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

Festival Fun: Community Celebrations

Spring and summer welcome the most exciting community celebrations in the county. Get out and enjoy the weather, great live music, fun festivals, and more with your family!

Voice of America BBQ Bash 
Watch as dozens of the top BBQ teams in the nation set up on “Pit Road” to compete in the first ever Buckeye State BBQ Championship event. The event will feature live music, world class barbeque, and more! Visit the BBQ Bash website. 
When: May 17-18 | Friday: 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. 
Where: Voice of America MetroPark 
Admission: $5 car | $2 walk-in

Oxford Art & Wine Affair 
Sample fine wines from the across the world while browsing for works of art by local and regional artisans during this annual wine celebration. The event will also include live music, culinary demonstrations and a beer garden. Visit the Oxford Art & Wine Affair website. 
When: May 18 | 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
Where: City of Oxford – Uptown Oxford 
Admission: $20 – online | $25 – Day of the event

Broad Street Bash - Middletown

Broad Street Bash 
Kick of the summer with Middletown’s biggest music celebration, the Broad Street Bash. The block party style event will include live music, great food and beer, dancing, and more! Visit the Broad Street Bash website. 
When: Wednesday’s May 15 – August 21 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
Where: Governor’s Square 
Admission: FREE! 

After-Hours on the Square 
Unwind after work! Grab your friends and head to the square and kick off the weekend early! After-Hours is filled with great bands, cold beer, delicious food, and special promotions. Visit the After-Hours website. 
When: Thursday’s May 23 – August 29 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 
Where: The Square at Union Centre 
Admission: FREE!

For more information about upcoming events in The BC, visit www.GetToTheBC.com

Slow Art Day 2013

Slow Art Day celebrates the joy and expression of art by encouraging people to visit local museums and exhibits on one day each year, April 27, to inspire creativity, ignite passion, and create new art fans.

The simple design of Slow Art Day focuses on the art of seeing while promoting discussion and networking. The BC’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is one of only 199 participating venues around the world, and one of only two participating Cincinnati area galleries.

Slow Art Day aims to help participants enjoy art…slowly. Here’s how it works:

1.     Sign up for Slow Art Day at the venue of your choice. See venues here

2.     Each slow art participant is directed to look at and enjoy five works of art for 10 minutes each

3.     Meet with fellow participants over lunch to talk about your experience.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton is a 264-acre park and outdoor museum that showcases more than 50 beautiful works of sculpture art. Pyramid Hill’s scenic setting provides a serene art experience and offers hiking trails, a beautiful arboretum, calming lakes, and more stunning outdoor beauty.

The slow pace of Slow Art Day pairs well with the relaxing environment of Pyramid Hill and makes Pyramid Hill an ideal location of the on looking and enjoyment of art. So, get a group of girlfriends, art lovers, art newbies, or family members together and sign up for Pyramid Hill’s Slow Art Day experience.

Visit www.slowartday.com for more information about Slow Art Day, a list of 2013 participating venues, and event registration. For more information about upcoming events in The BC, visit www.GetToTheBC.com.

May Preview

May is a segway to summer and here in Butler County, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the warm summer sunshine and the fun county events it brings with it. Here’s a look at what’s coming up in May in The BC.

Blue & Burgundy Rowing Regatta

Come out the regatta to see competitors take on the Great Miami River in challenging stints of rowing competitions including the youth/high school 1850 meter and sweep and sculling events. While in town, don’t forget to visit some of downtown Hamilton’s growing businesses!

When: May 4 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Great Miami Rowing Center

Admission: Free to attend | Entry fees for competitors

Meet the Artist Opening - George Nock

Retired professional New York Jets and Washington Redskins football player and now extraordinary and accomplished artists and sculptor, George Nock, will open his gallery exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center featuring his nationally recognized bronze athletic sculptures. George Nock’s work represents the passion and pain of sport in unique and inspiring ways including pieces created in a variety of mediums.

When: May 1 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Middletown Arts Center

Admission: by donation

Voice of America BBQ Bash!

Bring the whole family down to this one-of-a-kind bash! See dozens of the top BBQ teams in the nation as they set-up shop on “Pit Road” to compete in the first ever Buckeye State BBQ Championship. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and acts as a qualifying event for the Ohio Triple Crown and Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Championships!

When: May 17-18 | Friday: 6 a.m. – 12 a.m. & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Where: Voice of America MetroPark

Admission: $5/car | $2/walk-in

Oxford Art & Wine Affair

Hosted by the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, this annual art and wine celebration will feature wines from around the world, wine tastings, wares from local artisans, live music, vendor booths, and more! This relaxing event is great for an evening out and perfect for the wine lover in the family.

When: May 18

Where: City of Oxford – Uptown Oxford

Admission: Free

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

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Zoom in!

Celebrate Earth Day in April! Earth Day, founded in 1969, is a national holiday dedicated to protecting and preserving our unique and diverse habitat. Designed to raise awareness for the Earth’s natural environment by promoting conservation, recycling, and all things ‘green’, Earth Day is the perfect time for you and your family to kick off your own green living initiatives!

Recycling is kind of like Earth’s healthy diet and without it, the Earth could become sick with pollution, bursting landfills, and dying wildlife. In the United States, trash is produced at a rate of 1,609 pounds per person per year! And it takes 700 years for a plastic soda bottle to decompose and the plastic that is dumped into the sea kills and destroys sea life at an estimated 1,000,000 sea creatures per year!

Did you know that the average family throws away six trees worth of paper? Or that if all of our newspapers were recycled we could save about 250 million trees each year? Or that every ton of paper that is recycled saves seven trees, 60,000 gallons of water, and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space? Check out this infographic created by obizmedia.com for more facts about the benefits of recycling.

By reducing waste, reusing what we can, and participating in recycling initiatives in our own homes and in our own lives, we can help the Earth take the necessary steps to it’s own healthy living.

Kick off a lifetime of healthy and green living by joining Keep Middletown Beautiful during their Earth Day celebration on April 20^th at Miami University Middletown. The Earth Day celebration event will include:

• Smith Park spruce up

• Site cleanups’ including painting and mulching

• Educational seminars

• ‘Green’ demonstrations for both kids and adults on fun topics like Creek Critters, Recycling, Tree Trimming, and others

• Guided nature trail tours

• Hazardous waste recycling at Middletown High School

• A kid’s art corner

• Arbor Day tree give-away to benefit Middletown’s tree stock

• Pill drop off to keep medicines out of landfills and waterways

• Live broadcasts from WNKU

• Food, t-shirts, and a community event in the afternoon for participants

For more information about Middletown’s Earth Day celebration or to get involved, visit Keep Middletown Beautiful. For more information about upcoming events in Butler County, Ohio visit: www.GetToTheBC.com