Blog

Here are some fun fall things to do and places to shop in Jefferson County:-

Rudy’s Farm Fresh Produce – located on SR 43 between Richmond & East Springfield

It’s All Good Farm – located at 101 Tanner Street, Smithfield

Farmers Gateway Market – Wednesdays, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Blessed Sacrament Church, Main Street, Wintersville

Downtown Steubenville Farmers’ Market – Thursdays, 8am to 2pm, Corner of S. 4^th and South Streets, Steubenville

Wednesdays in Wintersville: Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie – Sept. 4, 4:30-8:30pm, Main Street, Wintersville

County Road 39 Farm Festival – Sept. 14-15, 8am to 5pm, 775 Co Rd 39, Bloomingdale; food, live entertainment, and Car Cruise-in on Sunday 1-4pm.

Saturday Market on Fourth – Sept. 21, 10am to 1pm, N. 4^th Street, Steubenville

Fall Festival – Sept. 28, 10am to 4pm, Exquisite Creations by Joel, Wintersville

First Fridays on Fourth: Fall Festival – October 4, 6pm to 11pm, 4^th Street, Steubenville

Festival in the Woods – October 5, 10am to 5pm, 210 S. Park Street, Richmond; huge craft/vendor show, food.

Saturday Market on Fourth – October 19, 10am to 1pm, N. 4^th Street, Steubenville

Focus in Toronto, a local non-profit organization, hosts the Toronto Art Festival in downtown Toronto Ohio each Labor Day Weekend. 

The festival offers a large variety of food from food trucks and a selection of homemade foods and desserts at the Riverview United Methodist Church, where customers will be able to sit and dine inside the air-conditioned downstairs.  There will also be lemonade stands and flavored shaved ice available.  Toronto Lions Cub will sell its popular chicken dinners in Styrofoam to-go boxes.

There will be plenty of live entertainment, with bands, area vocalists and other performers.

In addition multiple vendors will be selling  a variety of handmade arts and crafts.

Details of vendors and entertainment may be found on the festival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TorontoOHArtFestival/

This year’s festival will take place the weekend of August 30 – September 1.  Located at the city’s Gazebo Commons.  Tents, canopies and booths will be placed on the grounds around the First Presbyterian and Riverview United Methodist churches and areas along North Third and Main Streets.   Hours are Saturday, August 31^st from10am – 6pm and Sunday, September 1st, from 11am – 5pm.

The amazing expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with their trusty dog Seaman, native American Sacagawea, and African American York, will be displayed in a new mural crafted by international mural artist Kyle Holbrook on a building in downtown Steubenville this summer.

“It was truly a serendipitous moment when we met Kyle last summer,” said Judy Bratten, Director of Historic Fort Steuben and the Visitor Center that maintains the murals. “He was bicycling down 4^th Street and started talking to me and Mayor Jerry Barilla about the murals in town, with no idea that we were the ones who handled them!”

Holbrook, a resident of Pittsburgh, has created murals in 43 countries and 49 states, with a particular emphasis on positively influencing the social environment. The artist took time to do extensive research on the Corps of Discovery, noting that the Lewis and Clark Expedition holds significance for various diverse populations such as Native Americans, African Americans, and veterans. The expedition, which took place from 1803 to 1806, was an important chapter in American history and had a huge impact.

“The Mayor and I had been talking about developing a mural to honor the Expedition, especially since Historic Fort Steuben is now part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service,” Bratten explained. “Meriwether Lewis had to stop in the small town of Steubenville on his way down the Ohio River to meet Clark in Indiana. As a result, Steubenville is included in Lewis’ journals.”

There is an extensive display in the Fort Steuben Visitor Center on the expedition, with activity booklets for youngsters who want to participate in the NPS Junior Ranger Program.

For more information, call 740-283-1787.

Back for a second year is the Steubenville Cultural Trust’s Catfish Crawl. The display will run from July 1st through September 1st. This year nine catfish will be on display, including four making their debut.

Each of the catfish was painted by a local artist. Next to each 5 foot statue there will be a fun or historical fact about the Ohio River.

The Catfish Crawl is intended to draw visitors to downtown Steubenville for the summer months. The first year went well drawing attention from neighboring communities and being featured in the Facebook group Ohio Road Trips.

The walking tour is free, self-guided and available 24/7.

The Catfish featured in this article is located by the fountain at Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd Street.

For information on the Catfish Crawl ArtWalk, visit steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com/catfish.html

Friendship Park in Smithfield, Ohio, will open the new adaptive launch to the public in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 am.

The Coast Guard Flotilla 082-07-02 will be available from 9:00 – 11:00 am for complementary vessel inspections with a safety class beginning at 10:00 am. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 am with festivities continuing through 2:00 pm.

Food will be provided by Crossroads Christian Church Wintersville, Ice Cream Island food truck will be on-site, and raffle tickets for a chance to win a kayak donated by Friends of Smithfield will be sold for $10 each. The drawing will be held at 2:00 pm with proceeds benefiting the Paddle Sports Program at the park. 

On December 14, 2023 Jefferson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a nearly $75,000 adaptive kayak launch to be engineered by BoardSafe Dock Systems and installed at Friendship Park using American Rescue Plan funds. The adaptive launch provides safe means to launch paddle craft vessels making the lake more accessible for those with and without physical impairments.

For more information visit the Friendship Park District page on Facebook or email friendshippark@jeffersoncountyoh.com.

As an entertainment icon, Dean Martin is remembered every year in his hometown of Steubenville. The 2024 Dean Martin Festival will highlight his music and life June 13-15.

The center of the celebration is held at The Spot Bar with a karaoke contest on Thursday evening, a tribute to Dean Martin by Russ Loniello on Friday evening, and entertainment by Bob Morelli (Dean Martin) and Dave Salera (Frank Sinatra) followed by Joe Scalissi with a Dean Martin tribute on Saturday evening.

On Thursday evening, the Fort Steuben Concert Series will present Dean Martin themed performances by Bob Morelli, the Vince Villanova Big Band, and a Rat Pack Tribute show.

Other events offered around town include opening the Dean Martin Room at the Jefferson County Historical Museum on Saturday from 11-4. Earlier on Saturday morning, runners & walkers can participate in the Dino Dash 5K in the beautiful Beatty Park with music (Nail City Brass Band, 8:30-10:30am), refreshments for all, and information canopies for Dean Martin Association, Friends of Beatty Park and Jefferson County Genealogy Society. The Steubenville Visitor Center will offer Dino’s Downtown Trolley Rides from 11-4 on Saturday highlighting the significant sites and many of the City of Murals artworks.

Throughout Saturday, the Visitor Center will host a display of Dean Martin memorabilia and run a video of clips from Martin’s movies and television show where he mentions his hometown: “Sweet Memories of Steubenville.” The Steubenville Art Association will have a show and sale of original work related to the day.

As part of the celebration, Historic Fort Steuben will offer reduced entrance fees and have displays on Steubenville history. Downtown shops will have Dean Martin specials as well.

For more information on these and other attractions in Steubenville, contact the Steubenville Visitor Center, 740.283.4935 or go to www.VisitSteubenville.com.

“Cleopatra’s Fan,” “Wild Blossoms,” “Paradise Crossroads,” and “Puppy Love” are just a few of the themes on display at the Annual Spring Quilt Show at the Visitor Center at Historic Fort Steuben that will run from April 7-21.

“Over thirty quilters from Ohio and West Virginia have submitted their creations for the exhibit,” explained Judy Bratten, Director of Historic Fort Steuben. “Over the years, we have seen an amazing variety of patterns and designs, each one unique. Many of them have stories attached!”

“We know that history can be found in letters, diaries, photographs, and artifacts. These quilts are also a source of knowledge about the times when they were created,” Bratten said. “From the designs, fabrics, and manner of quilting, we can learn about the everyday life of people in that time period. For example, during the Great Depression many quilts were make from feed sacks – quilters used whatever was available. Today there is an industry dedicated to producing fabrics and supplies just for quilters.”

The quilts in this year’s show reflect a variety of techniques as well as designs. Some are hand quilted and pieced while others are machine worked. Some include buttons and ribbons while others are made from tee shirts. Both men and women are participating in the show reminding visitors that quilting is a skill not limited to sex or age.

“For some people, quilting is a hobby as well as a way of artistic expression. But over the years, creating a quilt was a community project. Women would gather around the huge quilting frame and share their thoughts, troubles, and joys with each other as they stitched. That still happens today, more likely in a quilting class, but many work on the piecing on their own,” Bratten noted.

Visitors can vote for their favorite quilt at $1/vote. They can also purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a beautiful quilt made by local artist Helen Sweeney; the raffle will run until June 3^rd.

The exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is free to the public. Historic Fort Steuben is located at 120 S. 3^rd Street in Steubenville, Ohio. For more information call 740.283.1787.

Open House – Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the our office: 501 Fifth Street, Stratton, Ohio. Prize drawings every hour and will include: a book published by our Chapter, a free membership and a  free query. Free handouts packets will be available to all attendees. Tours of the office and genealogist and historians on hand to answer questions. Bring your research or laptop and we also have two computers with various sources available.

Steubenville Union Cemetery “Tour & More” –  Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bring a fold up chair and meet at the 1880 old stone bridge. Co-sponsored with the Friends of Beatty Park. There will be a presentation about tombstone inscriptions and symbols: what these etchings represent, a short history of the cemetery, the connection between historic Beatty Park (adjacent to the cemetery) and the cemetery. Our chapter will have a table set up with research handout helps. Attendees can browse and meet local volunteer genealogists and local historians, grab a light snack and drink (for a donation). Jeff Evans and Paul Zuros will follow the history presentation with walks to specific burial locations within the nearby oldest sections of the cemetery and share some interesting stories. This event will not disappoint. Come early! Park anywhere along the right side of the main road throughout the cemetery. (Do Not Park at Office)

Local Authors “Meet and Greet” Event – Saturday, November 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Stratton Municipal Building, 134 Second Ave., Stratton, Ohio. Local non fiction authors will display their publications. Books will be for sale and book signings as well.  Several authors will be invited to give a short presentation about their book and any upcoming books too. There will be a $5.00 raffle drawing every 30 mins. for free memberships, query research, and book give-aways. Authors names TBA soon. We plan to invite 10 to 12 local authors. Each will have their own table so that attendees can visit with each author of interest during the open house. Watch for updates on who will be attending and speaking!  A soup and sandwich fund raiser luncheon by the Stratton Fire Department during the event.

During the author “Meet and Greet” – Our chapter will have a genealogy table displaying our published genealogies and various publications, books, and indexes that our chapter has published since 1984 that are still available for sale. Our table will also include: chapter brochures, genealogy help handouts – all free. Bring your genealogy questions – there will be at least four researchers and local historians available to assist you.

The Jefferson County Chapter, Ohio Genealogical Society 501 Fifth Street, Stratton, Ohio, 43961 Office Hours – Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (1^st Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) Saturday and additional research hours – Appointment Only.

Mailing Address – P.O. Box 2367, Wintersville, Ohio 43953

Website – www.jeffcochapter.com

Email – jeffcochapter.com

Phone – 740-346-2820

Chapter President – Flora L. VerStraten-Merrin

Vice President – Matt Detchon

Recording Secretary – Rena Goss & Treasurer – Connie Rohall

It’s time to celebrate spring by attending the annual Steubenville Eggsibition & Storywalk from March 18 to May 14 which features over 30 18” to 36” uniquely designed Easter Eggs strategically situated in storefronts in the downtown area.

The Art Eggs – another creation of the Steubenville Cultural Trust who developed the Nutcracker Village – are also visible from outside for folks who just want to window shop. Maps for the egg hunt will be available at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse, participating businesses, and the Steubenville Visitor Center. After finding and viewing all the Art Eggs, “egg-hunters” will be able to stop in at the Steubenville Popcorn Company and choose a prize mini-egg and vote on their favorite. All the Art Eggs were painted by local artists and range from traditional Pysanky to depictions of scenes, personalities, or literary images.

As an added attraction, the Public Library of Steubenville & Jefferson County has created an Easter Egg StoryWalk to coincide with the Eggsibition. Pages of a story will be placed around town near each of the “hidden” eggs. Participants can collect a map from the Library or Leonardo’s and claim a prize at the downtown library when they have completed the Storywalk.

“It’s a great way to bring families downtown to celebrate the Easter season, to visit the local shops, to take ‘selfies’, and make memories,” noted Judy Bratten of the Steubenville Visitor Center. “The StoryWalk is part of the library’s efforts to increase literacy and encourage community involvement.”

“Egg decorating has been around for so long that historians aren’t even certain when the practice first began,” Bratten added. “I’ve read that engraved ostrich eggs have been found in Africa that date back 60,000 years. But decorating for spring and especially for the Easter season is an established practice now. Christians adopted the practice of egg decoration early on as they stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ. Each culture has developed its own particular style of decorating.”

Lead designer and creator of the Eggsibition and the Nutcracker Village, Therese Fedoryka, was inspired by the Easter tradition in the Ukraine, Poland and Austria, where giant decorated eggs are displayed in town squares and public places. She sees these events as part of a larger revitalization effort that brings businesses and the arts together.

“We started doing the eggs in 2017,” she said. “The nutcrackers had been very successful two years in a row — the eggs had actually been a plan since before Nutcracker Village was born. The idea was to hide the eggs so visitors would be required to go around town and find the stores, maybe find businesses they didn’t know existed. The idea was to encourage revitalization in spring as well as winter.”

The eggs are displayed 24/7 but visitors are encouraged to check store hours if they want to patronize the business as well. The Steubenville Popcorn Company and Leonardo’s Coffeehouse are located at 159 N. 4^th Street and the Steubenville Visitor Center is at 120 S. 3^rd Street. Selfies can be shared on Facebook #SteubieArtEggs.