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.
Visit the festival website or Facebook page for more information.
More to Celebrate in Champaign County!
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.
23rd Annual Simon Kenton Pathfinders Bike Tour, September 10, starting at 8 a.m. from the Depot Coffee House
16th annual Simon Kenton Chili Cook Off and Hoopla Parade in downtown Urbana, September 23
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