From Ohio’s highest point to its largest manmade lake to its oldest attraction, Logan County stands as a memorable place to live … and visit. Which is why even a string of cold, rainy days couldn’t keep people from enjoying all the county has to offer in a seven-day exploration during National Tourism Week, May 1-7.
Following the theme “Tourism Starts at Home,” the fun got rolling this past Sunday afternoon with a showing of the classic 1973 movie American Graffiti at The Holland Theatre, complete with free popcorn. Though the turnout was small, it was a good start to the week ahead.
But what took this event — and the ones to follow — up a notch was the addition of a scavenger hunt using an app called GooseChase. Once it’s downloaded, participants create a profile. Then they can earn points in three ways—checking in using GPS, taking a photo of a building or landmark, or answering questions related to the locations.
“We have 66 people registered and 40 actively participating,” said Emily Walters, Logan County Visitors Bureau director. “It’s been fun. We’ve watched a mother-and-son team battle for first with the Bellefontaine mayor most of the week.”
The numerous activities included a smaller scavenger hunt with free hotdogs at the Logan County History Center, historical tours of the Sandy Beach Bridge and Lady of Fatima shrine at Indian Lake, and hanging out with your favorite canine at one of the many local dog parks. But Thursday was an especially busy day with several options for participants in the West Liberty area.
Starting at the Ohio Caverns at noon — with more free hotdogs — participants were then invited to tour Piatt Castle Mac-a-Cheek, where they received a sample of Marie’s Candies. People could then head to West Liberty, where they could explore deals at downtown establishments while enjoying a sandwich from the Pig in a Pickle food truck.
The day capped off at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new West Liberty mural along U.S. Route 68. The mural is on the south outside wall of Neer & Farm, 114 S. Detroit St., next to Solomon’s Garage.
The West Liberty Village Council commissioned Elle A. Design to create the mural. Owner and designer Lindsey McGlone said it took her and fellow designers Chelsea Bray and Lane Yoder approximately 40 hours, including meetings and brainstorming, to complete the project.
“It is beautiful,” West Liberty Mayor Jill McKelvey said to those who attended. “Thank you to the chamber for paying for something people will see as they come into town.”
Mayor McKelvey also participated in the scavenger hunt. In fact, one of the challenges was to take a selfie with her at any of the West Liberty activities where they happened to find her.
Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on two of the planned events—Marmon Valley Farm postponed its plans, which included a hayride, putt-putt and pony ride for $10 per child, until Tuesday, May 10, from 4-7 p.m.; and the First Friday Brewfest will now take place on Friday, June 3.
The scavenger hunt comes to an end at noon today. Once the results are in, the Logan County Visitors Bureau will contact the winners, who will be able to pick up their prizes at the bureau office, 100 S. Main St., next week.