6 Appalachian Festivals Before the End of Summer

Sunflowers are one of summer's brightest blooms, and their sprawling blossoms grow plentiful each season at the Coshocton KOA. The annual event wraps up this weekend with a final festival day packed with festivities the whole family can enjoy, and is preceded by two quieter days of sunflower picking in the fields. This festival is just one experience that highlights the spirit and beauty of Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region. Check out the upcoming festivals, and hit the road before summer draws to a close. 

Coshocton Sunflower Festival | Through Aug. 16
Catch the last days of this annual festival at the Coshocton KOA. Though the main festival weekend has passed, head out to the field on Aug. 14 and 15 for a peaceful stroll through the fields that allows visitors to bring home fresh flowers. Refreshments and a merchandise stand are also available on U-pick days. Don’t miss the final festival day on Aug. 16, which includes live music, craft vendors, a wine and beer garden and wagon rides, and of course, the chance to pick beautiful blooms.

Parade of the Hills | Aug. 13-16
Join the celebration as the beloved Parade of the Hills returns for its 75th anniversary, filling Nelsonville’s Public Square during four exciting days. From morning to night, enjoy contests, rides, live music and fair food favorites. Highlights include the Miss Parade of the Hills scholarship pageant, the Grand Parade Contest, the community charity pie auction and the 5K Run for the Hills, all of which draw both participants and spectators to this longtime Nelsonville tradition.

D-Day Conneaut | Aug. 14-16
D-Day Conneaut returns to the Lake Erie shores Aug. 14 through 16 as the largest living history reenactment of the Allied invasion of Normandy in North America, with participants from across the U.S. and Canada. This free event features live battle reenactments, rides on authentic World War II Higgins boats and DUKWs, performances by the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble and a 1940s USO-style dance. Secure tickets for key performances and honor a pivotal World War II moment while paying tribute to our veterans.