Though we keep having bouts of summery weather, we are, indeed, heading into that time of year when thoughts turn to pumpkin spice, bonfires and wearing your favorite hoodie to a Friday night football game.
It’s a time for hayrides, pumpkin carving, caramel apples and hot chocolate. Autumn is also when area crafters have a chance to display the goods they’ve been working on since last Christmas.
Often, we can find all of that at local fairs and festivals. And Logan County has plenty to choose from.
So for those who enjoy strolling past quilts and candles and art while snacking on caramel apples and kettle corn, here’s a rundown of the various options we can look forward to this fall.
September
It all kicks off this weekend at the Indian Lake State Park Fall Festival, Sept. 20 to 22. This annual event will be open Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking and admission are free, as are wagon rides from your car to the event.
With 140 vendors, food and live entertainment, organizer Rachel Kubic, Indian Lake Development Corporation president, promised you won’t be disappointed.
“People like fall, it’s nice out, and there’s so much to see and buy,” Kubic said.
This festival is in its 43rd year, so they should have it down. Besides all the booths to explore, the organizers are bringing back entertainment throughout the venue for the first time in years.
Also this month, check out the Fall Market at 42 E. Maple Street, North Lewisburg, on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 12 to 3 p.m. This event will feature candles, baked goods, home décor, flowers and more from local vendors.
October
Perhaps Anne of Green Gables said it best: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” And as fall really starts to hit us full-force, so do the fair/festival options.
Two October events specifically stand out, beginning with the third annual Ohio Hi-Point Craft Show on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At this time, the organizers anticipate having over 70 vendors in addition to the multiple items the OHP students have created for sale. Money raised will go to student organizations for participation in workshops, competitions, study trips and more.
“The fall craft show is a fantastic opportunity to not only support local artisans but also to see firsthand the incredible work our students are doing,” Kelsey Webb, OHP marketing and public relations coordinator, said. “We’re excited to welcome the community.”
Parking is free, but there’s a $1 entry fee for everyone over the age of 12.
“The previous years we’ve had more than 1,000 people come through the doors, and we’re hoping to blow that out of the water this year,” Webb stated.
Two weeks later, Discovery Riders will hold their Market at the Barn on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1797 E. State Route 47, Bellefontaine. Attendees will be able to grab lunch while they’re shopping, with the money raised going toward student scholarships.
Discovery Riders director Lindsay Jackson said they’re excited to present this event to the community for the second year in a row. They already have 34 vendors and are hoping for more. Vendor spots are $20 or $30 with electric.
Entry to Market at the Barn is free.
Other October options:
Night Market at Bellefontaine Grace Church, 2220 S. Main Street, Oct. 4 and 5, 6 to 9 p.m. All money raised will go to Water for Good, which digs wells in Central African Republic, and to Destiny Rescue, which works to free women and children from sex slavery. Besides vendors, there will be a silent auction.
Harvest Round-Up Days at Marmon Valley Farm, every Sunday in October, starting at 1:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a hayride, the hay maze, and the Play Barn; visit the animals and try out the rope bridge.
The pumpkin and pony package for children ages 11 and under costs $14 and consists of a pie pumpkin, pony ride, hayride and animal feed.
Other costs are: hayrides for $6.50 and pumpkins of various sizes for $1 to $8. Riding reservations are recommended. Hay/trail rides run until 4:30 p.m.
Fall Craft Festival on Fairview, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Fairview Avenue in Russells Point. Will include autumn décor, early Christmas shopping and lunch in the park.
YMCA Camp Willson Fall Fest, Sunday, Oct. 27, from 12 to 3 p.m., at 2732 CR 11, Bellefontaine. This afternoon of autumn-inspired fun is free. It will feature pumpkin painting, hayrides, trick-or-treating and a bonfire.
November
By the time we get to November, most people are thinking about and planning for the holidays. We also start getting events with a winter or Christmas theme.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Logan County Art League presents their annual Winter Art Faire at Bellefontaine High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a chance to support local artists through the purchase of one-of-a-kind creations.
The Indian Lake Music Boosters Holiday Market will take place in the Indian Lake High School on Nov. 2 as well.
Later in the month, Downtown Bellefontaine hosts its annual holiday open house on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24. This event kicks off a five-weekend series of activities for the downtown area. And it all starts with an official ribbon-cutting for the new Santa shed in front of the courthouse at 10 a.m. that Saturday.