Earlier this month, the annual Crawford County event started by the Tiro Tavern drew bikers and testicle lovers with its slogan: “You’ll have a Ball.”
It is not the first, and it is not the biggest, but it seems people really have a ball at Tiro’s testicle festival.
The website Ohio Festivals says 6oo pounds of battered and fried calve and pig testicles are sold annually.
We missed the Tiro’s bash, but don’t despair.
Good, old Ohio celebrates plenty of other things with rides, craft tables, food vendors and kids games.
Below are just a few of the more unique festivals coming up in the Buckeye state. They might sound wacky, but more often than not, there is a pretty good reason for the party.
Moonshine Festival
Where: New Straitsville
When: May 22 to 26
Description: "Located in the rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio, the festival features a variety of events including a working Moonshine Still Display, local history museum, flea market vendors, moonshine burgers, moonshine pie, moonshine doggies, carnival rides and games, good food, souvenirs, talent show, Cruise-In, and two parades concluding with the Grande Parade on Memorial Day. Back by popular demand at the Moonshine Festival, we will have a Garden Tractor Pull and a Pedal Pull." Source: Ohio Festival and Event Association.
Washboard Music Festival
Where: Logan
When: June 12 to 14
Description: “Every year, on Father’s Day weekend, the downtown streets of Logan, Ohio, come alive with the celebration of the washboard as a musical instrument. Logan is the home of the Columbus Washboard Company, the only remaining washboard manufacturing company in the U.S.
Washboards continue to be used as instruments of laundry-day in some parts of the world, and they add decorative value to many homes. But, this artifact of the ages is more known as the source of that toe-tappin’ rhythm coming from Jug bands and Dixieland groups throughout the country.
It all began in rural America around mid-1800s, where music was a centerpiece of family entertainment, but money was scarce. So, the washboard, an empty jug, along with a stick and string attached to metal tub turned upside down, became the backwoods answer to Saturday Night at Carnegie Hall." (Source: Washboard Music Festival website.)
Raccoon County Music Festival
Where: Burton
When: Aug. 16
Description: "For nearly 35 years the festival has presented the best in regional roots music — music in the folk tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation." (Source Raccoon County Music Festival website.)
Woollybear Festival
Where: Vermilion
When: Sept. 28
Description: “The woollybear wackiness all started more than (four) decades ago. Northeast Ohio TV weatherman Dick Goddard of Fox8 TV in Cleveland talked with some friends and co-workers about his idea of a celebration built around using the woollybear to forecast what kind of winter is ahead.
In 1972 the newly-elected officers of the Parent Teachers Association at the Firelands-Florence Township Elementary School in the tiny community of Birmingham in Erie County were looking around for a vehicle to raise funds. They heard about Goddard's idea of a Woollybear Festival. They contacted him and offered to stage the festival with his help." (Source: Vermilion Chamber of Commerce website."
Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival
Where: Coshocton
When: Oct. 17-19
Description: “Host to over 100 talented artisans and crafters, this festival celebrates the sights, sounds and scents of autumn. Smell the fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire as you stroll through the village to a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and tunes from days gone-by.
You'll find fun, unique contests to enter, various educational and entertaining outdoor demonstrations and strolling characters throughout the weekend." (Source: Historic Roscoe Village's website)
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