What's Happening in
Darke County?

It's July and that means the stage is set for Darke County to honor its most-famous daughter, Annie Oakley!

Phoebe Ann Moses was not born in Oklahoma or anywhere in the "wild west." She was born in Darke County, Ohio, on August 13, 1860. Given the stage name of "Annie Oakley" by Frank Butler, she went on to proudly represent Darke County all across the world.

To honor her accomplishments and celebrate her life, the Annie Oakley Days Festival which began 46 years ago takes place in Greenville, Ohio. From July 23 through 26, visitors and locals alike enjoy shooting contests, fast draw competitions, melodramas, historical tours, a pilgrimage to Annie's grave, historic walking tours of Downtown Greenville, special displays at Garst Museum, parades, antique market and concessions.

This year's melodrama is entitled, "Up The Creek Without A Saddle or ... In The Spur Of The Moment!" which was written by Darke County Civic Theatre's very own, very talented, Cary Miller. Catch one of the six shows: Thursday July 23, 8:00 pm; Friday July 24 and Saturday July 25, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sunday 26 at 1:00 pm. All performances are held inside the Youth Building at the Darke County Fairgrounds. For more information contact director, Dane Leeper at civictheatre@embarqmail.com.

The Annie Oakley Festival actually began more than four decades ago with sidewalk sales in lovely Downtown Greenville. Today, folks line the sidewalks before the sun comes up to be one of the first customers to get a free gift at the KitchenAid Experience Center as well as the bargain basement prices. Many of the downtown merchants fill their sidewalks with great bargains. Will you are downtown, be sure to stop by one of the eateries. You will find everything from ethnic foods to gourmet to home cooked goodies.

The Annie Oakley Center at Garst Museum is an attraction not to be missed any time of the year, however in July it is a "must see" for all ages. On Thursday, July 24, Garst Museum will again lead a pilgrimage to Annie Oakley’s grave at Brock Cemetery. The public is invited to join in the pilgrimage which leaves the museum at 7:00 pm. For more information about the museum, call (937) 548-5250.

Listed below are other events happening in Darke County during the month of July. For more information, check out our website at www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.

July 1 - 4 - Darke County Steam Threshers Reunion. Activities include wheat threshing, log sawing, various steam engines, tractors, gas engines, pump-jack gas engines, farm machinery and horses. A large flea market will be open each day along with plenty of entertainment for all ages. The cost per day is $5 for those over 16. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 am until 10:00 pm. The location for the Steam Threshers is north of Greenville on St. Rt. 127 North in the York Woods. Call (765) 418-4308 or visit their website at www.darkecountysteam.com.

July 9 - 12 - Greenville's Farm Power of the Past. Activities include threshing, bailing, tractor pulls, gas engine machines, antiques, classic tractors, draft tractors and equipment, a flea market with crafts, food, music, and camping at the Darke County Fairgrounds. Admission for those 12 and over is $3. Passes are available for $10, which covers all four days. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Call (937) 548-3709 or visit their website at www.greenvillefarmpower.org.

July 18 - Tuned into Nature Summer Concert Series. The ninth annual “Tuned into Nature” Summer Concert Series features musicians performing in a natural setting. This month, enjoy a musical journey, as local musician, Bill Light, tells tales of his elaborate past. Many musical instruments and styles will be presented, interspersed with numerous stories from Bill’s book, “The Stories: a Journey Through Time”. The free monthly concerts take place behind the Nature Center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve’s outdoor stage from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Call (937) 548-0165 for information or visit www.darkecountyparks.org.

July 11 & 12 - Kings Royal.  Join thousands of dirt track enthusiasts on this royal weekend at Eldora Speedway for World of Outlaws Sprints and NRA Sprint Invaders. Call (937) 338-3815 for tickets or log onto www.eldoraspeedway.com.

July 17 & 18 - Steak Fry at The Winery. Never been to a steak fry? Book now to discover what all the buzz is about. From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, bring along your friends and enjoy grilling delicious steaks and chicken on the grills at the Winery at Versailles. For the price, you'll also enjoy a buffet of food and a bottle of wine. Reservations recommended. Tax & tip extra. Call (937) 526-3232 for reservations or visit their website at www.wineryatversailles.com for more information.

July 17 - A Taste of Wine & Jazz. The Darke County Center for the Arts presents this annual sellout event at Montage in beautiful Downtown Greenville. Get your tickets early and join in this energizing and entertaining evening of great appetizers, wine and music.  Event starts at 6:30 pm. Cost is $30 per person. Call (937) 547-0908 or visit their website at www.centerforarts.net.

Blue-Ribbon Winning Cooking Classes at KitchenAid Experience. Monday through Saturday learn tips to achieve professional results in your very own kitchen! Visit their Heritage Museum, take a factory tour and enjoy the free cooking shows at KitchenAid Experience Center in Downtown Greenville. Classes are free and open to the public at 10:30 am, Monday through Saturday. No advance registration is necessary.

During the month of July, enjoy special afternoon classes at 2:30 pm with the following recipes:

Monday - Lemon Ice Cream with Raspberry sauce
Tuesday - Lemon Parsley stuffing
Wednesday - Peanut Butter Pie
Thursday - Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Friday - Supreme Sugar Free Ice Cream
Saturday - Guest Chefs

On Saturday, July 26, the "Sculptured Work of Art in Chocolate" by Frederick, pastry chef at Ghyslain Chocolatier will be on displace. For a complete schedule including recipes and coupons, sign-up for the free e-newsletter at www.kitchenaid.com/experience. or call 1-888-886-8318.

FIREWORKS!

Celebrate this GREAT! Country on Independence Day by attending one of these fireworks displays and other events.

Union City - July 3
Harter Park

Ansonia - July 3
American Legion

New Madison - July 4
Civic Center

Greenville - July 5
Eagles Park - Shade Rd.

 

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Farmers' Market

Arcanum Farmers' Market in Veterans Park is open for business offering homemade and homegrown goods Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm through August 8.

(Director's comments: while you are in Arcanum, be sure to stop in the Smith House Coffee Shop for breakfast or lunch. They have the best homemade sandwiches!) 




At the Downtown Greenville Farmers' Market
you will find award-winning fruits and vegetables, all natural pork, beef and chicken and home-made breads, pies, cookies and cakes! The Market runs from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm every Saturday through October, and 2:00 - 6:00 pm every Wednesday. Market Location is at 4th and Broadway, Downtown Greenville.
 
Call (937) 548-4998 to become a vendor. There is no charge to participate.

Union City Farmers' Market at the Union City Depot.
This market offers locally grown fruits & veggies as well as fresh bakes goods, honey, maple syrup, salsas, BBQ, cheese, flowers and jams / jellies. Call (765) 964-4010 for more information.

 



World's Longest Yard Sale Comes to Darke County

August 6 - 9, 2009

In today’s economic climate, folks are searching for bargains. Just read your local newspapers to see the long lists of garage sales and auctions. Why not get in on the action? Sort through your attic; clean out the garage; dust off grandma’s treasures and get ready for the 22nd Annual World’s Longest Yard Sale on US 127 from Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9.

Now that you are ready for the sale, get the word out. The Darke County Visitors Bureau creates two maps, one highlighting the sales along US127 in the county and another map for the City of Greenville.

Call today to add your sale to the list at no charge. Locations will be accepted until July 15. Call the Visitors Bureau at (937) 548-5158 or email deannayork@embarqmail.com with your name, location of your sale and a telephone number to reach you.

The maps will be available at www.127saleohio.com on or about July 31. Anyone can access and print the maps from this website. A limited quantity will be printed by the Visitors Bureau and circulated at York Woods and other designated sites to be determined.

For more information on the Ohio portion of the World’s Longest Yard Sale which runs from the Michigan border to the Ohio River, check out www.127saleohio.com.

 
To request a visitor packet, click here.
CONTENTS © 2009, DARKE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU