Meigs County kicks
off its calendar of events every April with a Flower Festival
held in Racine. Floriculture is "big business" in Meigs County.
Our four dozen commercial greenhouse operations supply the
bedding plants for the Wal-Marts and K-Marts in ten states. Bus
tours are always welcome in the Greenhouse District.
Meigs County holds the
distinction of being home to Ohio's oldest standing courthouse.
The courthouse located in Chester, Ohio has a museum and
meeting rooms. The courthouse welcomes group tours and has a
variety of programs available to the public. For information
call: (740)992-2622.
Meigs County is also known for having Ohio's only Civil War
Battlefield, at Portland's Buffington Island Park. Visitors can
view a monument to the battle or climb a prehistoric Indian mound.
(Open year-round, dawn to dusk) Our Battle of Buffington Island
reenactment, held in Portland every July, features a Civil War
encampment and old time village. Re-enactors act out the battle,
and in the evening a traditional ball takes place while a Civil
War band performs.
Morgan's
Raid reenactment will take place again September 7-12, 2006
Our courthouse in Pomeroy is also a noteworthy
structure. Set into the side of a cliff, this three story
courthouse offers a ground level entrance on each story, gaining
it a mention in Ripley's Believe It or Not.
History buffs will
love visiting our local museum and historical society, which dates
back to 1876, the oldest in the state of Ohio.Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10-3. Group tours
welcome. New annex dedication October 23rd 2005. For information on history, genealogy or cemeteries of
the county, call the museum at (740) 992-3810.
The start of the spring season
each year brings great food and motorcycles to the riverfront area
of Pomeroy. The Gold
Wings and Ribs Festival is held on the Pomeroy Parking lot
the weekend following Memorial Day each year. The festival
brings in some of the the most beautiful motorcycles made from all
over the country as well as some of the best BBQ ribs you can find
anywhere. Rib vendors vie for the title of "Ohio's Best
Ribs" which is decided by peoples choice ballot. You'll find
great live entertainment, good food and a bunch of fun at the Gold
Wings and Ribs Festival, don't miss it...
For more information contact Paul Darnell at
740-541-0537
Visitors to Pomeroy
will want to check out our 54 foot heritage mural and outdoor
Riverside Amphitheater with seating for 500. Set on the river, the
Riverside Amphitheater is available for entertainment, cultural
programs or event rental. Call (740) 992-2239 for more
information. The Amphitheater is also the site of Pomeroy's
boat access. This access offers numerous services such as water,
electric, night lighting, security and rubbish removal. Listed
in Quimby's boating guide, this dock area can accommodate large
boats, such as the Delta Queen and other tour boat companies.
Victorian walking
tours are available for large and small groups. Our ten
authentic costumed guides lead you on a three block jaunt telling
you about our history, architecture and points of interest.
AtJorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, music
lovers can enjoy entry level to advanced workshops in guitar,
keyboard, bass, percussion, music management and much more.
Kaukonen, a resident of Meigs County and inductee in the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) runs the seasonal
camp, April through October. The camp is also available to rent
for social events, call (740)992-7595 for details.
Meigs Countyalso claims a few other unusual tourism businesses.
The Center for the Preservation of Medicinal Herbs and United
Plant Savers are located on the western end of our county in
Rutland. These businesses do research work on herbs and are
available to tour. Also, in Rutland you'll want to check out
Skatopia, a free skateboard park (740) 742-1000.
In August you'll want
to check out our county fair. The fair grounds are unique for two
reasons, the first being that the majority of the fair is on top
of a cliff while the grandstand sits below making it a two-level
fairground. The second unique feature is the curved wooden
grandstand. Listed on the national register of historic places
and built in 1889 it is the only one of its kind in the state of
Ohio.
Also, in August you
can catch the Noah's Ark presentation at the Hillside Baptist
Church. This outdoor drama features live animals, music and
interesting special effects. Show starts at 7 PM, concessions
available (740) 992-6768.
The last weekend in
September, Pomeroy is host to the Sternwheel Riverfest "Rally
by the River". Sternwheelers and pleasure boaters from all
over come to this 3 day festival. The festival is opened with a
fire truck parade with a variety of models and vintage vehicles
from adjoining counties. Activities include live entertainment,
parade, chili cook off, line throwing competition, a Sexy Men's
Legs Contest, crafters, food vendors, and children's activities.
For information contact the tourism office at 740 992-2239.
