The theme for Ohio Chautauqua 2012 is, “When Ohio was the Western Frontier,” and will feature historical characters from that era including Margaret Blennerhassett and Johnny Appleseed. Blennerhassett has been researched and will be performed by Debra Conner and Appleseed has been researched and will be performed by Hank Fincken. Conner has local ties to the area. She said her family was originally from Mason, W.Va. and she even got her first kiss years ago under the Gazebo in the Gallipolis City Park where she will be performing this summer. “It’s been a sweet trip back to this area,” she said.
Ohio Chautauqua 2012 organizers and volunteers gathered in the Gallipolis City Park Thursday to discuss the upcoming visit to Gallia County. This summer’s performance will mark the fourth visit to Gallipolis in Chautauqua’s 14-year run. Gallia committee member Ray McKinniss, pictured, speaks to those in attendance.
GALLIPOLIS — Gallia County is in for a treat again this year as Ohio Chautauqua makes its way to the Gallipolis City Park for the fourth time in its 14-year history, and county officials call it the ‘signature event’ on a lineup of summer activities.
The theme for Ohio Chautauqua 2012 is, “When Ohio was the Western Frontier,” and will feature naturalist and folk hero Johnny Appleseed, frontier aristocrat Margaret Blennerhassett, Iriquois leader Chief John Logan, Lewis and Clark expedition member York, and the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie Oliver Hazard Perry.
Ohio Chautauqua 2012 is presented by the Ohio Humanities Council and will fill the Gallipolis City Park with history, education and entertainment suitable for all ages from July 17-21. Characters will speak to visitors each day at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Bossard Memorial Library. Entertainment will begin nightly in the park at 6:45 p.m. with performances by scholars beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s a good thing for the local economy when the hotels are full, the restaurants have customers, and there are visitors spending money in our community,” said Director of the Gallia County Convention and Vistor’s Bureau Bob Hood. “People follow Ohio’s Chautauqua, the scholars become attracted to communities such as ours. You won’t find any better entertainment at a better price with a more scenic environment.”
Local entertainment will include the Community Men’s Chorus, the Sweet Adalines, Robert Fulton, Native American dancers and the Riverby Theater Guild.
“We want to personally thank each and every one of our sponsors,” added Hood. “Without them, this would not have been possible. It’s a huge investment for a community of our size, and it’s great to know that our business and community leaders take a stake in what we do.”
For additional details, contact the Ohio Humanities Council via their website at www.ohiohumanities.org.
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