Location: Greene County Environmental Services, 2100 Greene Way Blvd., Xenia
Admission: No fee specified
Safely dispose of eligible household hazardous materials, including cleaners, aerosol cans, antifreeze and pesticides. Confirm accepted materials and residency requirements before visiting.
Location: Historic Downtown Waynesville, 174 S. Main St., Waynesville
Admission: Not specified
One of the region's major fall festivals, featuring hundreds of artisans and crafters alongside sauerkraut specialties and other festival foods. Continues Sunday.
Location: Iams Homestead Museum, 349 S. Broadway, Trotwood
Admission: Free
Celebrate local agricultural heritage with historic buildings, traditional skill demonstrations, antique farm equipment, tractors, hayrides and seasonal activities.
Location: Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Headquarters, 2751 Washington Mill Rd., Bellbrook
Admission: Free; preregistration required
Enjoy an instructor-led seasonal craft session with all materials provided. Offered through the park district's Active Adults programming.
Festival Spotlight
ðĨŽ Holy Kraut! Waynesville's Famous Sauerkraut Festival Returns!
Get ready for one of Southwest Ohio's most delicious—and unusual—fall traditions! Historic downtown Waynesville will once again fill with food, music, handmade crafts and thousands of visitors for the 56th Annual Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, October 10–11, 2026.
What began in 1970 as a modest sauerkraut dinner alongside a sidewalk sale has grown into a nationally recognized arts and crafts festival. Today, visitors travel from across Ohio and neighboring states to experience the unusual food, shopping and small-town atmosphere that make Waynesville special.
ð―ïļ Sauerkraut Like You've Never Tasted It
The food is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions. Whether you love sauerkraut or have never developed a taste for it, this festival may surprise you.
Traditional favorites include pork and sauerkraut, Reuben sandwiches and hand-rolled cabbage rolls prepared by St. Augustine Church.
But the really interesting offerings are the ones you probably won't find on an ordinary restaurant menu:
Sauerkraut Pizza: An unlikely combination that has become a festival favorite.
German Sauerkraut Sundae: Mashed potatoes topped with sauerkraut, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits and an olive.
Sauerkraut Balls: Crispy, savory bites perfect for snacking.
Sauerkraut Macaroni & Cheese: A creative twist on classic comfort food.
Sauerkraut Fudge: Yes, you read that correctly!
Not a sauerkraut fan? Don't worry. You'll also find fried bologna sandwiches, goetta, cream puffs, kettle corn, caramel apples and plenty of other festival favorites.
Here's something worth knowing: Festival food booths are operated by local nonprofit organizations. Money raised helps support schools, churches, athletic programs, scouting groups and other community activities.
ðĻ Hundreds of Artisans Take Over Main Street
Although the food gets much of the attention, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is also one of the region's major arts and crafts events.
More than 300 juried artisans from over 25 states are expected for the 2026 festival. Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, woodworking, pottery, seasonal decorations, clothing, artwork and unique gifts.
The festival has earned national recognition from Sunshine Artist magazine, which ranked it among the top 200 craft shows in the country.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, it's a wonderful opportunity to find gifts that are a little different from what you'll see in the big-box stores.
ðķ Live Entertainment All Weekend
The festival's Main Stage, located at Main and North Streets, will feature free entertainment throughout the weekend.
Saturday, October 10 10:00 AM — Opening Ceremonies 10:15 AM — Waynesville High School Choir 11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Nathan Edman 1:30–3:00 PM — Ryan Adams Band 3:30–5:30 PM — Smithville South Band 6:00–8:00 PM — Streetwise
Sunday, October 11 9:00 AM — Crossview 10:30 AM — Marching Band 11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Fintan 1:00–2:30 PM — German Sauerkraut Band 3:00 PM — Scholarship Ceremony 4:00–6:00 PM — Two For The Road
Performances are weather permitting. Check the official festival program for any schedule changes.
âïļ A Special Aviation Connection This Year
One of this year's opening ceremony highlights is a planned flyover by a vintage Stearman biplane flown by Emerson Stewart, grandson of legendary local aviator Emerson "Red" Stewart.
Red Stewart established his airfield south of Waynesville in 1946. Nearly 80 years later, the family continues its connection to vintage aircraft and flight training.
It's a particularly fitting tribute in a region with such a rich aviation history.
âĪïļ A Festival That Gives Back
The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is more than a weekend celebration. Since its early years, proceeds have helped support scholarships for graduating seniors from Waynesville High School and the Warren County Career Center.
The 2026 scholarship recipients will be recognized Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM on the Main Stage.
That community involvement is one reason the festival has remained so popular for more than five decades.
ð Plan Your Visit
56th Annual Ohio Sauerkraut Festival
ð Saturday, October 10: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM ð Sunday, October 11: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
ð Location: Historic Downtown Waynesville, Ohio ðïļ Admission: FREE ð Shuttle Parking: $5 cash or $6 by card ð Shuttle Lot: Wayne Local High School, 735 Dayton Road ð Pets: Not permitted except service animals ðĶïļ Weather: Festival takes place rain or shine
ð Parking & Shuttle Information
Parking in downtown Waynesville can be challenging during the festival, so consider using the designated shuttle parking at Wayne Local High School, 735 Dayton Road.
The Sauerkraut Festival draws enormous crowds, especially during the middle of the day. Arriving around opening time can make parking, shopping and navigating the streets a little easier.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a little cash for food and crafts, and give yourself several hours to explore. There's much more to see than you might expect.
And here's a fun challenge: Try at least one sauerkraut dish you've never eaten before. Who knows? Sauerkraut pizza or fudge might become your new festival favorite.
ð Why It's Worth Going
Few events capture the character of a small Ohio town quite like the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival. The historic streets, hundreds of artisans, unusual foods and friendly community atmosphere make this one of the Miami Valley's signature autumn traditions.
Whether you're a lifelong sauerkraut fan or just curious about all the fuss, it's a wonderful way to spend an October weekend.
ðŠķ Discover Ohio's Shawnee Heritage at Great Council State Park
Just north of Xenia, along U.S. Route 68, you'll find one of Ohio's most unusual state parks. Instead of a large lake, campground, or miles of hiking trails, Great Council State Park offers visitors something different: a fascinating journey into the history and culture of the Shawnee people who once called the Miami Valley home.
Opened in June 2024 as Ohio's 76th state park, Great Council combines a modern interpretive center, restored prairie, walking trails, and centuries of local history into one memorable destination.
And best of all, admission is free!
ðïļ A Museum That Looks Like a Shawnee Longhouse
The centerpiece of Great Council State Park is an impressive 12,000-square-foot, three-story interpretive center designed to resemble a traditional 18th-century Shawnee longhouse.
Inside, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, artwork, and displays that tell the story of the Shawnee people from their ancestral past to the present day.
One of the highlights is a theater presentation featuring modern Shawnee voices sharing their history and connection to Ohio.
There's also a living-stream exhibit demonstrating the importance of waterways to Shawnee communities, along with gallery space featuring cultural displays and contemporary Native American art.
Unlike a traditional museum filled only with objects behind glass, Great Council encourages visitors to interact with history, ask questions, and experience the stories behind the exhibits.
ðŠķ The Remarkable History of Old Chillicothe
Long before Ohio became a state, this area was home to a major Shawnee settlement known as Old Chillicothe, or Oldtown.
During the late 1770s, more than 1,000 Shawnee and other Native people lived in this community along the Little Miami River.
The settlement played an important role in Shawnee political, cultural, and community life during a turbulent period of American history.
The surrounding region is also closely associated with important Shawnee leaders, including Chief Blackfish and Tecumseh.
The park's exhibits explore the lives of the people who lived here, their relationships with neighboring communities and European settlers, and the conflicts and forced displacement that eventually removed Shawnee communities from their Ohio homeland.
Importantly, the story doesn't end in the 1800s. Great Council also celebrates the Shawnee people living today, emphasizing that their culture, traditions, and communities continue.
ðĪ A Park Developed With the Shawnee Tribes
One of the things that makes Great Council especially meaningful is how it was developed.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources worked with all three federally recognized Shawnee tribes:
The Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
The Shawnee Tribe
Representatives helped shape the building's design, exhibits, and historical interpretation.
Rather than telling the story entirely from an outside perspective, the park gives Shawnee communities an opportunity to share their own history and cultural heritage.
It's a thoughtful approach that makes the experience both educational and meaningful.
ðū Take a Walk Through the Prairie
There's more to Great Council than the interpretive center.
Outside, visitors can enjoy a restored native prairie filled with grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and wildlife habitat.
The Blackfish Trail, approximately half a mile long, provides an opportunity to explore the prairie landscape.
Another trail leads toward the Little Miami River, offering a chance to appreciate the natural setting that made this area an important place for Shawnee communities.
Fall is a particularly pleasant time to visit, when native grasses develop golden and reddish tones and the cooler weather makes walking more comfortable.
The trails are relatively short, making this a good destination for visitors who want to combine an easy outdoor experience with an afternoon of history.
ð A Great Place to Bring the Grandkids
If you're looking for an outing that's both entertaining and educational, Great Council is worth considering.
Children can explore hands-on displays, discover how people lived centuries ago, and learn about the history of their own region.
The museum-style setting also makes it a good option for a cool or rainy autumn day.
Families can spend time indoors exploring the exhibits and then head outside for a short walk through the prairie.
Plan on allowing at least 90 minutes to two hours to enjoy the interpretive center and grounds without rushing.
ð§ A Park That's Still Growing
Because Great Council opened relatively recently, additional improvements are underway.
Plans include new outdoor interpretive features and a pedestrian and bicycle connection to the nearby Little Miami Scenic Trail.
A bridge over U.S. Route 68 is being developed to provide a safer connection between the popular regional trail and the park.
Some outdoor areas may be affected by ongoing construction, so check for updates before visiting.
ð Plan Your Visit
Great Council State Park
ð Address: 1587 U.S. Route 68 North, Xenia, OH 45385 ðïļ Admission: FREE ð Interpretive Center: Generally Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; closed Monday and Tuesday. Confirm current hours before traveling. ðķ Activities: Historical exhibits, interactive displays, nature walks, birdwatching and photography ðū Trails: Blackfish Trail and additional prairie and river-area paths âŋ Accessibility: Accessible parking, restrooms and interpretive center facilities; outdoor trail surfaces vary ð Phone: 937-502-0057
ðĄ Our Tip
Start with the interpretive center before exploring the grounds.
Understanding the history of Old Chillicothe and the Shawnee people makes the surrounding landscape much more meaningful.
And don't rush through the exhibits. Take time to watch the introductory film, examine the displays, and learn about the Shawnee communities that continue to preserve their heritage today.
ð Why It's Worth Visiting
Great Council State Park isn't the kind of place you visit simply to get some exercise or enjoy a picnic. It's a place that changes the way you look at the land around you.
The roads, farms and communities we know today occupy a landscape with a much longer history—one that includes generations of Shawnee people who lived, raised families, traded and gathered along the Little Miami River.
By combining cultural exhibits with the surrounding natural environment, Great Council offers something few parks can provide: an opportunity to experience the Miami Valley's history right where part of that history happened.
It's one of Ohio's newest state parks, but the story it tells is centuries old.
All the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in one warm, comforting bowl! This easy soup combines seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, and tender rice. It's a satisfying one-pot dinner that's perfect for a chilly fall evening.
The best part? You get all that homemade flavor without having to stuff a single pepper.
1. Brown the Beef Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Vegetables Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Build the Soup Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Let It Simmer Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the peppers to become tender.
5. Add the Rice Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
6. Serve and Enjoy Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls.
ðē Make It Your Own
Prefer a lighter version? Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Watching your carbs? Replace the rice with cauliflower rice, adding it during the final few minutes.
Love cheesy stuffed peppers? Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over each bowl before serving.
ð§ Great for Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you're making a batch to freeze, leave out the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating. This keeps it from becoming too soft and absorbing all the broth.
ðĄ Recipe Tip
Cook the rice separately!
It might be tempting to throw uncooked rice directly into the soup, but rice continues absorbing liquid even after cooking. Preparing it separately keeps your soup from becoming too thick, especially if you're planning on leftovers.
For the best results, add the cooked rice just before serving.
ð Why We Love This Recipe
There's something special about a big pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove when the temperatures begin to drop.
Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers the familiar flavor of a classic home-cooked meal with a fraction of the work. It's economical, filling, easy to customize, and makes enough to feed the family or provide lunch for another day.
Serve it with a slice of buttered bread, and you've got the perfect October comfort meal!
Home Tips
This Week's Home Tips
ð 7 Fall Plumbing Tips That Could Save You Hundreds This Winter
October is a beautiful time in the Miami Valley, with colorful leaves, crisp mornings and cooler evenings. But as temperatures begin to drop, there's one part of your home that deserves a little attention: your plumbing.
A frozen or burst pipe can turn a pleasant winter day into an expensive emergency. Fortunately, a few simple precautions this fall can help prevent problems when temperatures dip below freezing.
Here are seven things every homeowner should consider doing before winter arrives.
ð° 1. Disconnect Those Garden Hoses
It sounds simple, but this is one of the most commonly overlooked fall chores.
Leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor faucet can trap water inside the hose and faucet assembly. When that water freezes, it expands and can damage the faucet or connected plumbing.
What to do: Disconnect all garden hoses, drain them completely and store them in a garage, shed or basement. Even frost-free outdoor faucets should have their hoses removed before freezing weather.
âïļ 2. Protect Your Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
If your home has an interior shutoff valve for an outdoor faucet, turn it off and drain the remaining water according to the faucet's design.
For added protection, consider installing an inexpensive insulated faucet cover.
Money-saving tip: Faucet covers typically cost only a few dollars, while repairing a burst pipe inside a wall can cost considerably more.
ð 3. Check Pipes in Unheated Areas
Pipes running through garages, crawl spaces, unfinished basements and other unheated areas are particularly susceptible to freezing.
Take a few minutes to inspect any exposed plumbing. Look for pipes near exterior walls, drafts or areas where cold air can enter.
What to do: Add appropriate pipe insulation to vulnerable sections. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive, easy to install and available at most hardware stores.
Remember that insulation slows heat loss but doesn't guarantee a pipe won't freeze during prolonged extreme cold.
ð§ 4. Find and Fix Small Leaks Now
That occasional drip under the kitchen sink or slow leak around a bathroom faucet might not seem urgent.
But small leaks can waste water, damage cabinets and flooring, and become more troublesome during winter.
Check beneath sinks, around toilets, near your water heater and around visible pipe connections. Look for moisture, water stains, corrosion or musty odors.
Our tip: Place a dry paper towel beneath a suspicious connection. Check it later for moisture that might reveal a slow leak.
ð§ 5. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
Here's a question every homeowner should be able to answer:
If a pipe burst right now, could you shut off the water in less than a minute?
Many people don't know where their home's main water shutoff valve is located until there's an emergency.
Depending on your home's construction, it may be in the basement, utility room, crawl space or near where the water line enters the house.
Locate the valve and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
If the valve is stuck, leaking or difficult to operate, have a plumber inspect it rather than forcing it.
A clearly labeled shutoff valve can make a tremendous difference during a plumbing emergency.
ðŋ 6. Give Your Water Heater a Quick Inspection
Your water heater works year-round, but it's especially inconvenient when it stops working during cold weather.
Take a few minutes to inspect the area around the tank. Look for moisture, corrosion, unusual noises or signs of leaking.
If your water heater requires periodic maintenance, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
Important: Don't attempt to adjust gas connections, pressure-relief valves or electrical components unless you're qualified to do so.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be worth checking its condition before winter.
ð 7. Keep Leaves Away From Outdoor Drains
Autumn leaves look beautiful on the trees, but they can cause problems when they collect around outdoor drains.
Leaves, dirt and other debris can block drainage openings and allow water to pool near your foundation.
Before heavy fall rains arrive, inspect driveway drains, basement stairwell drains and other outdoor drainage areas.
Remove accumulated leaves and debris, and make sure water can flow away from your home.
Bonus tip: Check that your downspouts are directing water away from the foundation rather than allowing it to collect next to the house.
âąïļ The 30-Minute Fall Plumbing Check
You don't need to spend an entire weekend preparing your plumbing for winter.
Set aside just 30 minutes and tackle these four priorities:
Disconnect and store garden hoses.
Inspect exposed pipes in unheated areas.
Check under sinks for leaks.
Locate your main water shutoff valve.
These simple tasks can help you catch potential problems before freezing temperatures arrive.
ðĄ One More Tip: What to Do During Extreme Cold
When unusually cold weather is forecast, take additional precautions to protect vulnerable plumbing.
Keep your home heated, even if you're away. Open cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls to allow warmer room air to circulate around the pipes.
In particularly vulnerable locations, allowing a small amount of water to drip from a faucet may help reduce freezing risk, although it isn't a substitute for proper insulation and heating.
Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes.
ðĄ Why It Matters
Fall home maintenance isn't always exciting, but it can be one of the smartest ways to protect your home.
A little preparation now can help prevent frozen pipes, water damage and unexpected repair bills when winter arrives.
Our advice: Take advantage of a pleasant October afternoon to check your plumbing. It's a small investment of time that could save you a major headache in January.
And with everything else going on this fall, that's one less thing to worry about!
ðĄ Answer to Trivia Question:
Paul Laurence Dunbar - Dunbar became one of the first nationally prominent African American poets and writers, publishing poetry, novels, stories and essays.
