LOOKING FOR SOMETHING to do this weekend? For a community where many uninformed people clamor that there is nothing to do here, a person doesn’t need to look any further than this Saturday to see that Switzerland County is a pretty busy place.
— Down at the river at the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, there is a fishing derby for kids going on; and while you’re down at the Ohio you may also want to participate in the annual Ohio River Sweep that is going on at locations all around Switzerland County. That project is under the supervision of Caren Griffith; and volunteers are needed to help keep our riverfront clean.
— Sports your game? Well gather a team and head to the Old Gym, where the local scouts are hosting a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Mount St. Helens. There’s still time to register, and it should be a lot of fun for everyone.
Like your sports without as much activity? Then you can spent Saturday morning at the high school softball diamond watching a junior varsity doubleheader against Jac-Cen-Del.
The varsity team is undefeated this year, and the jayvee players have been big contributors to that success. Head over to the field (behind Jefferson-Craig Elementary) and cheer on the Lady Pacers.
— Looking to get into the “Great Outdoors”? Head over to Popcorn Ridge and participate in Josiah and Wanda Leatherbury’s trail ride.
Everyone who knows Joe knows what fun this will be; and along with the fun of riding, everyone can also get some valuable information on handling horses and other bits and pieces of Joe’s words of wisdom.
If the weather stays nice, it will be a great day for a ride along the ridge.
— You may also want to drop by the Switzerland County 4-H Fairgrounds to wander through the animal and plant swap meet that Angie Satterfield is organizing.
Camping is available if you want to get there Friday night; and there are vendor spaces available if you want to make a little extra cash or do some bartering.
Supplies to help keep those animals and plants looking good will also be available during the meet, and of course there will be plenty of good food.
— Seeking a bit of history? The Musee de Venoge farmstead will be hosting a living history event both Saturday and Sunday.
When you’re discussing a building on the property that’s still standing about 200 years after it was built, it gives everyone an appreciation of the quality and craftsmanship of those early settlers.
The event is celebrating Louis Gex-Oboussier purchasing the property where the farmstead now stands, and those wanting to get some hands on historical experience can also lend a hand with the restoration of the roof on the building using period tools under the direction of experts in restoration.
There will also be demonstrators, and musicians will entertain everyone; so Saturday might be the perfect day to head up State Road 129 from Vevay and check it out.
— As you head through town, be sure and stop for a moment and purchase a poppy being sold by the American Legion Auxiliary for the benefit of veterans and their families who have fallen on hard times.
I make a point to purchase one each time the ladies are out, and I wrap it around my rearview mirror in my vehicle. You would be surprised how many times you catch a glimpse of something like that, and remember the sacrifices that have been made.
— By the time you get through all of those things, you might want to take a nap and take it easy through the evening; but this Saturday you’ve got a choice of things to do.
— There’s a dance for senior citizens at the Jack Sullivan Building of the Switzerland County Senior Citizens Center. As my boss is fond of reminding me, “growing old is no excuse for growing up”, so makes plans to head down to the senior center and enjoy some music, dancing, and fellowship.
— Politically oriented? The Switzerland County Democrats are holding an old-fashioned rally at the high school cafeteria. Elected officials and those hoping to be elected (and reelected) will be giving speeches, and it should be a good time to witness some politics the way it used to be.
— Worn out yet? I’m sure that there are also plenty of other events going on that I haven’t touched on, but you get the point.
So often people look around and complain that there’s nothing to do; but this Saturday is a good indication that if you look around, there is literally something for everyone.
So get out there and participate. Throw a dodgeball or catch a fish or buy a poppy. This is a weekend where there’s a lot to do.