July Preview

A quick look at what’s coming up next month!

Celebrate Independence Day with:

Parades in Hamilton, Middletown, and Liberty Township

Great sales during the Summer Sale at the Cincinnati Premium Outlets.

Check out a high-endurance sporting event:

USA Archery National Target Championships

AAU Girls Basketball National Championships

Wakeboarding National Championships

Bring the family to a fun family festival:

Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

Crazy Cardboard Regatta

Butler County Fair

Buzz Series

Meet Buzz The BC Bumblebee! Buzz is the Butler County Visitors Bureau’s mascot and he loves to travel. This busy bee has been out exploring all that Butler County, Ohio has to offer. And now, Buzz wants to share his travels with you!

Buzz just launched his very own video series, the Buzz Series, in May in celebration of his first birthday and in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. The Buzz Series videos follow Buzz as he buzzes around the county exploring all sorts of Butler County’s great destinations.

In the first video of the series, Buzz tests his wings and visits the number one rated drop zone in the nation, Start Skydiving, in Middletown, Ohio. Buzz musters up the bravery and goes on a tandem skydive jump from 13,000 feet! Get a bird’s eye view of Buzz’s adrenaline pumping experience by watching the first video of the series here: Buzz Series: Start Skydiving& Giveaway

If you’re looking for something a little less extreme, join Buzz as he takes a trip to Ohio’s only IKEA location and shops for modern house stylings, dines on delicious Swedish meatballs, and even meets a few of IKEA’s kid fans! If you’ve never been to IKEA, this is the perfect way to find out what all the buzz is about and get a behind the scenes look at what to expect during your first trip to this popular furniture super center: Buzz Series: IKEA

Buzz also makes a stop at one of Hamilton's most popular destinations, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum where he explores the parks 240 acres filled with over 50 pieces of stunning sculpture art, beautiful hiking trails, and the Ancient Sculpture Museum. Take a look at Pyramid Hill here: Buzz Series: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.

Explore Butler County with Buzz! Throughout the year, Buzz will be releasing Buzz Series video’s highlighting his adventures at many other Butler County attractions and destinations. Up next, Buzz will visit Jungle Jim’s International Market, Wake Nation, and other one-of-a-kind destinations in The BC.

Stay tuned to the Butler County Visitors Bureau’s YouTubechannel and Facebook page for new Buzz Series videos.

Strawberry Festival

One of Butler County’s best-kept secrets is the community of Shandon. With a history deeply rooted in tradition, Shandon is Ohio’s first Welsh settlement and offers visitors a relaxing old-time feel that is perfect for families and travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Each year, the community celebrates their heritage with a fun and unique family festival. They’re celebrating everything strawberry this summer during the 88^th Annual Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival on June 8^th. This summer celebration is among the most popular summer festivals in the county.

The Strawberry Festival will feature over 40 local vendors, local and regional artists, an antique tractor show, antiques, and fresh refreshments.

Explore Shandon’s diverse antique heritage by visiting the local shops in the historic houses featuring antiques, country crafts, original art, pottery, and furniture. Local shops will be open for visitors who’d like to browse their wares.

The Community House, the site of the 1825 Welsh Church, will house the picnic style supper with a menu full of fresh strawberries, homemade shortcakes, and creamy delicious ice cream. Other culinary tastings will include Shandon’s traditional hot pressed chicken and savory pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, homemade pies, and more. The Community House will also feature traditional live Welsh harp music and live organ music.

To top off this strawberry celebration, the beautiful and historic Old Welsh Cemetery next to the Community House will be open for viewing and exploration.

The 88^th Annual Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival is free and open to the public.

Summer Concert Series Guide

The time has come for the return of all of our favorite summer concert series. Celebrate summer with you family and friends by heading out to one of the county’s many summer concert series’. These great summer music festivals last all summer long and feature popular local bands. 

After-Hours on The Square at Union Centre

Unwind after work with friends with great bands, beer, and food every week.   
When: Every Thursday now through August 29 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 
Where: The Square at Union Centre 
Admission: FREE 
Website 

The Broad Street Bash

It’s the biggest music celebration in Middletown, The Broad Street Bash! Grab some friends and head down for an evening filled with local music and great food and beer. 
When: Every other Wednesday now through August 21 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
Where: Governor’s Square, City of Middletown 
Admission: FREE 
Website 

Acoustic Jam

Join local musicians in an acoustic jam session at the Keehner Park Amphitheater. 
When: The first Sunday of the month through September | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
Where: Keehner Park 
Admission: FREE 
Website 

Fifth Third Concert Series

The Fifth Third Concert Series is a free concert series at Keehner Park Amphitheater. Bring the kids and a picnic dinner and enjoy local bands under the stars.

When: Every Saturday, June 1 – August 24 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. 
Where: Keehner Park 
Admission: FREE 
Website 

Groovin' On the Green
These family fun free concerts include kid's activities, giveaways, The Groovin' Grill, and a cash bar!
When: Every Thursday, June 6 - August 29 | 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Village Green Park
Admission: Free
 
Mountain Music Jam

Get back to your roots and enjoy the sounds of authentic mountain music. 
When: June 9 
Where: Governor Bebb MetroPark 
Admission: FREE

Website 

Park Concert Series
Enjoy fun and relaxing concerts with your family this summer at various facilities throughout Hamilton.
When: Every Tuesday, June 11 - July 16
Where: Various parks throughout Hamilton
Admission: Free 

Summer Concert Series
Sweet sounds of summer! Free concerts throughout the summer!
When: Every other Thursday, June 13 - July 25 | 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: River's Edge Ampitheater, Hamilton 
Admission: Free
 
Concert by the Lake Series

MetroParks of Butler County welcomes the return of its popular summer music concert series. Enjoy a jam-packed lineup of brands representing the blues, rock, and more!

When: Every other Thursday June 13 – August 29 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Voice of America MetroPark
Admission: FREE
Website 

Swingin' on the Green
Bring a law chair or blanket and join Fairfield Parks & Recreation for some swingin' tunes on the Green!
When: The third Monday of every month through August | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Village Green Park
Admisson: Free
Website

Even more summer concert series’ kick off in July: 

Jammin’ In July

Bring the whole family out to Bridgewater Falls for free concerts throughout the summer featuring performances by The Menus, The Naked Karate Girls, and more!

When: Every Wednesday, July 3 – July 31 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Bridgewater Falls Lifestyle Shopping Center
Admission: FREE
Website

June Preview

Get a jump on June by planning ahead for one these great events happening in Butler County next month:

Fifth Third Concert Series

Fifth Third Concert Series

Love those local music festivals? Add another to your list! This community music celebration will feature popular local and regional bands like Waiting on Ben, the Ohio Valley Big Band, and Mid-Life Crisis. Bring your picnic dinner and lawn chair and enjoy the show! Visit the series's website.

When: Saturday’s June 1 – August 24 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Keehner Park

Admission: FREE

88^th Annual Old-Fashioned Strawberry Festival

Turn into a strawberry during Shandon’s popular Strawberry Festival celebration! Tour Shandon, Ohio’s oldest Welsh Community, sample delicious strawberry treats, shop for antiques, visit over 40 vendors, and more!

When: June 8 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Books in Shandon

Admission: FREE

Midsummer Food Event

Enjoy delicious helpings of all-you-can-eat Swedish culture during IKEA’s popular food events! Grab some dinner and sample dishes from across Sweden with you family for one low price! Visit IKEA West Chester's website.

When: June 14

Where: IKEA

Admission: $9.99 – Adults | $2.49 – Kids 12 & Under

Jungle Jim’s Beer Fest

Do you like craft beer? Import beer? Domestic beer? Or do you just love them all? Come celebrate all things beer! With over 350 beers from 100 different breweries you won’t find more beers anywhere in Cincinnati! Visit the Beer Fest website.

When: June 14 – 15

Where: Jungle Jim’s International Market

Admission: $14.12 - $42.35

For more information about upcoming events in Butler County, visit our website www.GetToTheBC.com

Gear Up: Spring Sports

It’s that time of year again! The weather is warming up and sports teams across the county are gearing up for another exciting championship season. If your family is full of aspiring athletes, bring them out to one of these high-energy sports events!

Blue & Burgundy Rowing Regatta  
The Great Miami Rowing Center will hold its annual rowing regatta celebration and race on the banks of the Great Miami River in Hamilton. This year’s regatta marks the end of a month long celebration of the 1913 Flood Commemoration. The regatta will feature high school rowing athletes from Butler County, Clermont County, Cincinnati, and Columbus as they race to complete the 1850-meter course first! 
When: May 4 | All-Day Event 
Where: Banks of the Great Miami River 
Admission: Free 

Stay In The Game 
Learn best practices for taking care of your athletic body from Dr. Krista Migliore, a board certified orthopedic physician with Fort Hamilton Hospital. Dr. Migliore will help you manage your pain, increase your mobility, and get your life back in motion. Get off the sidelines and back into your active lifestyle! 

When: May 8 | 11:30 a.m. 
Where: Fitton Center for Creative Arts 
Admission: $18 – Members | $23 – Non-members 

Sargent Jimmy 5k Run 
Stay active for a cause during this 5k walk/run that celebrates the life of Sgt. James C. Robinson Jr. who was killed in action in Afghanistan. Support our troops and support your active lifestyle all while helping raise funds for the Sgt. James C. Robinson Jr. Scholarship. 

When: May 18 
Where: Smith Park 

24^th Annual Pigskin Roundball Spectacular 

Cris Carter

Honor the sports industry during this celebration event that recognizes outstanding athletes from Middletown. Middletown native athletes will include professional football player Cris Carter, Hall of Fame and Olympic Gold Medalist basketball player - Jerry Lucas, and the first American to win Gold in the Olympics in Judo – Kayla Harrison. This year’s scholarship honoree is Pro Football Hall of Fame player Cris Carter, the 10^th native Ohioan to be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The celebration event, “Cris Carter Hometown Appreciation Day” will be held at the Barnitz Stadium and then at the Pigskin Roundball Banquet at the Manor House. Visit the Pigskin/Roundball website. 

When: May 7 | Banquet: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Barnitz Stadium & The Manor House Banquet andConference Center 
Admission: Small stadium admittance fee | $60 banquet ticket 

Skateboard Lessons 
Have a little daredevil in the family? Get em’ going on a skateboard! Oxford Skate Park is offering lessons for beginners age six to adults. Learn basic skateboarding skills and safety tips from local skateboarding professionals. 

When: May 11 & May 18 | 9 a.m – 12 p.m. 
Where: Oxford Skate Park 
Admission: $35 – Resident | $37 – Non-resident

Get out and get active in Butler County! For more information about upcoming events in The BC, visit our event calendar at www.GetToTheBC.com

Crazy Kids: Activities for Families

Do you have a gaggle of giggly little ones? Are you looking for that perfect something that will keep their attention all while helping them have fun at the same time? Try one of these perfect family-friendly events tailored specifically for the little people in your life. Best of all, nearly all of these events are free!

Kids Eat Free Tuesday’s at IKEA
We all know that a visit to IKEA is a day-long adventure and if you’re in the process of updating your home to reflect your modern and stylish design dreams, spending a day in IKEA with your family means one thing, hungry tummies! But you’re in luck! Kids eat FREE in the IKEA cafeteria every single Tuesday! Visit IKEA West Chester's website.
When: Every Tuesday | 11 a.m. to restaurant close
Where: IKEA
Admission: FREE

Miss Heather’s Story time at IKEA
Join other little one’s and their parents in the restaurant every Tuesday for Miss Heather’s Story time! Hear classic tales of exciting adventure and participate in a creative craft after the story. Visit IKEA West Chester's website.

When: Every Tuesday | 1 p.m.
Where: IKEA restaurant
Admission: FREE

Spring Celebration!
The season would not be complete without a trip to the family fun destination adventure, EnterTRAINment Junction! During Spring Celebration, when you buy any admission, get half-off a second admission of equal or lesser value, PLUS receive a ticket for a FREE return visit valid until May 19! Visit EnterTRAINment Junction's website.
When: Through May 19
Where: EnterTRAINment Junction
Admission: Prices start at $9.95

Rumpelstiltskin
Join the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Art Reach program as they present this hilarious kid-friendly theatrical production. Watch as they retell the classic tale of the miller’s daughters, her boastful father, a handsome prince, and the ability to spin straw into gold. Visit the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's website.
When: May 3 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fitton Center for Creative Arts
Admission: $10 – Members | $12 – Non-members | FREE kids 16 & under

Bike Rodeo
Start the summer off on the right pedal! The West Chester Police officers will help guide youngsters through a course designed to teach them the rules of the road and provide important bicycle safety tips. Technicians will also be on hand to inspect bikes and make safety adjustments if needed.
When: May 18 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: MidPointe Library West Chester
Admission: Free

West Chester Now: Bike Rodeo 2013 from West Chester on Vimeo.
 

Your littlest family members will be busy this month with fun educational programs and events. For more information about upcoming events in Butler County, visit www.GetToTheBC.com