Happy Thursday! It's about 56 degrees here, not too bad for mid-November. We've got the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival beginning tomorrow and running through Saturday. If you love Bluegrass music, this is the place to be. For more information check out http://www.somusicfest.com.

Holiday events have begun here in Clinton County and the second annual Hometown Holidazzle Illuminated Parade and Festival will arrive the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Come and watch and if you have a piece of jewelry that lights up, be sure and wear it. You'll be right in the spirt of things as every unit in the parade will be lighted. Be sure and read more about the event under the News section of our web site.

Have you been to our area lately? Have a good experience to share? Tell me about it. I'd love to hear from you.

Don't forget to thaw out your turkey in time for Thanksgiving.

Debbie Stamper

November is rapidly approaching and holiday events are just around the corner. Be sure and look at our event calendar to find out the fun places to shop for those gifts you need to get.

Don't forget to vote on November 4th. Whatever your views, you need to exercise this right we have as Americans. I've already voted - a couple weeks ago. I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I just returned from the Ohio Travel Associations annual educational conference. I always come away renewed, motivated and educated about what's going on in the travel industry. Who do you think is traveling? Are you right? Read the following:
> The baby boom generation accounts for 80% of all travel spending.
> 96% of travel in the U.S. is now by private vehicle.
> Travelers are beginning to second guess their favorite and familiar locations.
> We're told that everyone is looking for an experience. The day of standing around and
looking at things is long gone.

Do you agree with these? I'd love to hear your thoughts on travel.

Debbie Stamper, Executive Director

I'm off the the state's largest tourism conference, a partnership by the Ohio Travel Association and the state's Department of Development's tourism division. It's truly amazing how many great destinations we have right here in Ohio. When was the last time you made a location in Ohio a destination for an overnight? Why not plan something for this weekend? The leaves are in color and winter will be here before we know it. Hope to see you in Clinton County.

Debbie Stamper

Hello! I'll be heading out to the Roberts Centre on Friday and Saturday to check out the artwork for sale at the annual Wilmington Art & Pottery Festival. I always find something to buy - for myself! One-of-a-kind jewelry is one of my favorites. but that's second to Ray, Betty, Brooke and Amy Storer's wheel-thrown pottery. The colors are vibrant and the pottery is functional. Hope I see you there.

Last weekend I saw some amazing trucks at the Expedited Expo. Never could figure how anyone could live in one of those vehicles, cross-country, but the examples on display had everything my kitchen and bedroom has at home. Pretty amazing!

If you aren't up on all the events coming up in our county, check out the Calendar of Events. You can even sign up for a monthly e-newsletter that will remind you of all the upcoming happenings. Sign up today!

Publish your own post here and let others know about a fun time you had in Clinton County. Or better yet, upload your favorite photo of Clinton County - check it out above on the tool bar.

Debbie Stamper