HARVESTING A GALA IN GALLIA

09-03-2008

 

Gallipolis, Ohio – September 2, 2008 – Three ingredients make for an autumn to remember. First and foremost is abundant, colorful natural scenery; second is the sweet smell of the harvest everywhere; and third is either the sound of silence or the sound of festivities. It’s your choice. All are seen, smelled and heard in Ohio’s Appalachian foothills of Gallia County snuggling the banks of the Ohio River.

There are two gala events in Gallia County that are one-of-a-kind celebrations that people from at least four states look forward to attending every September and October. One is the oldest continuing celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and the other is down on the farm for a real harvest at Bob Evans Farm Festival. And getting to these fall gems is half the fun.

Pick your route to Gallia County from the Ohio River Scenic Byway or the Amish path that connects 30 Amish merchants. The back roads of Gallia County lead to places like the Gallipolis City Park for majestic views of the Ohio River and two heavily treed river banks showcasing their explosion of fall colors.

Gallia County is a hidden Midwest delight for hikers, bikers, and paddlers. The former CSX railway is a rail to trails project that will span 28 miles and has three sections already completed that roll through farmland, small towns and over bridges.  Fall foliage is abundant throughout the area. There are natural wonders that set it apart from other Southeast Ohio Appalachia destinations. One stop is the 66-acre wetland that is now Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary. It is home to the black duck, painted turtles and great blue heron to name a few. The Crown City Wildlife Area is 11,000 acres set aside for the fishing and outdoor enthusiast. It is well-known for its deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, quail and waterfowl hunting.

Then there’s part of the Wayne National Forest with its untouched quarter million acres sprawled across these Appalachian foothills. Raccoon Creek County Park offers canoe access to Raccoon Creek so that folks can float through time. Downstream sites include Daniel Boone’s hunting grounds, the place that Morgan’s Raiders stormed and burned a bridge spanning the creek in 1863 and the Ponn Humpback Covered Bridge constructed in 1874 that is listed on the National Historic Register.

Also along Raccoon Creek, in Rio Grande, you will find the home of Bob Evans, founder of Bob Evans Farms restaurants. The home that Bob, his wife, Jewell, and their six children lived in is now the Homestead Museum. It is open April 1 through December 23.  There are three days out of the year that are unsurpassed for visitors to the historic farm and homestead. The Bob Evans Farm Festival held October 10-12, 2008 will host thousands of people eager to celebrate the harvest season.

The weekend of fun weaves yesteryear throughout with old farm contests like the cow chip toss!  Or how about the hog call?  Some may recall a time when feed sack races or egg tosses filled an afternoon along with pastimes like apple peeling and corn shelling.  The youngsters will delight in the interactive barnyard, hay bale maze, horseback and wagon rides.  Crafters will embark on the 100 artisan showing and selling wares from folk toys to stained glass. Enjoy seeing blacksmiths at work, leatherworking, potters at their wheels, weavers and quilters.

What’s a farm festival without FOOD! This is what makes the Bob Evans Farm Festival thrive well into its 38^th year. And with a bit of down home cook’n, nestle in front of some top-notch rural entertainment including tractor square dancing, timber shows, sheep shearing, horseshoe pitching and Equine-mounted drill teams. Music is always on display with exceptional acts throughout the festival and more than 700 cloggers and line dancers appearing nonstop on the Clogging Stage!

If you can’t wait until mid-October to get to Gallia County for the parade of colors, then circle September 20-21 on the calendar and be a part of the 145^th Emancipation Day Celebration. It attracts legions of history enthusiasts from as far away as California, Texas and New York to the Gallia County Fairgrounds. It celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s historic 1862 signing of the Emancipation Proclamation declaring slaves FREE!

The following year, African American families in Gallia County organized a grand celebration that has never ended.  Each year, it features speeches by famous orators, songs and remembrance. Over the years, it has added activities such as baseball, greasy pole climbing, parades and dances. When an annual event has been offered continuously since 1863, there must be something to it.

Many natives to Gallia County are accustomed to the celebration as a community homecoming along with paying tribute to the freedom of Blacks. The event brings history to life with Civil War re-enactors from the 5^th and 12^th regiments of U.S.C.T. and their encampment. President Lincoln and the First Lady may be seen along with Frederick Douglas, American abolitionist and author.

Gallia County had been a major depot in the Underground Railroad dating back to 1818 when John Gee helped found the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in the community.

Whether it’s historic sites, the arts, outdoor fun or the galas in Gallia County, this Southeast Ohio River region promises to be the land of plenty this 2008 harvest season.  Fall into an autumn to remember by calling the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-765-6482 or begin your journey at www.visitgallia.com.

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