Anna Homecoming

Like a lot of communities my hometown of Anna has an annual festival complete with parade. The homecoming queen competition is huge and is where the festival gets its name--"Anna Homecoming".



This year my wife and I made our annual pilgrimage with our grandchildren. We have seven; three girls and four boys. We missed the parade and the kids are more interested in games and rides than they are homecoming competitions so I have no pictures of those events.



This is definitely a kid friendly event, with rides for young and old.

My granddaughters tried out he face painting booth.



They rode every ride there with the Musical Swings, Tempest and the Fun Slide being their favorites.







As you can see the girls have a bit of a competitive streak in them.

They even had a small coaster. It took several times through but two of the boys finally got to ride in the first car.



One of the boys went in the Run-A-Muck fun house and never came out. We waited and waited and finally had to track him down. We found him hiding in the ball pit.



While Nanna and the kids took a break for some food and drink, I cruised over to the car show and took these.



How cool to find a Buckeye Car for the My Hometown Ohio blog.



I just loved this patriotic Dodge and who doesn't love Betty Boop.



This last one is my favorite night shot.



These community festivals are a great way to get out and have some good ole fashion family fun. We make the trip every year and every year the kids can't wait to do it again.

Left Click on any Image for are larger view.

Rushsylvania

Growing up with Béla Lugosi as Dracula and Lon Chaney Jr's werewolf its hard for me not to think of Transylvania any time I find a town who's name ends in -sylvania. But there's nothing spooky about this little town. It is small, only about a half block long. For it's size I found an abundant amount of things to shoot, starting with this great mural.



They even managed to squeeze in a park complete with this 3 inch Gun from the past.



The Old Township Hall adds to the rustic feel of the place.



I had been through the town before and was planning on having lunch at Michael Angelo's Pizza. Unfortunately it was closed. In fact the only thing I found open was the Marathon Gas Station.



The town has a very nice and modern looking firehouse with a small glassed in museum in the front. On display were some fire fighting equipment from the past and a nicely restored 1884 Rumsey Hand Drawn Pumper. Due to the limited shooting space, I was unable to get a picture of the pumper.





Like a lot of small towns the railroad goes through on the edge of town where the old grain elevator sits.



I just love finding and exploring these small hometowns. Sometimes it might take a little work but you will find something if you look hard enough.

Sculptures on the Square (Troy)

Towns featuring sculptures seems to be a growing trend. I recently visited Troy and found these. There are over 20 sculptures. Most of them are bronze figures but there is the occasional abstract to keep you guessing.

I really liked this one titled "High Spirits".



This one called "Watchful Doe" was a favorite with the kids.



"Water Dance" featuring an otter and turtle was in my opinion one of the better bronze sculptures.



My favorite capture for the day was this one. There are actually three figures, I just included two in my picture. The piece is titled "Confessions"



You do not have to walk far to see the sculptures and there is plenty to look at and explore in downtown Troy to make it worth a visit.

Holy Angels Parish Picnic

One of the things that I remember growing up is going to the Parish Picnic. My dad would have a beer or two, or three...you get the idea. My mom would not be happy unless she won a cake and had some quality BINGO time. For me it was all about the food "Love those chicken dinners" and GAMBLING for real money--what a treat!. There were plenty of ways to squander a buck or two but my favorite was the Chuck-A-Luck Wheel.



The rides have been around for awhile but back in my day you spent your money on three things--Food, Beer and Gambling. I think the rides have become almost expected in today's market.





Entertainment has always been on hand. Of course back then it was Old Country today it was Rock-N-Roll. The band was actually pretty good.



Entrepreneur's are also welcomed. A neighbor boy of mine setup a "Marshmallow Gun" booth. The guns proved to be a hot item and he sold out before the evening ended.



He said he lost track of how many people commented on the misspelling of Marshmallow on the sign. He said he was using it as a marketing tool.

Besides the food--can you say funnel cakes and sugar waffles. It's always nice just to run into people you know but don't get to see very often.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum (Wapakoneta)

July 20th 2009 will mark the 40 year anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historical first step on the moon.



I have passed by the museum many times but had never visited it until now.



The museum chronicles Neil Armstrong, who is a Wapakoneta native achievements.



There is plenty to see and appreciate. There are interactive displays as well as a theater. This moon rock is one of the largest I've seen.



There are numerous Apollo 11 artifacts, a Gemini VIII Space craft and the experimental F5D Skylancer Plane that Armstrong flew in preparation for space flight.





I was surprised to find the amount and quality of material on display at the museum and was glad I went.

Farmers Market (Sidney)

Every year from June to October on Saturday mornings you can find the Farmers Market in downtown Sidney around the Court Square.

It's a great place to pickup fresh fruits and vegetables.





Flowers are also available. These were being sold by "Herbs, Flowers, Produce, & More". Justin Mohler and Lisa Vondenhuevel run the stand.



My wife is the fruit and veggie shopper. I like checking out and looking for the odd items, like these Kiln Formed Bottles by Sarah Barr, a local Glass Artist. They make a great cheese severing tray as well a conversation piece.



Weather permitting it's a popular event and draws a pretty good crowd.



I think it's a great way to start your Saturday morning.

One of the best uses I've seen for a closed church...

In the tiny intersection town of Scotch Ridge, just a few miles west of Pemberville, stands THIS little gem. Formerly the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, the congregation folded a short while back. I don't know exactly how long ago, but my guess is that they merged with the Presbyterian church in Pemberville. At any rate, the church itself was sold, and is now the private home of the VERY lucky Martin family.

It appears to be impeccably maintained. Even the bell is still in the bell tower, and perhaps they can still ring it.

I hope they leave this board up, just as it is!
How would you like to read your evening paper ... or any other good book (Good Book?) ... by the light of the sun shining through THIS?!