To showcase Columbus Zoo, Newport Aquarium

This September the Lawrence County Fairgrounds will come alive with the county’s bicentennial festival over Labor Day weekend.

“We’ve been trying to do something every month for the bicentennial,” Shirley Dyer, director of the county chamber of commerce, said. “We thought over Labor Day weekend a craft festival would go over.”

The livestock arena will be taken over with craft and food vendors. There will also be a 4-K run and the Ohio State University Extension Office will have games for children and a spelling bee for senior citizens.

“They are coming up with things that are really unique,” Dyer said.

There will also be an obstacle course throughout the fairgrounds for youth.

“It is an opportunity for them to show that 4-H is not just about an animal project,” Joe Jenkins, committee member, said.

Each day at noon the Columbus Zoo will show off a variety of zoo animals with a special lecture. Then, at 2:30 p.m. on both days, the Newport Aquarium will offer its mobile shark tank along with penguins and a program on reptiles.

“We want to reach to folks to bring in their animals and let people see their animals,” Jenkins said. “People are looking forward to our cornhole tournament. We hope to crown a Lawrence County champion.”

Volunteers are needed for the two-day event and anyone interested can contact Jenkins or Dyer at 740-377-4550 or jjenkins@briggslibrary.com.

“We want it to be a true festival celebrating Lawrence County’s bicentennial and a fun time for the entire family,” Jenkins said. “For folks not traveling that weekend, they can come to the festival and have a good time.”