterinarian Magazine once included him in a list of 20 of the most influential beef and dairy veterinarians.
He was president of the Society for Theriogenology, a national organization of veterinarians, who like him, are board-certified in reproductive medicine.
He’s served on the respected Council for Agriculture, Science and Technology, which provides unbiased, science-based information about food and agriculture to policymakers, the media, the private sector and the public.
If you want the whole story about how Doc ended up like this, order his book.
After growing up with three brothers on the Sanders family farm in Waynesfield, Ohio, Doc went on to college and the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. There he met Judy Sauerbrei, who, after some persistence on Doc’s part, became his vet school sweetheart. Before graduation, they married, and boldly dove together into life and veterinary practice.
They started out in a storefront office in Urbana, Ohio. Dr. Judy cared for small animals, and Doc, large animals. Eventually, on the edge of town, they designed and built, for efficiency’s sake, a round veterinary clinic. Their Urbana Veterinary Clinic gained national recognition for the unique design and the quality of its veterinary care.
Doc and Dr. Judy practiced together for more than 40 years, until her passing in 2011.
Through the years, Doc extended the range of his practice, from farm calls in the immediate area, to across the state, and then nation. And eventually around the world.
Spreading His Knowledge Beyond the Barn
He served as a dairy consultant to the World Bank and has trained veterinarians and farm managers in China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Nicaragua. He’s helped them feed their neighbors more efficiently and treat their animals humanely.
He’s further shared the breadth and depth of his knowledge in farm animal health and management through the written word. Which is where I came into the picture. I’m grateful he’s asked me to edit several of his books, including Beyond the Barn. Most of his books are practical guides on food animal health and management, some for 4-Hers. (By the way, for many years Doc served as the official veterinarian of the Champaign County Fair.)
Doc’s most widely published and translated volume is Milk Them for All Their Worth! (which is not, as he often jokes, a how-to for lawyers or church stewardship committees). He’s also written columns in agricultural publications like Ohio’s Country Journal. He was a regular on the Our Ohio public television show and Down the Road TV, and is co-host of Beyond the Barn, on Ready-FM 105.1.
Plus, for eight years he served as an associate professor for his alma mater, training, mentoring and accompanying fourth-year veterinary medicine students on farm calls.
With all his impressive accomplishments, Doc approaches life with humility, generosity and a strong faith in God (we both attend and serve at Urbana United Methodist Church). And he maintains a mischievous sense of humor, which you’ll get a hardy taste of in Beyond the Barn.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio, host of the popular Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival, has come up with a new way to celebrate. And I’m looking forward to it.
The Freshwater Farms Drum Circle will be held Saturday, June 18, 5-9 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, noon-5 p.m. at the farm, 2624 N. U.S. 68, Urbana.
It’s a free event where guests like you, your family and friends are encouraged to bring drums, cowbells, a pair of sticks, spoons or any other percussive instruments you can find. I plan to bring my old, gold Slingerland snare, from the used drum kit I bought back in my high school days.
Everyone will join in a rhythmic jam session—a drum circle—encircled by beautiful countryside. And there’ll be dancing and hula-hooping to the ever-changing beat.
Freshwater Farms has invited some special guests:
The Asunameekw Singers Drum Group of Bucktown, Ontario, Canada
Lunaape blues artist Brock Stonefish of the Delaware Nation, Ontario, Canada
Storyteller Chief Cedarheart of Turkey Town Village in Cardington, Ohio
Also planned are kids’ activities that include drum making and hula hoop decorating.
And I can’t forget to mention there’ll be good food and drink for purchase: fish and chips, jambalaya, brats, hot dogs and a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, as well as craft beers and wine.
Drum circles are rooted in Asian, African, Native American, even American ‘60s, culture. And they’re widely used in music therapy and team building exercises.
In drum circles, participants improvise, creating an interplay of rhythms. There’s no wrong or right way. And it’s for everyone, regardless of musical experience and talent. The rhythms grow and change as everyone—young, old and in between—enjoys the shared experience.
Watch the following videos to learn more about the drum circle experience. And be sure to experience it yourself this weekend at the Freshwater Farms Drum Circle.
Gretchen Klingler, sister of The Berry Patch owner, Steven Klingler, gets us started.
Local strawberry picking is upon us. Beware, the season is brief. About three weeks.
So, Champaign Uncorked! visited two local strawberry patches on Memorial Day to help blaze your trail to the sweet freshness that awaits. (By the way, I have a bowl of strawberries in front of me as I write this. Soon to be just a bowl. Good news: Plenty more in the kitchen.)
First Stop: The Berry Patch, LLC
Location: 2451 St. Rt. 245 W., West Liberty
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. (season ends about June 18)
Product: Pre-picked and U-pick strawberries by gallon bucket or quart
Steven Klingler in front of The Berry Patch, the strawberry business he started four years ago.
The Story: Steven Klingler, a 2014 Urbana University accounting graduate, started The Berry Patch, LLC four years ago. It’s sort of an offshoot of a berry farm of another variety—a raspberry farm. Specifically, the Champaign Berry Farm of Mike and Cathy Pullins, just outside Mutual. Steven worked seven summers for the Pullinses, from seventh grade through freshman year of college.
By his sixth season with Champaign Berry Farm, Steven knew he wanted to go into the berry business himself. The Pullinses recommended strawberries. Raspberries take two to three years to fruit after planting. Strawberries, just 12 months. Steven has 23,000 plants in fruit. With the help of a crew of 20 he planted 24,000 new plants this spring—for even more bountiful picking next year.
Steven also has received encouragement and support from his family and Jason Wish of Wishwell Farms of Bellefontaine. His father, Scott Klingler, loaned him money for equipment and is expecting Steven to get back to work, at the end of strawberry season, to support his business, Countryside Heating & Cooling. (We have, indeed, entered the cooling season also.)
Cindy and Bob Folck of Folck Family Farm.
Second Stop: Folck Family Farm
Location: 6842 St. Rt. 54, Mechanicsburg
Hours: Call the farm at 937-869-2240 for hours and updates
Product: Strawberries (pre-picked and U-pick) in season now through June 21. Other produce: peas, red raspberries (to be ready mid-June), blackberries, Vidalia onions, tomatoes and sweet peppers. Also honey, jams, as well as pork products from pasture-raised purebred Chester White pigs. (The Folcks had the 2015 Champion Chester White Gilt at the Ohio State Fair Junior Show.)
The Story: Bob and Cindy Folck have operated their family farm for about 15 years. Bob describes himself as “a stay-at-home farmer” since a job layoff. He also breeds and sells show pigs. Cindy is program manager of The Ohio State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program. And their daughter, Amanda, studies sports turf at Ohio State. Bob said their produce business began with pumpkins, “and one thing led to another.” They’ve become one of Ohio’s largest grower of peas, picking and shelling about two acres a year.
How Sweet It Is….
Some of our day’s delicious bounty.
As I wrap up this post, my wife, Kay, just set down in front of me a slice of toast spread with strawberry jam she made from some of today’s pickings. Ummm … now, what was I writing about?
Anyway, get out and discover for yourself the locally grown goodness that is all around us in and around Champaign County. We’ll be sharing more finds as the growing season progresses.
And please share: What are your favorite locally grown and produced foods?
More important, I hope you got out to experience the blessings of Champaign County — those I recommended or others you found on your own.
So, here goes … the Bucket List for October. Click here for your printable October Bucket List.
Get into the Spirit of October!
Painted pumpkins by Debbie Loffing one of many Oktoberfest traditions.
Oktoberfest, Sunday, October 5: A 42-year Champaign County tradition, this year’s Oktoberfest marks the 80th anniversary of the Champaign County Historical Society, the event host. Oktoberfest features arts, crafts and food for sale by 100 artisans and vendors on the grounds of the society’s museum, 809 East Lawn Ave., Urbana. While there, be sure to check out the artifacts on exhibit in the museum.
Other highlights: listen to the Gettysburg Address delivered at 1 p.m. on the museum steps by Abraham Lincoln actor Stan Wernz, pose for a photo in period costumes at the museum’s Springhills Jail exhibit, enter the hourly door prize drawing, and enjoy music by a German band and the Champaign County Dulcimer Club.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $2 for adults and free for children 10 and under with paid adult.
Site of the State of the Plate Local Food Dinner, the Pretty Prairie Barn of Todd and Jill Michael, 4440 Prairie Rd., Urbana.
State of the Plate Local Food Dinner, Sunday, October 12:Discover the deliciousness and diversity of locally grown food at this professionally catered dinner, served in a restored 19th century barn that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy locally grown food and meet some of the people who grow it. Call in your reservations by Friday, October 3 to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, 937-653-5764. Cost $15. Dinner will begin at 1 p.m., preceded by a social time and appetizers at 12:30 p.m.
Boo at the Bog, October 17 and 18: This non-scary, family-friendly celebration of Halloween will feature night walks and learning stations along the boardwalk of one of Champaign County’s natural treasures, the Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, 980 Woodburn Rd., Urbana, Also children’s activities, face painting, storytelling and food.
Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for children and free for children under 6. $1 discount for Ohio Historical Society and Cedar Bog Association members. Hours: 7-9 p.m. both days.
And plan a return trip in daylight to see this 450-acre natural wonder, formed thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers, and now home to rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Beggars’ Night, October 30: Get your costumes and candy bowls ready, because October isn’t complete without trick-or-treating. The Champaign County Mayors’ Association has set Beggars’ Night for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 30 countywide.
Shops in Urbana’s Monument Square District, like my Old Ohio House, are getting in the fall spirit.
Decorate for the Season!
Downtown Urbana has taken on the colors of fall as merchants have decorated their businesses. I offer you a couple of suggestions for finding your own seasonal decor:
Circle & Sons Farm, 5001 Wallace Rd., St. Paris; 937-857-9616
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to dark, and Sun., 1 p.m. to dark
Natural fall decorations: pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn, straw, corn shocks and mums.
Mad River Farm Market, 7538 U.S. Highway 68, West Liberty; 937-465-2030
Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
A wide range of fall decorations and…
Sip & Paint Craft Pumpkin Center Piece class, 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 7. Make a fall centerpiece. All supplies and glass of wine, $25. Reservation required.
Also check out the Mad River Farm Market Corn Maze, open daily through October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Savor the Pumpkin Spice!
Get a taste of the season at these Champaign County establishments:
The Depot Coffeehouse, 644 Miami St., Urbana — Pumpkin spice latte and two pumpkin house specials — the Harvest Blend, a combination of pumpkin, vanilla and caramel, and Autumn Leaves, featuring pumpkin, vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. And the Depot invites customers to come up with their own concoctions. “We’ve seen pumpkin mochas, pumpkin steamers (steamed milk with pumpkin pie sauce) and even something closely resembling a pumpkin smoothie.”
Hemisphere Coffee Roasters, 22 S. Main St., Mechanicsburg — Pumpkin chai, pumpkin spice lattes and Hemisphere’s flavored coffee, pumpkin pie spice.
Madison’s Downtown Market & Cafe, 117 Scioto St., Urbana — Pumpkin spice chai latte, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin scones.
And fish and shrimp are grown locally by festival host Freshwater Farms of Ohio, just north of Urbana at 2624 N. U.S. 68.
So, the fish and shrimp are fresh and mouth-watering good. The fun and deliciousness begin at 4 p.m. today, Friday, September 19, and continue through Sunday, September 21.
Featured attraction at the Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival: grilled, locally-grown shrimp.
Here’s what I most look forward to:
The fish and shrimp dinners served at Freshwater Water Farms’ food booth, prepared by The Food Smiths catering business of Gretchen Bonasera, daughter of farm owner Dr. Dave Smith. The festival also features several other food vendors, including other locally grown and produced menu items from Oakview Farm Meats and Cosmic Charlie Baking and Bread.
A fantastic lineup of bands, all three days. There’s something for about every musical taste — folk, alternative rock, New Orleans jazz, reggae, rock and country. One of the performers competed on American Idol, wowing judge Harry Connick Jr. in the auditions. And a couple of the bands have released new albums that have earned excellent reviews.
Being out in the country
Following are YouTube links to the bands I’m especially looking forward to:
Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons are returning after a successful debut at last year’s festival.
Music video of “Hurricane” from Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons’ album Hey Kid. Returning from last year’s festival, they’ll be on the outdoor state Sunday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
In the interest of full disclosure: Freshwater Farms of Ohio hired me through my freelance writing business, Schenkel Communications, to promote the Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival. This blog post, however, is not sponsored. It’s an extra, over and above my paid assignment.
Make plans with family and friends to get out to Freshwater Farms of Ohio, a mile north of Urbana on U.S. 68, for the 21st annual Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival. On three consecutive Saturdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23, the festival offers a delicious selection of food, including seafood, from the farm and other vendors, a rich variety of live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
Follow Us!