OHIO GOURD SHOW "Four Gourds and Seven Years Ago" (A Tribute to 9/11) Pre-show Activities Friday, September 26, 2008 – 9 AM to 5 PM Show Hours Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28, 2008 – 9 AM to 5 PM at the Darke County Fairgrounds Greenville, Ohio

For 2008, the Show Committee has selected the theme, “Four Gourds and Seven Years Ago” (A Tribute to 9/11).  As we sit in our peaceful gourd gardens, admiring the quiet beauty of the vines, we should not forget that our world is plagued by violence and war.  These stand in stark contrast to the peace symbolized in the gourd.  There is violence in our homes and neighborhoods, there is war and political turmoil in a number of countries, and the war on terror is global in scope.  Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency response teams and military personnel are among those who stand to shield us. Remember Patriots Day every day.

Welcome to the 2008 Ohio Gourd Show.  The show will be staged in the Coliseum (exhibits and vendors) and Youth Building (workshops, meals, Sunday Worship) on the Darke County Fairgrounds, located near the intersection of State Routes 121 and 49 in southwest Greenville, OH.  The show is open to the public with an entrance fee of $2.00 per person.  Parking is free, and children under twelve are admitted free.

Food, gourds, gourd art and gourd music will be available on the grounds.  Make it – Take it opportunities will be available without advanced reservation for children and adults.  Gourd workshops (requiring pre-registration) will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (lunch is not provided).  The Coliseum will not be open to the public on Friday.

The Saturday dinner (pre-registration required) will also include an auction of gourds, gourd art, and related supplies.  A brief meeting of the Ohio Gourd Society will follow the dinner and auction.

The Sunday morning breakfast, also requiring pre-registration, will feature gourd hat contests for women, men, and children.  Wear your best gourd hat!  Everyone is welcome to participate in the hat contests without prior registration.  Gourds must predominate!

Friday, September 26
9:00 a.m. – Noon. Workshop classes (must be pre-registered).    Gourd entry tags available on the lower floor of the Coliseum.  Exhibitors may place displays and  entries during the afternoon and evening.  Building closes at 9:00 p.m.
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Workshop classes (must be pre-registered).

Saturday, September 27
8 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Coliseum open to set up displays and entries.  Entry tags available until 11:00 a.m.
9 a.m. Show opens to the public.  Make it – Take it  projects all day without pre-registration.
9 a.m. – Noon Workshop classes (must be pre-registered).
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Judging of competitive entries.
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Workshop classes (must be pre-registered).
5:00 p.m. Show closes.
6:00 p.m. Gourd Dinner (pre-registration is required) and Gourd Art auction followed by a brief meeting of the Ohio Gourd Society.

Sunday, September 28
7:00 a.m. Gourd Breakfast (pre-registration is required).
8:30 a.m. Christian Worship – everyone welcome.
9:00 a.m. Show opens to the public.  Make it – Take it  projects all day without pre-registration.
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Workshop classes (must be pre-registered).
5:00 p.m. Show closes.  Drive safely!

Links to more show details:

• workshop schedule and registration information
• vendor regulations
• competitive entry information
• explanation of terms in competitive entry classes
• meal reservation information
• lodging information

Show Chair...........………………....................……………………Tim Moss, 937,547-0025
Publicity……………………………...........……..……….………….Lois Smith, 937-447-2845
Workshops.............................Terry Sipple, 937-548-5003 and John Martin, 937-446-2174
Staging and Judging ……………………………………Karen and John Martin, 937-446-2174
Gourd Sales Area Inside……………..……...............................Terry Sipple, 937-548-5003
Gourd Sales Area Outside……………..……..........................Gordon Smith, 937-447-2845
Concessions……………………………….….…….………………Bruce Barber, 740-965-4461
Gourd Dinner………………………….………..….......Marilyn and Terry Sipple, 937-548-5003
Gourd Breakfast………………..….....Abe Martin, 513-351-0167, Terry Sipple, 937-548-5003
Music Program…………………………..................…..…….…Larry Sherman, 513-523-2458