COLUMBUS, OH – The 16th Annual Forest Heritage Festival will be held at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover on October 21 and 22 (Friday and Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry.
The festival features entertainment, food, games, craft booths, demonstrations, and an old-time fiddling contest. Admission and parking are free.
“The Forest Heritage Festival is northeast Ohio’s celebration of professional woodland stewards and the products, tools and expertise of the forest industry,” said Robert Boyles, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We encourage woodland owners and other visitors to take advantage of a variety of educational activities featured at the festival.”
The festival also plays an important role for Akron Children’s Hospital. Co-sponsored by the East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter and the New Philadelphia Wal-Mart, the Forest Heritage Festival has donated nearly $900,000 to the hospital – including $80,000 last year alone – as part of the Log-a-Load for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network programs.
These proceeds are raised through exhibitor fees, a silent auction, donations, food sales and a charity auction that will be held October 22 (Saturday) at 11 a.m. The auction will feature many Amish-made furniture items, quilts, autographed photos and sports memorabilia, and many other woodcraft, tools, and related items.
The always exciting Great Lakes Timber Show will feature professional logger competition, the RC Tuff Truck Pulls will thrill audiences, and wildlife and forestry workshops for landowners will be available.
The Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau has partnered with the festival again this year and will present the Storybook Barn with fun and lessons for all ages.
For more information and schedules, visit www.forestheritagefestival.com or contact Karen Korns at (330) 339-3991.
Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry’s web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.
For more information, contact:
Greg Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry
740. 774. 1596 extension 106
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842