It’s officially fall: 5 things to do this weekend

Kick off the first weekend of fall with these five events in Clark and Champaign counties.

Clark County:

CultureFest

CultureFest, a festival celebrating ethnic and cultural diversity, is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Springfield City Hall Plaza, 76 E. High St.

This event will feature entertainment including bands, choirs, dancing, hands-on crafts, lessons, merchandise, and food from different cultures.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.springfieldohio.gov.

Rock the Mad Climbing Festival

The Mad River Gorge, 2710 Dayton-Springfield Rd. in Springfield, has been transformed into one of Ohio’s most popular climbing areas. To celebrate, 9 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday, climbers will have the opportunity to camp together.

Camping is $5 per car and camping check-in begins Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Activities during the weekend will include climbing, clinics, a scavenger hunt, stewardship activities, raffles, food trucks, and a silent auction.

To sign up for the event, visit www.ohioclimberscoalition.org. For more information, search for Rock the Mad Climbing Festival Sponsored by Deuter on Facebook.

Jurassic Adventure

Jurassic Adventure, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike in Springfield, is the largest dinosaur event in Ohio.

Attendees can learn about what the world was like more than 150 million years ago. Activities include a fossil dig, 9D virtual reality rides, and a bounce area.

Tickets are $24 for ages 13 and up and $29 for ages 2-12. Military discounts are $3 off with military ID.

For more information, search for Jurassic Adventure on Facebook.

Autumn in the Country Fall Festival

The fall festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Homespun Blessings, 5880 Urbana Rd. in Springfield, will feature food vendors, crafters, mums and pumpkins for sale, and children’s activities.

Homespun Blessings will be open and stocked with fall decor.

Admission and parking is free.

For more information, search for Autumn in the Country Fall Festival on Facebook.

Champaign County:

Chili Cook Off

The Simon Kenton Chili Festival is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Urbana’s downtown Monument Square District. The parade begins at noon.

This event features a chili cook-off, parade, music, pepper eating contest, corn hole tournament, and bead sale.

Admission is free.

For more information, search for Simon Kenton Chili Festival & Hoopla Parade.

READ: Business, groups raise money for literacy at Springfield spelling bee

READ: Multiple rooms damaged in fire at Drake Motel

READ: Urbana senior housing project faces one final hurdle

About the Author