Ashland BalloonFest

Fly high this summer in Ashland

The Ashland Ohio Balloonfest is such a beloved community event that it’s been going strong for 28 years! For one weekend in June, come and feel the excitement of enormous and colorful hot air balloons as they tower over you and soar away! There are other activities that the whole family can enjoy besides watching the balloons. There are balloon races, stage performances, sports tournaments, food and drink, and much more.

Every year, there is always over 20 to 30 balloons participating. In 2005, the record was the highest at 39 balloons, but this depends on pilot schedules and sponsorships. In the past, there have been shaped balloons, such as a Santa Claus, the Purple People Eater, a large-sized American flag, and a pink monster truck. Everyone in your family will enjoy the blue Ashland skies as the hot air balloons fill the sky for this memorable weekend.

Ashland County Fair

A fun time for all

Every September, Ashland County hosts their annual fair. If you go, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy events such as OSTPA Modified Tractor Pull, Harness Racing, Ashland County Tractor Pull, Lawn Mower Derby, Motocross, and Open Demolition Derby. Food, music, and fun will be had for the duration of the fair as well. Coined “the fair for families,” every year the fair introduces new concepts. In 2017, they featured a catch-and-release fishing tank and a roving puppeteer. Of course, the coordinators of the fair keep everyone’s favorites in the line-up like the Ashland County Fair Idol contest, livestock shows, and tractor pulls. For more information, visit their website and plan your visit to the fair.

Honey Haven Fall Festival

Get your fall fix

From the end of September through October, Honey Haven Farm hosts their annual Fall Festival. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon with family and friends meandering around the farm and participating in various fall-related activities.

Take a horse-drawn wagon ride to the field to pick the best pumpkins, then test your strength and accuracy at the pumpkin slingshots, or experience the fun of shooting one of their air-powered corn cannons. There are fun things for your little ones as well. There’s an indoor straw maze that’s free for children ages 10 and under, and there’s also a small barnyard zoo, which is free too. Navigate through the farm’s 8-acre daytime corn maze, then, after you’ve worked up an appetite, shop the country store for fall produce, local honey, maple syrup, and other tasty food items to take home.

For immediate hunger relief, try some of the farm’s try some homemade pumpkin ice cream, apple dumpling and donuts, fresh apple cider, or tasty sandwiches and side dishes, all reasonably priced and mouthwatering. In the store, you’ll also find festive fall decorations and unique craft items. After you’ve filled up on fall favorites, spend time browsing their weekly craft show, which features local artisans’ work.

Ashland Christmas Parade

Start your holiday season in Ashland

Downtown Ashland will be lit up for this annual celebration, and you know that Main Street is going to look spectacular. Come downtown with the whole family and help the town officially welcome Santa to Ashland! If you would like to be a part of the festivities and join in the parade, you can fill out a registration form on Ashland Main Street’s website.

Ashland County Historical Society

A piece of history

Working to preserve the history of Ashland County, The Ashland County Historical Society Museum is committed to the area. The campus includes three houses: the manor house, which was built in 1859, the carriage house where the Thornburg Museum of Natural History is exhibited on the second floor, and the newly constructed Eloise Ridgeway Noonan House. The museum features many collections for you to discover, including paper weights, pressed and colorful glassware, dolls, period furniture and clothing, porcupine quill boxes, Indian artifacts, and other local history items. The museum buildings are open for tours year round during office hours. Special or group tours can be arranged by calling the office in advance. The museum is free and open to the public. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today.

Brookside Golf Course

This course is a hole-in-one

Brookside Golf Course is an 18-hole, public, daily-fee course located in beautiful north central Ashland County. It boasts of being one of the finest maintained and operated facilities in the State of Ohio. The course is open seven days a week, from daylight to dark. 

Brookside provides all the amenities of a full-service golf facility while maintaining its moderately priced green fees. Gas and electric carts, pull carts, and rental clubs are available. Attached to the course is an 8-acre driving range with short game area, practice bunker, and a separate practice putting green. What more could you ask for? There is also a clubhouse that includes a sit-down sandwich and snack bar area. A covered pavilion with charcoal grills and electricity is on the premises and available for larger parties and outings.

Year round, Ashland County provides unique opportunities and outings that are sure to cater to your individual interests and wants. Look no further than Ashland the next time you decide to plan an activity for a date, your family, or your friends.

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