the food tour mansfield ohio

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North Central Ohio's Independent Local News

Meals on wheels: Black-owned food trucks in Mansfield to try this summer

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MANSFIELD — When Darrell Smith started a food truck business five years ago, he didn’t have too many colleagues in the same industry.

IBISWorld has recorded a nearly 50% increase in food truck employees in the U.S. since 2018, and Mansfield seems to be in a similar position as the rest of the nation.

Smith, known as “Dee Smitty,” has organized multiple collaborations with other food truck owners, including the 2021 Juneteenth celebration at John Todd Park.

This year, he is hosting the first Juneteenth Celebration Ball at the Richland County Fairgrounds on June 17.

Smith shared a list of Black-owned food trucks in the Mansfield area with Richland Source .

Smitty’s & Co

Smith cooks loaded fries, burgers and barbecue in his food truck that he has been operating for five years.

He said he has always loved cooking and creating new recipes. 

Smith said he thinks it’s important to support Black-owned businesses so others can see multiple opportunities for themselves.

“I feel like there’s not always a clear path or direction for minority youth to go because they don’t always see role models,” Smith said.

“So supporting Black-owned businesses helps us stay open and keep providing examples and role models for youth to look up to and think, ‘I can do that.’”

The Chicken Box

David Kirst has possessed an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as he can remember.

The Mansfield-based film producer wanted to start a food truck to serve fresh food to Mansfield’s north end, including chicken wings, sandwiches, Okra and fried green tomatoes.

“Most people in the neighborhood know my family’s name and I wanted to provide good food here,” Kirst said. “And also provide some jobs to the community.”

Kirst said his food truck has received a lot of support in its first few weeks of operation since mid-May.

“This type of thing goes beyond race, it’s really just about uplifting the community,” he said. “Experiencing a new culture and helping to keep Black-owned businesses afloat helps us give back to the area.

“If this inspires just one person to start their own business, it’s worth it. Leading by example is louder than any words you can speak.”

The Chicken Box is parked at 310 Marion Ave. across from Red Fox Tavern. The truck will travel to a few festivals including Loudonville’s Oktoberfest and Bucyrus’ Bratwurst Festival.

Kurbside Eatz

Jerome Canada created Kurbside Eatz with his wife in the summer of 2020 to serve Philly cheesesteaks, fries and dessert.

The couple runs the truck from 1 to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday at 2175 Stumbo Road near Texas Roadhouse.

Canada works full-time at O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar in Ontario.

“I started culinary arts in high school and I always wanted to run my own food truck,” he said.

“You really couldn’t get a Philly cheesesteak at too many places around here, so we cook those and we created our own dessert — a three-layer crunch cake.”

Canada’s three layer crunch cake is cheesecake between two other cake layers with a crunch topping.

“It takes about two days to make, but it’s worth it,” he said. “I think locally-made food tastes better than the chains, so you might as well try it.”

The Food Tour

Toris Phinnessee Jr. started his food truck and catering business after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phinnessee knew multiple friends and family members who enjoyed cooking but didn’t all have the time or resources to start their own businesses.

“So I decided to hire and utilize their cooking skills and talents to boost my menu and dish options,” he said. “We keep our core menu items of fresh walleye bites, sirloin steak sticks, and walking tacos.”

Phinnessee said supporting Black-owned businesses financially and through advocacy helps build generational wealth and investment opportunities for people of color.

“Every dollar you spend enhances the economic strength of our communities,” he said. “As a result, you help create a healthy local economy for all.”

The Food Tour will be at the Juneteenth Festival on June 17 in downtown Mansfield. Catering or donation inquiries can be made to [email protected] or 419-601-8260.

Other Black-owned food trucks in the Mansfield area include:

—  Trailer Made , serving sandwiches, hot dogs, loaded fries and more.

—  Marie’s Soul Creations , serving burgers, wraps and a rotating menu of soul food.

—  Ms. Lil’s Fish , serving shrimp and fish items, Po’boy sandwiches and comfort food.

Grace McCormick Staff Reporter

Ball State journalism alumna. Passionate about sharing stories, making good coffee and finding new music. You can reach me at [email protected]. More by Grace McCormick

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THE BEST Mansfield Food Tours

Food tours in mansfield.

• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
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Attractions

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend escape, Mansfield’s blend of small-town charm, history, Hollywood intrigue, gorgeous scenery and great food and drinks, make it the perfect destination. These local favorites and a few hidden treasures await!

Spend a Day at Kingwood Center Gardens

All attractions.

Buckeye Imagination Museum

Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum

Gorman Nature Center (Richland County Park District)

Historic Ohio State Reformatory

J&J “Field of Screams”

J&J Rietschlin Farm

Kingwood Center Gardens

Kleerview Farm

Malabar Farm State Park

Mansfield Fire Museum & Educational Center

Mansfield Memorial Museum

Mansfield/Richland County Public Library

North Central Ohio Industrial Museum

Oak Hill Cottage

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Ohio Genealogical Society

Renaissance Theatre

RichHistory Alliance

Richland Carrousel Park

Richland County Fairgrounds

Shady Lane Alpaca Farm

Shawshank Museum at Ohio State Reformatory

Shawshank Trail Self-Guided Driving Tour

Sunflower Patches

The Gill House

The Teller Building

Westmeister Farm

The Ohio State Reformatory

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What is The Food Lab?

Is it right for me, my approach.

I don’t want to just supply our community with healthy food, I want to empower and enable them to grow their own crops and feed themselves.

The Food Lab vs. Fast Food Options

Growing your own food has been proven to be healthier than buying fast food, not only because of the vitamins and minerals in the food, but because the act of growing and caring for the crops is a community building labor of love.

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419-295-3253

311 Bowman St. Mansfield, OH 44903

Slipknot announces ‘Here Comes The Pain’ 25th anniversary tour with 1 stop in Pa.

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 11:44 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 30, 2024, 11:43 a.m.

Slipknot will bring its "Here Comes The Pain" 25th anniversary tour to The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Pa., on Aug. 7, 2024. Here, Corey Taylor, left, and Jim Root of Slipknot perform at Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) Amy Harris/Invision/AP

• Deb Kiner | [email protected]

Slipknot has announced the “Here Comes The Pain” 25th anniversary tour with one stop in Pa. this summer.

On the first leg of the tour, with special guests Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture, the heavy metal band will perform on Aug. 7, 2024, at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown.

The band also will perform on Aug. 9 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore; Aug. 10 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey; and on Aug. 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Presale starts at noon today, Tuesday, April 30. General ticket sales start on Friday, May 3.

Fans also can find tickets for the Aug. 7 concert here - Vivid Seats and SeatGeek.

The remaining first leg of the tour dates are:

Aug. 6 - Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, Indiana

Aug. 14 - BankNH Pavilion, Gilford, New Hampshire

Aug. 15 - Xfinity Center, Mansfield, Massachusetts

Aug. 17 - Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada

Sept. 1 - Rocklahoma, Pryor, Oklahoma

The second leg of the tour will include special guests Knocked Loose and Vended. Those dates are:

Sept. 7 - White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, Washington

Sept. 8 - RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater, Ridgefield, Washington

Sept. 9 - Louder Than Life, Louisville, Kentucky

Sept. 11 - Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Nampa, Idaho

Sept. 13 - Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California

Sept. 15 - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, Phoenix, Arizona

Sept. 17 - Moody Center, Austin, Texas

Sept. 18 - Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, Texas

Sept. 21 - Knotfest Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa

Live Entertainment

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• It is not too late to get tickets for The Rolling Stones in Pa. in June. Here’s where to buy them.
• Kaleo will bring ‘Payback Tour’ to Pa. this fall. Here’s where to get tickets
• Comedian Chelsea Handler is bringing her fall tour to Pa. Where to get tickets to 2 shows

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'They're educating them': Civil War Show offers history lessons this weekend in Mansfield

Columns of soldiers will march through the Richland County Fairgrounds this coming weekend with orders to engage all who dare approach.

The 46th annual Ohio Civil War Show will take place Saturday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The event will feature cannon-firing demonstrations, nearly1,200 memorabilia dealers and reenactors who will cover every conflict from the Revolutionary War to World War II.

More than 5,000 people travel to Mansfield from across the United States to attend every year, according to Teresa Drushel, the show's longtime co-manager.

Admission is $7. Children 11 and younger are admitted for free. Parking is free.

Food will be available for purchase all weekend.

2023: Richland County Fairgrounds holds annual Civil War Show

Eight cannons will be fired both days of the Civil War Show

The most popular display of the event will likely be the eight Civil War cannons that will be fired throughout the weekend.

The cannons will be fired Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., then again Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

"It's impressive seeing eight of these guns on the line and and how they fired in different volleys all at once," Drushel said. "It's great to see the commands and how it was done. Boy, does it draw the crowd. People swarm up to that line to watch that."

So much black powder will explode during each artillery shot that the volleys will be heard several miles away in downtown Mansfield and Ontario.

"And you realize that's not even a full round of gunpowder," Drushel said. "It’s hard to imagine being on the firing line with the guns that close together when you're fighting to save your life."

The cannon-firing display includes infantry demonstrations of troops depicting tactics from both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

'They're educating them'

A number of other artillery that saw combat in various wars and conflicts also will be fired throughout the weekend.

A U.S. infantry division and a German special forces unit will fire several fully automatic World War II weapons Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

A medical air evacuation squadron from World War II will host demonstrations Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Musical demonstrations will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. as well as Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

A Gettysburg Address presentation takes place each day at noon.

A church service will be open to the public Sunday at 10 a.m.

All of the reenactors will have their living quarters set up throughout the fairgrounds so families can see what life was like for soldiers during each of our nation's wars.

"I like to see the interest when the kids ask the questions," Drushel said. "They're educating them. They let them do a hands-on and let them sit down and see what it's all about."

'Nothing is quite like our event'

The show began in Ashland in 1977. It quickly became one of the premiere shows of its type nationwide.

"Nothing is quite like our event because we have the outside attractions," Drushel said. "That's what really brings the people."

The show has grown to include reenactments, memorabilia and munitions dated anywhere between 1775 and 1945.

"There's still interest in our history and our past," Drushel said. "It's not just for collectors, it's for interested people who want come and see what it’s all about."

To learn more, visit ohiocivilwarshow.com .

[email protected]

419-564-3508

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Frequently Asked Questions

General questions:, what are your hours.

We are open 7 days a week, April-September, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. We are open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., October-March. We do offer extended hours on the weekend during the summer. Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend we are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We are closed on all major holidays.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

You don’t need to, but you can. You can also purchase tickets at our ticket desk when you arrive. Our self-guided tours are available all day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and never sell out. During peak season, our guided tours do sell out, so we recommend purchasing in advance if you want a guided tour. Tickets are available on our website. Click on the red button in the upper right-hand corner that says, “Buy Tickets”.

How much do tickets cost?

Our self-guided tour is $25 per person and our guided tours are $35-$40, depending on which tour you choose. Students, seniors, military, and first responders receive a $2 discount. Ghost Walks are $35 and Ghost Hunts are $99.

Is 11:00 a.m. the only time available for the self-guided tour? Do we have to book a specific time for the self-guided tour?

No. You can come anytime between 11 a.m.-4 p.m., any day that we are open.

What is your cancellation policy?

We do not offer refunds on tickets, but we are happy to move your booking to a new date. If you are unable to attend your originally scheduled date for any reason, please call us at 419-522-2644 to reschedule or email Ashleigh Ramey at [email protected]. Rescheduled guided tours are subject to availability.

Do you have gift cards?

Yes! G ift cards are available online and on-site! We offer e-gift cards in addition to plastic cards. Plastic cards are available at our ticket desk and in the museum store. We are also happy to mail gift cards with an extra charge for postage.  The link to the eGift cards is here:  https://squareup.com/ gift/DHCRP6AP77CB1/order

Do you have audio available?

Yes, we have audio wands available for rent at the front desk. They are $5 per person and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. We also have a digital audio guide that you can purchase with a QR code that you scan to your phone. The digital audio guide also includes photos and videos.

I don’t see the tour or paranormal event that I want listed on your website, or I can’t select it on the calendar, is it sold out/are you offering it on the day I want to come?

Our tour and program schedules are based upon guide availability and tour capacities. We make as many tours available as possible, but there is always a chance that they’re sold out. If it’s not listed on our bookable calendar or you are unable to select that date, then it’s either sold out or unavailable on that date.

Can I book a private guided tour or private ghost hunt?

Yes. Private guided tours start at $500 for up to 10 guests and can be booked by contacting Ashleigh Ramey at  [email protected] . Private ghost hunts start at $1,500 and can be booked by contacting Kathy Feketik at  [email protected] .

Do you give school tours?

Yes. School tours start at $150 for a group of up to 20 students. Guided school tours are offered in the morning before we open to the public. Self-guided school tours can take place anytime during our standard business hours. Reservations do need to be made in advance. Please contact Derek Wilson at  [email protected]  to check availability and book a school tour.

What is your bag policy?

Backpacks, tote bags, and large purses are not allowed. These items should be left in your vehicle. If your bag is large enough to sneak any of our property into, it is too large to come into the building. If you attempt to enter with a large bag, we will ask you to take them back to your car before you can start your tour. The only exception to this is diaper bags and you should expect diaper bags to be searched by our security officers.

Am I allowed to take photos?

Yes, we welcome small-scale photography. You may take photos with your phone or a personal camera. Tripods, monopods, external flash or extra lighting, or any other photography equipment or props are not allowed on our standard tour. We do not allow portraiture or models (senior photos, engagement photos, etc.) of any kind during our normal daily operating hours. We offer special photography tour options for professionals and hobbyists who want to bring models or additional external equipment and those can be arranged by contacting Ashleigh Ramey at  [email protected] . Photography tours start at $150 per photographer and $25 for every model, guest, or assistant, and will be scheduled before our building opens to the public on weekdays only. Availability for photography tours is very limited. Video recording of our guided tours and other guests is strictly prohibited.

Can I ghost hunt during the day?

No, we do not allow ghost hunting, in any capacity, to occur on the grounds or inside the building during the day. If we see you ghost hunting during the daytime, you may be asked to leave the premises. If you are interested in ghost hunting, check out our Paranormal tab for programming information or contact Kathy Feketik at  [email protected]  to schedule a paranormal tour. 

Is your building handicapped accessible?

Yes and no. We do have a chair lift into the building and two elevators that can take guests to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Guests who require elevators can now see approximately 95% of the standard tour route. The chapel is the only space that cannot currently be accessed. We are working on installing an elevator in this space and expect completion to be sometime in 2024.

Are there a lot of stairs? Is there a lot of walking?

Yes and yes. Depending on which tour you choose, you could be up and down 20+ flights of stairs on your tour. Our building is approximately 250,000 square feet and the standard tour route spans most of the building.

Do you allow dogs in the building?

Service Animals are welcome, companion animals are not. Please be aware for service animals that our building does contain lead paint and lead paint dust often ends up on the floor. You will need to wash your dog’s paws immediately after leaving so that they do not ingest the lead paint flakes if they lick their paws.

Is your building heated/air-conditioned?

Partially. The museums and administrative areas of the building are temperature controlled. The cell blocks and other sections of the prison are not. Please dress accordingly. In the winter, the cell blocks will be freezing cold.

Is the tour indoors? Do you have a roof?

Yes. The only time you will be outside is walking from your car into the building. We have a full roof and our entire tour route is indoors.

Can I take something home from the prison?

No. Taking anything from the building or grounds is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. This includes dirt, stones, bricks, tiles, and rubble. If you are looking to take a souvenir home, we have a Museum Store that offers many items to commemorate your visit. 

Do you rent space for events?

Yes. We do not host weddings or wedding receptions but can book meetings, dinners, and trainings in one of several spaces. To inquire about booking space at the Reformatory, please contact Rita Miller-Bunker at  [email protected] .

Paranormal:

How many people are on a public ghost hunt.

We take approximately 100 people per public ghost hunt. On a private hunt, you can have anywhere from 1 to 50+ people! 

What time does it start and end?

Check-in starts at 6 p.m. Access to the building begins at 7 p.m. Everyone must be exiting the building by 3 a.m.

Are we locked in the building or on grounds during the hunt?

No. You are free to exit the building and smoke, get fresh air, go to your car, etc. However, once you drive out of the gate, your hunt is over for the night. The gate will be closed and locked to other people coming in.

If the website states that a ghost hunt is sold out, is it really sold out?

YES. Ghost hunts sell out quickly so if you have a date in mind, we recommend not waiting to buy tickets.

I know the website says that the Ghost Hunts/Walks are sold out, but is there any way you can fit 2 more people in?

Perhaps. It never hurts to ask!

Do you keep a cancellation list for sold-out ghost hunts?

We typically do not know of cancellations until the hunt is underway but please email us if you wish. If you would like to join a waitlist, please email [email protected]!

Can I just show up on the night of a Ghost Hunt, just in case there are any cancellations, and be able to get in on the hunt?

No. We do not accept walk-ins for ghost events. Please do not come to OSR in hopes there will be no-shows to a ghost walk or ghost hunt. 

Are the ghost hunts guided or can I wander around on my own?

At 7 p.m., you will be given a rules and regulations speech followed by a guided tour. After that, the lights are turned off and you are on your own. There will be staff available to answer questions and show you around.

Does everyone in my group have to fill out a license agreement?

Yes, and all Ghost Hunt attendees must bring a valid photo ID.

The website states that no one under age 18 is allowed on public ghost hunts, is this true? What if I bring a parent?

Yes this is true. There are NO exceptions to this rule.

Can we bring in a backpack to the ghost hunt? What equipment is allowed? Snacks? Water? Alcohol?

You can bring a small backpack. You can bring your own equipment but we ask that you not bring anything that will interfere with other guests’ experiences or block any rooms off (like motion sensors) and Ouija/Spirit boards are prohibited. You can bring in water; food and other drinks are to stay out in your vehicle. We do not allow or serve alcohol and anyone who arrives at a ghost walk or hunt intoxicated will not be allowed to participate.

How can I set up a private ghost hunt?

Check out our paranormal page for more information- there’s a private investigation request you can fill out too! You can also email [email protected]

If I book a private investigation, do I get the building all to myself?

You will get the building to yourself but there will be at least one staff member on-site with you. 

I have a Youtube/Twitch/etc channel. Can I film during a public ghost walk/ghost hunt?

No, we do not allow filming or live streaming during public events. If you’d like to film, you will need to book a private hunt.

The website states that no one under age 13 is allowed on ghost walks, is this true?

Yes. All guests must be 13 or older.

I heard you win money/a prize if you spend the night. Is this true?

No, it is not true.

Are there any Ghost Walks or Ghost Hunts in October?

No, we will not have any paranormal (public or private) events from Labor Day until mid-November due to our annual haunted house!

Is it really haunted?

You’ll have to visit and check it out for yourself!

Do you still have questions left?

Connect with the reformatory.

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Worthington Farmers Market, Columbus Food Adventures voted as the best in the country

The Worthington Farmers Market is to open its summer season May 4 with a major honor to its credit. It has been voted by readers of USA TODAY as the nation's best farmers market.

They must be doing something right at the market that runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon along a stretch of High Street in Old Worthington. The Worthington Farmers Market topped outdoor markets that operate along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach, Florida, and at an oceanfront park in Honolulu.

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket had been voted No. 1 in USA TODAY's 10 best reader polls for three straight years. This was the first year Worthington's market was nominated by a panel of travel writers and other experts.

More farmers markets: When do area farmers markets open? Here's a guide to where and when to go

The result of reader votes were announced today.

"Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market that adapts to the seasons," USA TODAY wrote.

"In summer, May through October, farmers and producers of high-quality food and plants sell al fresco in the Old Worthington Historic District. The rest of the year, the market goes indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place."

The last indoor market takes place Saturday before it moves outdoors for summer.

Organizers say the Worthington Farmers Market, which began in 1987, should have its highest number of vendors ever this summer.

Related article: Where to find apple picking among Columbus area farms, orchards

Columbus Food Adventures another favorite

Another favorite of Columbus foodies also was voted as the nation's best by USA TODAY readers. Columbus Food Adventures , which leads geography and cuisine-based food tours in Columbus and its suburbs, topped a list of nominees that included tours in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago.

Here's how Columbus Food Adventures was described by USA TODAY: "From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene. Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite."

Walking tours include the Short North, German Village, Grandview Avenue, Dublin and Old Worthington, while van tours hit local taco trucks or a variety of international restaurants.

Results of a third USA TODAY reader vote also were announced. Budd Dairy Food Hall , the Italian-Village collection of bars and restaurants in an old milk-bottling plant, finished at No. 3 in voting for the nation's best food hall.

Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma, finished at the top in national voting, while the Garage Food Hall in Indianapolis finished second.

Budd Dairy was ranked sixth in a list of the best U.S. food halls posted by the global travel site Big 7 Travel .

[email protected]

Instagram: @dispatchdining

Steamboats, national music acts, food and more to be featured at Tall Stacks-like festival

CINCINNATI — A new, but not-so-new event is coming to the riverbanks of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in 2025.

America's River Roots — a concept that will feel very familiar to many Tri-Staters — will take place on the Ohio River October 9-12 in 2025, officials announced Wednesday at a press conference.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece were among the officials announcing the event, as well as event co-chairs Rick Greiwe, Tim Fogarty and Kelly Kolar.

America's River Roots will be "centered on the Ohio River." The festival is intended to kick off the 250th birthday of the United States, which happens in 2026, since Cincinnati is a host city. Because of this, organizers are expecting the event to bring in hundreds of thousands of attendees, as well as millions of dollars for the region.

The festival will have live music, with Bryce Dessner of rock band The National curating performers. The National, which is made up of Cincinnati natives, is set to perform.

The lineup also features Kathy Wade, an award-winning jazz singer, officials announced Wednesday.

The Purple People Bridge will also be transformed into a food market for the festival.

Similar to the blast-from-the-past festival Tall Stacks Music, Arts, and Heritage Festival, America's River Roots will have 12 steamboats take part in the festival to celebrate Cincinnati, which at one point was the steamboat capital of the world.

Hey Cincinnati, remember Tall Stacks? The last time the riverboat festival took place was 18 years ago. Well, get ready for October 2025 and America’s River Roots! Similar concept but this time bigger, better and kicking off a big birthday — America’s 250th. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/Q2dLJX7Zmz — Valerie Lyons (@VLyonsTV) May 1, 2024

Captain Alan Bernstein, who owns BB Riverboats, recruited the 12 boats taking part in next year's event. The dozen boats also includes the only three operating commercial steamboats in the country.

"Recently it's never been done, and they'll be racing on Sunday," Bernstein said. "It's the big featured event, the three steamboats, and it's going to be a very neat race."

Bernstein said each of the boats will be themed, incorporating music, food and culture into their river tours.

Overall, the event will have a similar feel to Tall Stacks. Tall Stacks was first held in 1988 to celebrate Cincinnati's bicenntennial, where Greiwe served as executive director of the celebrations. That festival drew national attention and more than 700,000 people crowded into the riverfront during the three-day event, which featured historic riverboats and brought a late-18th-century feel to the riverfront.

Held in October that year, the first Tall Stacks was so successful — with a Xavier University study at the time claiming it created an economic impact of $30 million — it was brought back and subsequent festivals were held in 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2006.

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