WASHBOARD MUSIC FESTIVAL

BRINGS ARTISANS, WASHBOARD MUSIC AND THOUSANDS OF VISITORS TO OHIO'S HOCKING HILLS

Logan, Ohio - A one-of-a-kind celebration of America's Appalachian culture and heritage will take place June 13-14, 2008 in southeast Ohio's spectacular Hocking Hills.  Unlike previous years, the event will not be open on Sunday, due to the celebration of Father's Day.  However, festival hours have been extended on Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. both days. Held in downtown Logan, Ohio, this one-of-a-kind free festival features musicians, a classic car show, parades and a sample of local cuisine.

More than a dozen washboard and related bands will offer an incredible entertainment lineup this year, featuring The Riverside Ramblers, traveling all the way from London, England to make their debut at the Festival. Other new performers include The Ohio River Minstrels, Jimbo and Olga Mathis.  Returning this year are California's Big Mama Sue, Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band along with Robin Lacy and DeZydeco, noted for lively Cajun-style performances. Many other favorite entertainers will return, along with Washboard Players like Peter Babcock. Local artists and musicians will also display and sell a wide variety of folk art and washboard-inspired instruments and arts and crafts.  The popular "Washer Women" will be on hand to demonstrate how washboards are used for laundry.

Families will enjoy Children's Fair, a unique kid-friendly area.  Special activities are ongoing throughout the festival, including amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, arts and craft tables and a train ride that circles the festival.  Saturday festivities include a parade at 5 p.m. and a morning lineup of restored MG cars.

Another major highlight of the festival is the free tours of the 110-year old Columbus Washboard Company, the only washboard factory in the United States still producing washboards on a daily basis.  Here, visitors will see the World's Largest Washboard.  Free tours of the factory are offered year 'round. 

A wide variety of accommodations, from camping and cabins to hotels and country inns, give Hocking County visitors plenty of truly affordable lodging options during the festival or any time of year.  In addition to the Washboard Music Festival, the Hocking Hills area offers numerous hiking trails, parks and forests, unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more.

For additional information on accommodations and the many sites in Hocking County, consumers can call toll-free, 1-800-HOCKING, where trained travel counselors are available to help guide travelers daily.  Additional information about the area and online lodging reservations are available at www.1800HOCKING.com.

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