.jpg?sfvrsn=1b5db638_5&w=960&auto=compress%2cformat "Family at Coshocton Sunflower Festival (Amber & Elle Photography)")
6 Appalachian Festivals Before the End of Summer
Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region is a wealth of fun as summer draws to a close. Enjoy floral finds, events geared for furry friends and much more this season.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Coshocton Dog Fest | Aug. 16
Calling all dog lovers: Join Coshocton Dog Fest at Coshocton Lake Park on Aug. 16 to celebrate furry friends and support the Coshocton County Animal Shelter. Watch thrilling dock-diving hosted by Major League Baseball’s Milt Wilcox and Ultimate Air Dogs, amazing frisbee tricks by High Performance Canines, agility demos by Ashton’s K9 Classes and a fast-paced lure course. Browse dog-centered vendors for treats and toys and catch a shuttle to the Roscoe Village Food Truck Festival happening the same day.
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Portsmouth River Days | Aug. 29-31
Stop by downtown Portsmouth on Labor Day Weekend for three days of live music, delicious food and community fun along the Ohio River. Portsmouth River Days, a beloved tradition for nearly 60 years, features the crowning of the River Days queen and a festive grand parade Saturday morning celebrating small-town pride. The weekend wraps up with the exciting River Days Ducky Derby, where contestants adopt a rubber duck to race for a chance at the grand prize.
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Ohio River Sternwheel Festival | Sept. 5-7
Celebrate Marietta’s riverboat heritage at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Sept. 5 through 7 at the Ohio River Levee. This free event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors and features authentic sternwheel boats. Enjoy live music all weekend, a queen coronation, exciting paddle-wheeling rides and a 5K run/walk on Saturday. The festival concludes with a stunning fireworks show over the river in a dazzling display that won’t soon be forgotten.
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