Ohio Village Independence Weekend Festivities

Written by

Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background

The Ohio Village is a seasonally open section of the Ohio History Center that recreates life in the era of the 1890's America.

During the weekend of July 6th, the Ohio Village opens its doors to fun games and activities for the family, an opening ceremony, and an 1890's era base ball game with period appropriate rules.

Impression

A step outside the Ohio History Center's doors to the pathway to the Ohio Village is always a treat.  Even during times when there is no special events going on, there is a lot to take in.  When there is an event, much like the Independence Weekend  Festivities, you'll need to pace yourself!  Luckily, the agenda for the day's activities will help you decide which events you'd like to attend and when.

Opening Ceremony

The mayor of the town addressed those in attendance.  Giving a rousing Independence Day speech and a toast.

He also introduced political candidates and gave women's suffrage supporters an opportunity to speak about their cause.

Ohio Village Muffins Base Ball

The Ohio Village Muffins Reds and Whites played a game on this day as well.  The game is similar to modern baseball, but the rules are slightly different.  Pitching is done underhanded, and if a ball is caught after being hit and one bounce, that is considered an out.  The equipment is also different as the ball is much softer and no gloves are used.

Other Images From The Day

Here are some other shots from the day.

Lindsay Jordan At COMFEST 2019 - OneShot!

Written/Photography

Andrew Livelsberger

Location:  Goodale Park, Columbus, OH - COMFEST 2019

Arriving later in the Comfest Weekend, Goodale Park was still alive and buzzing with musical performances.

We were present at the gazebo stage and were able to witness the powerful vocals of Lindsay Jordan and the Stormy Daniels band.

If you get a chance to check out this band do so!

Columbus Pride 2019

Written 

by 

Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography

by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background

Columbus Pride Parade and Festival is an annual event in support of the LGBTQ community.  It is held in downtown Columbus along the Scioto Mile by Genoa and Bicentennial Park.

Grand Marshall Nina West

Impression

We all have our own thoughts in political, religious realms.  We here at VisualOhio are no different.  We strive our best to cover events in Ohio that are of interest to our readership.

So, let's discuss the festival and parade as we would any other event.  We don't think that our readers would want us to write it any other way.

We've never been to the Pride Parade/Festival before so the first thing that we concern ourselves with is parking.  We were not going to get there until right before the parade started, so our plan was to park a little further out from the event location and we used the COGO Bike Stations to ride in from around the Scioto Audubon Metro Park area to Genoa Park.  There was a drop off COGO station there right behind COSI.

From there we walked over to High and Rich Street and found a location along the parade route.  We tucked ourselves a few hundred feet from the corner of High and Rich where the parade walkers were going.  It turned out to be a perfect spot!

From out vantage point, we could see most of the major floats and then were able to concentrate on the people walking right in front of us.

The streets were stacked with people looking on to see the parade line

No matter what you believe, we feel that one universal truth exists.  We should all love one another, and loving your neighbor has never caused anyone any harm.

This parade had many individual, church, corporate supporters.

The importance of events like these is knowing that no matter who you are, where you are from...color, race, religion do not matter.   What matters is the acceptance of people for who they are.   We need to come together more, have open, honest dialog about our perceived differences.  We think that you might find that we all have way more in common than we do differences.

Not only were the people in the parade a pleasure to talk with and watch, but there were plenty of awesome people watching the parade and at the festival.

People in the parade line and in the crowds were giving out "free hugs".  That was a very popular activity, being able to express your love for others freely, even to complete strangers.

Whenever we go to events, we always try and get the pulse of the attendees.  This event succeeded in making every single person feel welcome, included and accepted.   If that is all this event did, then count it as a success.  However, it did not stop there.  The festival section, which runs from Friday to Sunday, included community support with health screenings, and other types of assistance as well as entertainment.

Piano Peddler and Conga Drummer at Clintonville Farmers Market

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

The Clintonville Farmers Market features everything from composting, fresh dairy, meats, herbs and produce to live music.

Held Saturday's on High Street right by the Donatos Pizza and Karen Wickliff Books.

Impression:

When most people think farmer's market, they invision having booth after booth of farm fresh produce.  That is true of this market as well, but along with the farm fresh products there is also live entertainment.   It usually switches up every week and on May 11, the Piano Peddler and a Conga Drummer lent their talents for all at the market area.

Rock Climbing at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Written/Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

From the Columbus Metro Parks Website:

The three towers and two arches of the main climbing wall reach a height of 35 feet and extend over 6,100 square feet. The wall features bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. There are four auto belays, but climbers must bring their own climbing harness. Climbers must be age 13 or older (ages 13 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult). There is no age restriction for bouldering on the 10-foot boulders. Small 10-foot boulders are available for kids to climb.

Impression:

If you've followed VisualOhio for any time at all, you know that we love all things outdoors.  We here are avid hikers and hit the numerous trails scattered all over Ohio.   There is an annual Arnold Sports Festival coverage and anytime we can cover sports, we jump at the chance.

For those that are looking for the ability to climb mountains...well...you'd need to travel to Appalachia for that or perhaps look to find some kind of rock climbing wall at a facility or event.

What you may not have known is that the Columbus Metro Parks has a dedicated, permanent rock climbing structure at the Scioto Audubon facility.  Found in a lower area directly nature center and just past the pond area.   If you do not want to park and walk there from the main parking lot, there is an access road to a parking lot right next to the sand lot volleyball courts.

When the weather is good, there are usually a good number of people there taking advantage of the rock climbing area.

There are even people there to help you and guide you through the process.

As a sport, rock climbing takes into account everything - endurance, stamina, cardiovascular, strength training.   If you are just starting out, there are shorter sections and arches for you.

If you are more advanced or ready to step up your game, there are higher section that go up to 35 feet.
If rock climbing is not something for you, just watching is great fun.   You can watch from ground level on all sides or for a more eye level view, take the steps of the water tower to the top and you get a good view over the trees.  That is where the majority of the images in this article were taken.

Arnold Sports Festival 2019 - Futsal

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

Futsal is similar to soccer in play.  It uses a hard court on a smaller field and the teams are 5 players per side.  The ball is smaller and has less bounce than a standard soccer ball.   This makes play faster paced and stresses more passing and individual technique over longer kicks.

Many resources exist on the internet that go into more detail of the exact rules of the game.  If you understand soccer, you'll understand this game with little issues.

Impression:

Being a big soccer fan, going into the sport was a bit of a thrill sight unseen.  My only previous knowledge of it was from some Youtube videos and rules websites.

Due to the smaller size of the pitch and fewer players, action is amped up significantly in comparison to futsals bigger brothers.

There were many different age groups at the Arnold, but regardless of age, The same high energy play was found.

Many skill levels were present with some standouts in both strikers and goalies.  In the Ohio State Fairgrounds facility that the matches were played, there were 3 simultaneous games going on during our coverage.

Definitely give your local futsal clubs some support and watch these matches.  Great fun, plenty of action.