by Cayla Destefani

It’s now halfway through September and holidays are quickly on their way. Many local festivals will be starting up soon to get the community into the holiday spirit, and some others are just for fun! Many people are unaware of what is coming up soon, so to make Bellbrook aware of how to get into the holiday spirit here is what is happening locally.

Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival
When: 9/20 5pm-9pm, 9/21 10am-8pm, 9/22 11am-5pm
Where: 2624 North US Hwy 68, Urbana, Ohio 43078
What: Live music, mouth-watering seafood, games, trout feeding frenzy, sand castle play zone, petting zoo
Who: Freshwater Farms
More information- http://fwfarms.com/festival/

King’s Island Halloween Haunt
When: 9/21-10/27 on Friday and Saturday evenings
Where: King’s Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, Ohio 45040
What: Roller coasters, Halloween shows, walk through exhibits (This event is meant for mature audiences and is not recommended for children.)
Who: King’s Island
More information- http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/Attractions/detail.asp?AttractionID=526&Attraction=Halloween+Haunt+at+King%92s+Island

Ohio Swiss Festival
When: 9/26-9/28
Where: Sugarcreek, Ohio
What: Wine and cheese samples, parade, musical entertainment, crowning festivities
Who: Little Switzerland of Ohio
More information- http://www.villageofsugarcreek.com/ohioswissfest/

Oktoberfest
When: 9/27 7pm-11pm, 9/28 12pm-11pm, 9/29 12pm-7pm
Where: Dayton Art Institute 458 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, Ohio 45405
What: Unique food, craft and beers, kid’s art/ activities, live music, artisans
Who: Miller Light
More information- https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/events-activities/oktoberfest

Christmas in the Park
When: 12/14 5pm-7pm
Where: Bellbrock Park, Bellbrook, Ohio
What: Lighting ceremony, hot chocolate, local music groups, santa, donations of food/ clothes, bake sale, gingerbread house contest
Who: Bellbrook Community
More information- http://www.bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org/programs/special_events

Sugarplum Festival of Trees
When: 11/22- 11/24
Where: Presidential Banquet Center, 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio
What: Tree auction, vendors, Christmas spirit
Who: Dayton Children’s Medical Center
More information-http://www.childrensdayton.org/cms/events/3a8dbbd909719f9e/index.html