The term “Appalachia” refers to the geographical and cultural area along the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States from western New York state to northern Alabama and Mississippi. The Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) designated this region in 1965.

Appalachian Ohio includes suburbs of Cincinnati, Amish communities, small river towns, farmlands, forests, cities, and includes 32 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

This summer you can learn more about Appalachian history and how your rural ancestors lived by attending festivals and events in Ohio. Children will develop a deeper understanding of family traditions and customs of rural and urban Appalachia areas. Knowledge of the history and heritage of our roots instills kinship connection and pride.

The annual Dogwood Festival in Piketon, Ohio (Pike County) is April 27-30, 2018. Enjoy the quilt show, making of apple butter, wood workers, fiddle contests, a parade, karaoke, bluegrass and Appalachian music. And the Appalachian Kitchen with yummy foods! www.ohio.org/events/dogwood-festival-0.

The 49th annual Appalachian Festival is May 11-13, 2018. The event draws around 30,000 people on Mother’s Day weekend at Coney Island in Cincinnati. The festival is managed by the Appalachian Community Development Council (ACDA), a non-profit organization promoting appreciation for Appalachian culture. What’s happening? Craft exhibits and demonstrations, storytelling, music, dancing, and eating. Around 1,500 school children take part in “Education Day” on the first day of the festival. Visitors can purchase tradition handmade Appalachian crafts. For ticket price information visit www.appalachianfestival.org/.

The Washboard Music Festival is June 15-17, 2018 in Logan, Ohio (Hocking County). The festival celebrates the role of the washboard on music styles from jazz to jug band to zydeco with 45 musicians providing non-stop free entertainment. Enjoy food, a parade, local artists and craft vendors. Sing along! www.washboardmusicfestival.com.

The Gallipolis River Recreation Festival is July 3-4, 2018. It’s the annual 4th of July celebration in Gallia County, Ohio at the historic Gallipolis City Park. Enjoy live entertainment, food, Baby Tot Sparkler Contest, a parade, and games for children. Fun in the park! www.gallipolisriverrec.com/.

Portsmouth River Days (Scioto County) is held annually and begins the Thursday before Labor Day through Labor Day Monday in September 2018. Enjoy the Grand Parade, Queens Pageant, music entertainment, arts and crafts, mid-way rides, delicious food, Antique and Collector Car Show, and the Fireworks Extravaganza. Family fun by the Ohio River! www.portsmouthriverdays.org/.

Bacon! The Appalachian Bacon Nation Festival is a celebration of bacon. The event takes place September 7-8, 2018 on downtown Main St. in Coshocton, Ohio. www.ourtowncoshocton.org.

The 2018 Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is September 7-9 at the Ohio River Levee on the corner of Front and Greene Streets in downtown Marietta (Washington County). Enjoy food, entertainment, and look at crafts. Fun in the fall sun!

www.ohioriversternwheelfestival.org/.

Mark your calendars for the 20th annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival, happening September 14-16, 2018. Ohio Pawpaw Festival is located at Lake Snowden – 5900 US 50 West, Albany, Ohio (about six miles west of Athens). What is a pawpaw? The pawpaw is a native tree fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor, with the mellowness of a banana and the slight tang of a sweet kiwi along with a tasty blend of papaya, banana, mango and pineapple. Wow! That’s some fruit. Presentations and activities cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability. A family environment is created by Kids Central, which provides hands-on activities. For more info about admission prices visit www.ohiopawpawfest.com/.The Sternwheel River Festival in Pomeroy, Ohio (Meigs County) is September 20-22, 2018. Enjoy music, A Duck Derby, chili cook-off, Queen Pageant, contests, and of course, view the sternwheel boats. Go rolling on the river! www.ohio.org/events/sternwheel-river-festival.

Show your Appalachian Ohio roots and pride by attending festivals, events, and happenings in 2018. And have fun as well!

Melissa Martin, Ph.D, is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist.

She resides in southern Ohio. www.melissamartinchildrensauthor.com.