Goodbye to Summer, Hello Fall!

Another eventful summer on the Scioto is in the books, but we are ready to turn another leaf in 2016. The Scioto Mile Fountain will soon end its operation until summer 2017, giving way to rich colors and fall fun.

Enjoy a rich, autumnal palate while walking along the trails in downtown Columbus, or join in on any of these “can’t miss” events and activities around the city.

Photo by Doug Buchanan, Business First

September 24 | Fall Harvest Jamboree at Smith Farms
This free fall fest includes everything a family could want to welcome in autumn! With Corn mazes, farm games, arts and crafts, one pumpkin for each child (while supplies last), food sales and more, the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department welcomes you to an afternoon celebration of all things fall. Admission is free, parking is $5.00.

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September 24: Columbus Common’s Harvest Fair
Celebrate the very best of fall in downtown Columbus. This family friendly event offers everything from hay rides and games to pumpkin patches and crafts. There’s something for everyone foraging to take in autumn. The event is free, but a $5 wrist band can be purchased to experience unlimited activities.

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October 1: Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo-Walk, Sponsored by Canon
Love photographing the Scioto Mile and Columbus? Now you can capture the city’s fall sites for a great cause. The 9th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk, benefits Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya, and takes place at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

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October 6 – October 28: Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Center Halloween Parties
Columbus’ local community centers are hosting their annual fall harvest and Halloween parties this season!

October 13: Opening Night – Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins
As the temperature drops, things are heating up in Nationwide Arena! Welcome your Columbus Blue Jackets back to the ice for opening night against the Boston Bruins.

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October 15: Highlights Kids’ Run – Nationwide Children Hospital Columbus Marathon
Each year, hundreds of youngsters take part in the Highlights Kids’ Run! The cost is $10 per child, and each participant receives a medal, hat and post-race refreshments! Events range from the “Diaper Dash” for wee ones, up to .80 mile run for older kids, with a variety of distances for other ages in between. Parking is free.

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October 21 – October 30: Boo at the Zoo (Columbus Zoo & Aquarium)
Bring the whole family out to this “merry-not-scary” Halloween event of heroic proportions. Special regions of the zoo are dressed up for this spooky-hooky holiday.

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October 15 and October 22: All Hallows’ Eve at Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
Enjoy an evening of family fun at All Hallows’ Eve, with a retelling of the Headless Horseman by the bonfire, pumpkin carving and creepy characters roaming Ohio Village. The whole family can revel in old-fashioned entertainment including fortune telling, crafts, games and more!

Photo: Ohio History Connection

SAVE THE DATE:

November 18: Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Easton
Watch children’s eyes sparkle as Santa arrives, along with a special guest, to illuminate Easton’s 50-foot Christmas tree and breathtaking display of lights! Cap off the evening’s festivities with a visit to the Easton Station for photos with Santa.

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December 2: Grand Illumination on the Scioto Mile
Celebrate the holiday season with the Grand Illumination of the Scioto Mile. The lights twinkle in Bicentennial Park and along the Scioto Mile until mid-January. Including more than 250,000 LED lights on 150 trees, the Scioto Mile Fountain presented by the American Electric Power Foundation comes alive for the holiday season with festive video projections and illuminated spheres suspended from each of the five fountain halos.

(Photo by Randall L. Schieber)