Tag: CeeCee Collins

  • Loveland’s 1st Oktoberfest Kicks-Off Tomorrow!

    Loveland’s 1st Oktoberfest Kicks-Off Tomorrow!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The excitement all across Loveland is building as the Downtown area kicks off the city’s first Oktoberfest tomorrow at 4 PM brought to you by The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Warsteiner, CancerFree Kids, and many more!

    On Friday, September 24th from 4 PM-10 PM, and Saturday, September 25th from 4 PM-11 PM, Downtown Loveland will become “Liebesland” (Loveland in German) for Oktoberfest 2021. The festival will include a plethora of traditional German activities, competitions, food, drinks, and of course some spectacular German attire!

    Warsteiner, an international German beer company that came to conception in Warstein, Germany in 1753 when Antonius Cramer was asked to pay beer tax after his home brewing volumes passed the amount allowed for personal use, will be hosting a Biergarten (beer garden in German) Emporium in Nisbet Park. Traditionally a Biergarten is an open-air space where beer and food are served. This concept dates back to the 19th century in Bavaria in which breweries planted gardens above cellars to keep their lagers cool enough to ferment underground.

    The Warsteiner Biergarten will be serving up their finest beer from the Premium Pilsner, “A refreshing, pale golden pilsener with a clean taste perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom fermenting yeast tones and mild hoppy bitterness,” to the Premium Dunkel, “a rich dark amber beer with full-flavored, smooth taste nicely accented with satisfying notes of roasted malt and subtle bottom-fermenting yeast tones,” to the Oktoberfest Special Edition, “a well-balanced, mild, and smooth taste with a uniquely soft, hoppy aftertaste and 5.9% alcohol.”

    Beer Tickets will be sold at the Warsteiner Emporium in the Biergarten and can be used to purchase Warsteiner premium beer at the Emporium, The Works Pizza, Ramsey’s Trailside, or Bishop’s Quarter where they will be selling Warsteiner’s Oktoberfest. Domestic beer tickets will be $5 and Craft beer tickets will be $6.

    When purchasing a beer ticket you will have the option to buy an authentic 14 ounce Loveland Oktoberfest keepsake Mug for $8 in which you will be able to get refilled with Warsteiner beer only for $5.

    All of the tips collected from the Biergarten will benefit CancerFree Kids.

    Of course, what goes better with beer than traditional German food! The majority of Loveland’s Downtown restaurants will be adding a few German-inspired food options in celebration of Oktoberfest. The Works Pizza will be featuring Potato Pancakes, Ramsey’s Trailside will have a Specialty Pretzel, Trailside Provisions will be serving Cream Puffs and Frozen Chocolate Bananas on Saturday only, All the Ingredients will have Sauerkraut Balls, Bratwursts, and Herb Potato Skewers, Loveland Sweets will be carrying Black Forest Ice Cream, Tano Bistro will have Schweinbraten (German Pulled Pork) and Apple Strudel, The Wicked Pickle will be serving up German Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Bishop’s Quarter will have German Pancakes with Sour Cream.

    In addition to Loveland’s local restaurants carrying specialty German food items, new local business Dolph’s Dogs will also be there to satisfy anyone’s sausage, bratwurst, or hotdog cravings! Kona Ice and Right Stuff Grill will also be present at the Oktoberfest festivities. Food vendors will be set up in the Biergarten near Nisbet Park.

    Want to learn more about traditional German food? Read this CNN Travel article that I found that talks all about German cuisine!

    The Landing Event Center will be holding an Oktoberfest event on Friday that will benefit The League for Animal Welfare. This special benefit will include beer tastings, an authentic German appetizer buffet, and live music. The event is free and open to the public.

    The Jackson Street Market will have arts and crafts throughout the Oktoberfest celebration as well.

    The Little Miami Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has been hard at work for several months planning Loveland’s first Oktoberfest and truly can’t wait to see how all the German activities and competitions play out!

    One of the most exciting and competitive German traditions will be The Stein Hoist competition a.k.a The Masskrugen Challenge, which will begin on Friday at 6:30 PM. The Winners Ceremony will be held on Saturday at 6 PM. The competition will include 6 contestants from each local restaurant participating. The Works Pizza, Ramsey’s Trailside, Cappy’s, Bishop’s Quarter, Cindy’s, Paxton’s Grill, The Landing Event Center and The Wicked Pickle will all be competing for the win! The Masskrugen finals will be emceed by Channel 5’s Randi Rico.

    Stein Hoisting is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which participants hold a full one-liter beer stein (weighs 5.5 pounds typically) in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. The person that can hold the pose the longest wins.

    Stop by the Loveland beer booth on Friday and the Biergarten on Saturday to say hi to the Christy Jones Team and hoist a stein!

    The Lederhosen competition (German costume contest) will begin on Friday at Bishop’s Quarter. The winner will be selected at 7:30 PM. Lederhosen’s are leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders that men in the working class from Alpine regions such as Bavaria wore. They wore these while they were working because the leather material made the dust and dirt collected from work easier to clean off. Lederhosen’s also have cultural and social meaning for those within the German culture.

    There is in fact a female version of the Lederhosen called a “Dirndl,” which is a dress that can fall either to the knees or the floor. The dress includes a tight bodice that is meant to compliment a woman’s chest.

    On Friday, at 5 PM at Oktoberfest Cappy’s and the Main Stage (located in Nisbet Park) will host a Stein Slide competition, in which you can buy tickets to compete for $2. Live entertainment will kick-off from the Kyle Hackett Duo at 6 PM at Cappy’s followed by the Counting Skeletons at 7 PM at the Main Stage.

    On Saturday, Oktoberfest entertainment will kick off at 4 PM with Premier Dance and Tumbling, and shortly afterward Nisbet Park will hold the Wiener Dog Race at 4:30 PM (near the Little Miami Conservancy). The winning Wiener Dog will receive a gift card from Tara’s Pet Boutique! At 5:30 PM, live entertainment will continue with the Showboat Cloggers.

    Of course, we can’t forget about one of the most coveted German Oktoberfest traditions, the tapping of the Keg! The tapping of the Keg is one of the oldest traditions in Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations. The Keg tap is typically done by the Mayor of Munich, which in Loveland’s case will be Mayor Kathy Bailey. The goal of the Keg tapping is for the Mayor to hit the Keg with a hammer the least amount of times possible before yelling “O’zapft is” (keg breached). Once the Mayor yells “O’zapft is” surrounding vendors may officially sell their beer!

    Before the Keg tapping in Germany, there is a “procession” held in which colorful horse carriages and wagons covered with flowers march down to where the Oktoberfest celebration is being held. The procession is traditionally led by the Münchner Kindl (coat of arms of Munich) and is followed by the Mayor’s festival carriage. Behind the Mayor are carts of the landlords and breweries as well as the waitresses who will be serving beer who are typically holding beer mugs in the procession. This part of Loveland’s Oktoberfest will include Mayor Kathy Bailey and the LMRCA Board of Directors President Doug Portmann. The Keg procession will begin at 5:30 PM on Saturday and the Keg tapping will begin shortly afterward. The procession will start at Paxton’s Grill, go down Railroad Ave., and will end at the Main Stage located in Nisbet Park.

    On Saturday from 6-10 PM, the Zinzinnati Bierband will perform and at 6 PM the Masskrugen Winning Ceremony will begin on the Main Stage.

    Cincy Shirts will have a booth set-up near the Biergarten for those who PRE-ORDERED their exclusive Loveland Oktoberfest T-shirt. The Loveland Oktoberfest T-shirts are $20. If you did not get the chance to pre-order your 2021 Loveland Oktoberfest shirt (deadline was Sept. 19th) they will be on sale at the Cincy Shirts booth.

    New local business Epic Picnics will have a beautiful German-themed picnic “photo booth” set up in Nisbet Park on Friday with Oktoberfest props and food that those attending the festival will have the opportunity to get a Loveland Oktoberfest photo taken.

    LMRCA is also in need of volunteers to help with all of the exciting festivities! If you would like to sign up to volunteer for Oktoberfest click here to see what opportunities are available. You may also email LMRCA or call the office at 513-683-1544 to reach out about volunteering.

    For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland’s Oktoberfest Adds More Activities, Food, and Entertainment to the Line-Up!

    Loveland’s Oktoberfest Adds More Activities, Food, and Entertainment to the Line-Up!

    [wpdevart_countdown text_for_day=”Days” text_for_hour=”Hours” text_for_minut=”Minutes” text_for_second=”Seconds” countdown_end_type=”date” font_color=”#000000″ hide_on_mobile=”show” redirect_url=”” end_date=”24-09-2021 23:59″ start_time=”1632234714″ end_time=”0,1,1″ action_end_time=”hide” content_position=”center” top_ditance=”10″ bottom_distance=”10″ ]Get there tonight and tomorrow![/wpdevart_countdown]by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The excitement all across Loveland is building as the Downtown area prepares for the first Oktoberfest brought to you by The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Warsteiner, CancerFree Kids, and many more!

    On Friday, September 24th from 4 PM-10 PM, and Saturday, September 25th from 4 PM-11 PM, Downtown Loveland will become “Liebesland” (Loveland in German) for Oktoberfest 2021. The festival will include a plethora of traditional German activities, competitions, food, drinks, and of course some spectacular German attire!

    Warsteiner, an international German beer company that came to conception in Warstein, Germany in 1753 when Antonius Cramer was asked to pay beer tax after his home brewing volumes passed the amount allowed for personal use, will be hosting a Biergarten (beer garden in German) Emporium in Nisbet Park. Traditionally a Biergarten is an open-air space where beer and food are served. This concept dates back to the 19th century in Bavaria in which breweries planted gardens above cellars to keep their lagers cool enough to ferment underground.

     

    The Warsteiner Biergarten will be serving up their finest beer from the Premium Pilsner, “A refreshing, pale golden pilsener with a clean taste perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom fermenting yeast tones and mild hoppy bitterness,” to the Premium Dunkel, “a rich dark amber beer with full-flavored, smooth taste nicely accented with satisfying notes of roasted malt and subtle bottom-fermenting yeast tones,” to the Oktoberfest Special Edition, “a well-balanced, mild, and smooth taste with a uniquely soft, hoppy aftertaste and 5.9% alcohol.”

    Beer Tickets will be sold at the Warsteiner Emporium in the Biergarten and can be used to purchase Warsteiner premium beer at the Emporium, The Works Pizza, Ramsey’s Trailside, or Bishop’s Quarter where they will be selling Warsteiner’s Oktoberfest. Domestic beer tickets will be $5 and Craft beer tickets will be $6. When purchasing a beer ticket you will have the option to buy an authentic 14 ounce Loveland Oktoberfest keepsake Mug for $8 in which you will be able to get refilled with Warsteiner beer only for $5.

    All of the tips collected from the Biergarten will benefit CancerFree Kids.

    Of course, what goes better with beer than traditional German food! The majority of Loveland’s Downtown restaurants will be adding a few German-inspired food options in celebration of Oktoberfest. The Works Pizza will be featuring Potato Pancakes, Ramsey’s Trailside will have a Specialty Pretzel, Trailside Provisions will be serving Cream Puffs and Frozen Chocolate Bananas on Saturday only, All the Ingredients will have Sauerkraut Balls, Bratwursts, and Herb Potato Skewers, Loveland Sweets will be carrying Black Forest Ice Cream, Tano Bistro will have Schweinbraten (German Pulled Pork) and Apple Strudel, The Wicked Pickle will be serving up German Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Bishop’s Quarter will have German Pancakes with Sour Cream.

    In addition to Loveland’s local restaurants carrying specialty German food items, new local business Dolph’s Dogs will also be there to satisfy anyone’s sausage, bratwurst, or hotdog cravings! Kona Ice and Right Stuff Grill will also be present at the Oktoberfest festivities. Food vendors will be set up in the Biergarten near Nisbet Park.

    Want to learn more about traditional German food? Read this CNN Travel article that I found that talks all about German cuisine!

    The Landing Event Center will be holding an Oktoberfest event on Friday that will benefit The League for Animal Welfare. This special benefit will include beer tastings, an authentic German appetizer buffet, and live music. The event is free and open to the public.

    The Jackson Street Market will have arts and crafts throughout the Oktoberfest celebration as well.

    The Little Miami Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has been hard at work for several months planning Loveland’s first Oktoberfest and truly can’t wait to see how all the German activities and competitions play out!

    One of the most exciting and competitive German traditions will be The Stein Hoist competition a.k.a The Masskrugen Challenge, which will begin on Friday at 6:30 PM. The Winners Ceremony will be held on Saturday at 6 PM. The competition will include 6 contestants from each local restaurant participating. The Works Pizza, Ramsey’s Trailside, Cappy’s, Bishop’s Quarter, Cindy’s, Paxton’s Grill, The Landing Event Center and The Wicked Pickle will all be competing for the win! The Masskrugen finals will be emceed by Channel 5’s Randi Rico.

    Stein Hoisting is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which participants hold a full one-liter beer stein (weighs 5.5 pounds typically) in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. The person that can hold the pose the longest wins.

    Stop by the Loveland beer booth on Friday and the Biergarten on Saturday to say hi to the Christy Jones Team and hoist a stein!

    The Lederhosen competition (German costume contest) will begin on Friday at Bishop’s Quarter. The winner will be selected at 7:30 PM. Lederhosen’s are leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders that men in the working class from Alpine regions such as Bavaria wore. They wore these while they were working because the leather material made the dust and dirt collected from work easier to clean off. Lederhosen’s also have cultural and social meaning for those within the German culture.

    There is in fact a female version of the Lederhosen called a “Dirndl,” which is a dress that can fall either to the knees or the floor. The dress includes a tight bodice that is meant to compliment a woman’s chest.

    On Friday, at 5 PM at Oktoberfest Cappy’s and the Main Stage (located in Nisbet Park) will host a Stein Slide competition, in which you can buy tickets to compete for $2. Live entertainment will kick-off from the Kyle Hackett Duo at 6 PM at Cappy’s followed by the Counting Skeletons at 7 PM at the Main Stage.

    On Saturday, Oktoberfest entertainment will kick off at 4 PM with Premier Dance and Tumbling, and shortly afterward Nisbet Park will hold the Wiener Dog Race at 4:30 PM (near the Little Miami Conservancy). The winning Wiener Dog will receive a gift card from Tara’s Pet Boutique! At 5:30 PM, live entertainment will continue with the Cloggers.

    Of course, we can’t forget about one of the most coveted German Oktoberfest traditions, the tapping of the Keg! The tapping of the Keg is one of the oldest traditions in Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations. The Keg tap is typically done by the Mayor of Munich, which in Loveland’s case will be Mayor Kathy Bailey. The goal of the Keg tapping is for the Mayor to hit the Keg with a hammer the least amount of times possible before yelling “O’zapft is” (keg breached). Once the Mayor yells “O’zapft is” surrounding vendors may officially sell their beer!

    Before the Keg tapping in Germany, there is a “procession” held in which colorful horse carriages and wagons covered with flowers march down to where the Oktoberfest celebration is being held. The procession is traditionally led by the Münchner Kindl (coat of arms of Munich) and is followed by the Mayor’s festival carriage. Behind the Mayor are carts of the landlords and breweries as well as the waitresses who will be serving beer who are typically holding beer mugs in the procession. This part of Loveland’s Oktoberfest will include Mayor Kathy Bailey and the LMRCA Board of Directors President Doug Portmann. The Keg procession will begin at 5:30 PM on Saturday and the Keg tapping will begin shortly afterward. The procession will start at Paxton’s Grill, go down Railroad Ave., and will end at the Main Stage located in Nisbet Park.

    On Saturday from 6-10 PM, the Zinzinnati Bierband will perform and at 6 PM the Masskrugen Winning Ceremony will begin on the Main Stage.

    There have been quite a few new additions to Loveland’s Oktoberfest! Cincy Shirts will have a booth set-up near the Biergarten for those who PRE-ORDERED their exclusive Loveland Oktoberfest T-shirt. The Loveland Oktoberfest T-shirts are $20. To pre-order your 2021 Loveland Oktoberfest shirt click here.

    New local business Epic Picnics will have a beautiful German-themed picnic “photo booth” set up in Nisbet Park on Friday with Oktoberfest props and food that those attending the festival will have the opportunity to get a Loveland Oktoberfest photo taken.

    It is never too late to become a sponsor for Loveland’s first Oktoberfest! If you or your business would like to become a sponsor contact the LMRCA through email or you can call their office at 513-683-1544.

    LMRCA is also in need of volunteers to help with all of the exciting festivities! If you would like to sign up to volunteer for Oktoberfest click here to see what opportunities are available. You may also email LMRCA or call the office at 513-683-1544 to reach out about volunteering.

    For more Loveland Oktoberfest 2021 updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland’s First Oktoberfest is Right Around the Corner!

    Loveland’s First Oktoberfest is Right Around the Corner!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The smell of crisp Fall leaves, apple cider, and cool temperatures are on the horizon which means it’s festival season! Downtown Loveland is ready to welcome the Fall season with open arms as the city will be holding its first-ever Oktoberfest!

    On Friday, September 24th from 4 PM-10 PM, and Saturday, September 25th from 5 PM-11 PM, Downtown Loveland will become “Liebesland” (Loveland in German) for Oktoberfest 2021. The festival will include a plethora of traditional German activities, competitions, food, drinks, and of course some spectacular German attire!

    Warsteiner, an international German beer company that came to conception in Warstein, Germany in 1753 when Antonius Cramer was asked to pay beer tax after his home brewing volumes passed the amount allowed for personal use, will be hosting a Biergarten (beer garden in German) Emporium in Nisbet Park. Traditionally a Biergarten is an open-air space where beer and food are served. This concept dates back to the 19th century in Bavaria in which breweries planted gardens above cellars to keep their lagers cool enough to ferment underground.

    The Warsteiner Biergarten will be serving up their finest beer from the Premium Pilsner, “A refreshing, pale golden pilsener with a clean taste perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom fermenting yeast tones and mild hoppy bitterness,” to the Premium Dunkel, “a rich dark amber beer with full-flavored, smooth taste nicely accented with satisfying notes of roasted malt and subtle bottom-fermenting yeast tones,” to the Oktoberfest Special Edition, “a well-balanced, mild, and smooth taste with a uniquely soft, hoppy aftertaste and 5.9% alcohol.”

    All of the tips collected from the Biergarten will benefit Cancer Free Kids.

    Of course, what goes better with beer than traditional German food! The majority of Loveland’s Downtown restaurants will be adding a few German-inspired food options in celebration of Oktoberfest. Not sure what traditional German food is? Read this CNN Travel article that I found that talks all about German cuisine!

    Although the Little Miami Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) is still in the planning stages of what activities and competitions will be held during Oktoberfest, the Chamber has confirmed that there will be a Stein Hoist competition as well as a Lederhosen competition.

    The Stein Hoist prelims will begin on Friday around 6:30 PM and the finals will be held on Saturday at 6 PM. The competition will include 6 contestants and will be emceed by Channel 5’s Randi Rico. Stein Hoisting is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which participants hold a full one-liter beer stein (weighs 5.5 pounds typically) in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. The person that can hold the pose the longest wins.

    The Lederhosen competition (German costume contest) will begin on Friday. The winner will be selected around 7:30 PM. Lederhosen’s are leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders that men in the working class from Alpine regions such as Bavaria wore. They wore these while they were working because the leather material made the dust and dirt collected from work easier to clean off. Lederhosen’s also have cultural and social meaning for those within the German culture.

    There is in fact a female version of the Lederhosen called a “Dirndl,” which is a dress that can fall either to the knees or the floor. The dress includes a tight bodice that is meant to compliment a woman’s chest.

    On Friday, Oktoberfest will also feature live entertainment from the Cloggers at 5 PM and the Counting Skeletons at 7 PM.

    On Saturday, Oktoberfest entertainment will kick off at 4 PM with Premier Dance and Tumbling, and shortly afterward at 5:30 PM, the Cloggers will perform once again.

    Of course, we can’t forget about one of the most coveted German Oktoberfest traditions, the tapping of the Keg! The tapping of the Keg is one of the oldest traditions in Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations. The Keg tap is typically done by the Mayor of Munich, which in Loveland’s case will be Mayor Kathy Bailey. The goal of the Keg tapping is for the Mayor to hit the Keg with a hammer the least amount of times possible before yelling “O’zapft is” (keg breached). Once the Mayor yells “O’zapft is” surrounding vendors may officially sell their beer!

    Before the Keg tapping in Germany, there is a “procession” held in which colorful horse carriages and wagons covered with flowers march down to where the Oktoberfest celebration is being held. The procession is traditionally led by the Münchner Kindl (coat of arms of Munich) and is followed by the Mayor’s festival carriage. Behind the Mayor are carts of the landlords and breweries as well as the waitresses who will be serving beer who are typically holding beer mugs in the procession. This part of Loveland’s Oktoberfest will include Mayor Kathy Bailey, the LMRCA Board of Directors President Doug Portmann, and Oktoberfest’s Presenting Sponsor. The Keg procession will begin at 5:30 PM on Saturday and the Keg tapping will begin shortly afterward. The procession will go down Railroad Ave. and will end at the Main Stage on the Fountain Greene.

    On Saturday at 6 PM the Stein Hoist finals will be held and right after the Zinzinnati Bierband will perform until 10 PM.

    The LMRCA did confirm that a Stein Slide and a Wiener Dog Race will be added to the festival’s activities! As more details roll in about the addition of more activities, competitions, entertainment, and food options for the 2021 Loveland Oktoberfest we will be sure to let YOU the readers know!

    Oktoberfest is still in need of a PRESENTING SPONSOR! The presenting sponsor will get top recognition on all marketing materials, their logo on the street banners and A-frame signage at the festival, promoted on the LMCRA’s website, the opportunity to announce entertainment at the festival, and introduced as the presenting sponsor on stage at the festival. If you or your business would like to become a sponsor contact the LMRCA through email or you can call their office at 513-683-1544.

    LMRCA is also in need of volunteers to help with all of the exciting festivities! If you would like to sign up to volunteer for Oktoberfest click here to see what opportunities are available. You may also use the LMRCA contact info above to reach out about volunteering.

    For more Loveland Oktoberfest 2021 updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Are you Ready for “Zoveland’s” First Oktoberfest?!

    Are you Ready for “Zoveland’s” First Oktoberfest?!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Cassia Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Can you believe Fall is already right around the corner? With Fall comes an amazing line-up of events and festivals in Downtown Loveland including “Zoveland’s” 1st Oktoberfest!

    On Friday, September 24th from 4 PM-10 PM, and Saturday, September 25th from 5 PM-11 PM, Downtown Loveland will become “Liebesland” (Loveland in German) for Oktoberfest 2021. The festival will include a plethora of traditional German activities, competitions, food, drinks, and of course some spectacular German attire!

    Warsteiner, an international German beer company that came to conception in Warstein, Germany in 1753 when Antonius Cramer was asked to pay beer tax after his home brewing volumes passed the amount allowed for personal use, will be hosting a Biergarten (beer garden in German) Emporium in Nisbet Park. Traditionally a Biergarten is an open-air space where beer and food are served. This concept dates back to the 19th century in Bavaria in which breweries planted gardens above cellars to keep their lagers cool enough to ferment underground.

    The Warsteiner Biergarten will be serving up their finest beer from the Premium Pilsner, “A refreshing, pale golden pilsener with a clean taste perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom fermenting yeast tones and mild hoppy bitterness,” to the Premium Dunkel, “a rich dark amber beer with full-flavored, smooth taste nicely accented with satisfying notes of roasted malt and subtle bottom-fermenting yeast tones,” to the Oktoberfest Special Edition, “a well-balanced, mild, and smooth taste with a uniquely soft, hoppy aftertaste and 5.9% alcohol.”

    All of the tips collected from the Biergarten will benefit Cancer Free Kids.

    Of course, what goes better with beer than traditional German food! The majority of Loveland’s Downtown restaurants will be adding a few German-inspired food options in celebration of Oktoberfest. Not sure what traditional German food is? Read this CNN Travel article that I found that talks all about German cuisine!

    Although the Little Miami Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) is still in the planning stages of what activities and competitions will be held during Oktoberfest, the Chamber has confirmed that there will be a Stein Hoist competition as well as a Lederhosen competition.

    The Stein Hoist prelims will begin on Friday around 6:30 PM and the finals will be held on Saturday at 6 PM. The competition will include 6 contestants and will be emceed by Channel 5’s Randi Rico. Stein Hoisting is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which participants hold a full one-liter beer stein (weighs 5.5 pounds typically) in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. The person that can hold the pose the longest wins.

    The Lederhosen competition (German costume contest) will begin on Friday. The winner will be selected around 7:30 PM. Lederhosen’s are leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders that men in the working class from Alpine regions such as Bavaria wore. They wore these while they were working because the leather material made the dust and dirt collected from work easier to clean off. Lederhosen’s also have cultural and social meaning for those within the German culture.

    There is in fact a female version of the Lederhosen called a “Dirndl,” which is a dress that can fall either to the knees or the floor. The dress includes a tight bodice that is meant to compliment a woman’s chest.

    On Friday, Oktoberfest will also feature live entertainment from the Cloggers at 5 PM and the Counting Skeletons at 7 PM.

    On Saturday, Oktoberfest entertainment will kick off at 4 PM with Premier Dance and Tumbling, and shortly afterward at 5:30 PM, the Cloggers will perform once again.

    Of course, we can’t forget about one of the most coveted German Oktoberfest traditions, the tapping of the Keg! The tapping of the Keg is one of the oldest traditions in Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations. The Keg tap is typically done by the Mayor of Munich, which in Loveland’s case will be Mayor Kathy Bailey. The goal of the Keg tapping is for the Mayor to hit the Keg with a hammer the least amount of times possible before yelling “O’zapft is” (keg breached). Once the Mayor yells “O’zapft is” surrounding vendors may officially sell their beer!

    Before the Keg tapping in Germany, there is a “procession” held in which colorful horse carriages and wagons covered with flowers march down to where the Oktoberfest celebration is being held. The procession is traditionally led by the Münchner Kindl (coat of arms of Munich) and is followed by the Mayor’s festival carriage. Behind the Mayor are carts of the landlords and breweries as well as the waitresses who will be serving beer who are typically holding beer mugs in the procession. This part of Zoveland’s Oktoberfest will include Mayor Kathy Bailey, the LMRCA Board of Directors President Doug Portmann, and Oktoberfest’s Presenting Sponsor. The procession itself will be a surprise to all as the details have yet to be released!

    On Saturday at 6 PM the Stein Hoist finals will be held and right after the Zinzinnati Bierband will perform until 10 PM.

    The LMRCA is still hard at work adding more activities, competitions, entertainment, and food options for the 2021 Zoveland Oktoberfest so stay tuned for the latest event details!

    Oktoberfest is still in need of sponsors! If you or your business would like to become a sponsor read over the sponsorship options below and contact the LMRCA through email or you can call their office at 513-683-1544.

    For more Zoveland Oktoberfest 2021 updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown and is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland’s very own food pantry is now open for business!

    On Thursday, September 10th, LIFE (Loveland InterFaith Effort) Food Pantry showed off their beautiful new space located at 541 Loveland Maderia Road in the Shopper’s Haven Plaza to the Loveland community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Although invites to the ceremony were limited due to the COVID-19 stipulations many community members, as well as the Mayor of Loveland, Kathy Bailey, and the Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce President, CeeCee Collins, rallied around to get a look at the food pantry’s new location.

    Luckily Loveland Magazine TV got a personalized tour by one of LIFE Food Pantry’s top volunteers after the ribbon was cut and the doors were opened!

    The tour showed the 2,000 square foot space filled with donations from Walmart, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, the 13 congregations that support the pantry, and several different food drives.

    Unlike the food pantry’s previous location at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church clients will now be able to feel as though they are shopping at their local “Corner Store” because of the added space and organization.

    Aisles within the pantry include proteins, pasta, prepared meals, veggies, fruits, baking supplies, soups, and much more! Each aisle is separated by the size of the family in need making it that much easier for clients to look at their choices and shop for themselves. This is what LIFE Food Pantry calls a “Choice Pantry.”

    The pantry’s new space also includes what they refer to as a “Tiger Closet,” which is specifically for Loveland students who are in need of food and other supplies. To see the full Loveland Magazine TV video of the LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day and ribbon-cutting ceremony click below!

    Coincidentally enough LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day happened to be on the same day as World Hunger Day making the day that much more important to everyone involved.

    Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic LIFE Food Pantry’s clients have increased by 1/3. Currently, LIFE serves 250 families (nearly 500 people a month) and they plan on seeing that number increase now that they have opened a larger location. Anyone who lives in the 45140 zip code can be helped by the food pantry. 

    To learn more about what LIFE Food Pantry offers and the new locations hours click below!

    LIFE Food Pantry Holds New Location Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

    To watch the exclusive full-length Loveland Magazine TV interview with LIFE Food Pantry’s Executive Director, Linda Bergholz, click below!

    Stay tuned to get more “Loveland Salad” with Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The COVID-19 pandemic has effected many across Ohio including those involved in Loveland’s elite kids’ sports programs. A local soccer group by the name of “Loveland Storm FC” has become very familiar with the obstacles COVID-19 has created many of the obstacles coming right before their Spring soccer season.

    Due to the pandemic Loveland Storm FC had no choice but to cancel their Spring soccer season. Because of the season cancellation, the local soccer program quickly recognized that their financial outlook was troubling because they had already made investments before COVID-19 made itself known. On top of the prior investments, Loveland Storm FC  also felt a strong obligation to return the downpayment parents had already made for the spring season registration. At the same time, the Storm did not want to totally bankrupt the youth soccer program.

    In order to help out the Loveland Storm FC soccer program and get the community involved the decision was made to hold a Virtual 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser with donations going towards the soccer program. Although the Loveland Storm absolutely wanted the community involved in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run the soccer program also wanted to be sure that the way they asked the community for help was done in the right way especially with so much economic hardship present due to the pandemic.

    Local mother and Loveland community advocate, Libby Westerman, took the time to explain to us and our many readers in the video interview below how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run decisions were made, and how the Loveland Storm FC program’s plan would emphasize the values that they make a top priority. According to the soccer program’s mission statement, the Loveland Storm FC is meant to be a “player-centered, family-friendly, community connected, competitive soccer program that grows players, has fun, and gives back.” The Loveland Storm FC program stands by their mission by asking each team to take on a community service project each season as part of its investment in the community.

    After the Virtual 5k Walk/Run was all said and done the Loveland Storm FC program was able to not only refund the money they received for registrations but also give away a doughnut or pizza party to the top teams in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run.

    On Friday, August 7th the local soccer program was able to take more of the donations they received from the Virtual 5k Walk/Run and give back to both the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee located in Loveland’s Historic Downtown District. The President of the Loveland Youth Soccer Program, Bruce Jones, along with Loveland Storm FC representatives personally presented checks to the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee in a special ceremony on Friday, August 7.

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation will use their check to support the foundation’s mission which is “the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.” Mile 42 Coffee plans on using their donation on providing Loveland teachers with free coffee. Loveland teachers will need to present their school I.D to retrieve a 4 dollar credit towards a coffee or specialty drink of their choice.

    Katie Butler, the owner of Mile42 Coffee, expressed her gratitude for the donation as well as explained what the coffee shop would be doing with the donated check in the on-camera interview below. You will also witness the check being presented to both Katie and her mother, Jackie Butler!

    In the interview below Libby Westerman shares with us how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run came to fruition, why the money was raised by the Loveland Storm FC, and why she wanted herself and her children involved in such a great local sports program!

    In the 3rd on-camera interview, we captured on Friday we talked to Steve Max, CeeCee Collins, and Brian Garry, who were representing the Loveland Legacy Foundation, about the donation check and what they would be using the donation for!

    For more of Loveland’s latest sports stories stay tuned to the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland Legacy Foundation Aims to Give Back to Local Businesses and Their Employees!

    Loveland Legacy Foundation Aims to Give Back to Local Businesses and Their Employees!

    Cassie Mattia is theAssociate Editor and Lead Reporter at Loveland Magazine. She lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The COVID-19 outbreak has been devastating for many people around the world. Those who own or are employed by small businesses have been some of the individuals that have been hit the hardest by this crisis. Both The City of Loveland and The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) recognized that these businesses and their employees needed assistance so they came together and created a game plan. Saturday, President of LMRCA Cee-Cee Collins released a statement announcing that the Loveland Legacy Foundation would be assisting area businesses affected by closing and lay-offs due to the COVID-19 virus restrictions. This, of course, is another prime example of what the “Sweetheart of Ohio” is all about! Below is a statement from President Cee-Cee Collins on just what the Loveland Legacy Foundation will be doing for Loveland’s local businesses and employees.

    “Many businesses in the Loveland, Ohio area have had to either close their doors at this time or lay off several employees in order to stay open. Many continue to fight to stay open to serve us.

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation whose main purpose is to improve the Loveland community plan to offer assistance to area businesses.  President, Steve Max, shared, “this type of crisis is what our organization was created for! We want to help our smaller businesses survive this crisis and come back strong when it passes.”

    We are asking the community at large to give where they are able. Gift cards are being accepted to help unemployed workers bridge the gap. Consider a gift card from an area business or store where they can obtain the resources they may be lacking. Here is a list that shows area businesses that are selling gift cards and their hours: https://lovelandoh.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=204

    Gift cards can be dropped off to Alley Boutique located in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio: 210 West Loveland, Ohio. (drop cards in the secure mailbox next to the flagpole), or to the Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce: 425 West Loveland Avenue mailbox.

    Loveland Legacy Foundation is also asking for monetary donations to help both business owners who may help with rent or supplies to stay open. Please make donations directly to Loveland Legacy Foundation; www.Lovelandlegacyfoundation.org.

    Loveland area businesses need us all at this time. They are the fabric of our community and have always been generous to all of us, it’s time for US to give to them.  Thank you!”

    If you would like to learn more about Loveland’s local businesses and how you can help visit LMRCA’s website at  www.lmrchamberalliance.org or feel free to email President CeeCee Collins at ceecee@lmrchamberalliance.org.

    Stay tuned to our website, Twitter (https://twitter.com/lovelandmagazin), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LovelandMagazine/) page for the latest Loveland and COVID-19 updates!



  • Loveland Legacy Foundation Honors the Work of Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs with Grant Award

    Loveland Legacy Foundation Honors the Work of Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs with Grant Award

    Loveland Legacy Foundation Executive Committee Member CeeCee Collins presented a check of $1,000 to Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs (LEAAD) Program Coordinator Katie Sedziol for LEAAD’s important contributions to the betterment of our community.

    Loveland, Ohio – Katie Sedziol, program coordinator for Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs (LEAAD), accepted an award and donation from Loveland Legacy Foundation on Monday, December 9. With a mission of supporting a wide variety of ideas, interests, initiatives, and needs benefitting the betterment of Loveland, the Foundation presented a check of $1,000 for LEAAD to continue the important work providing students with direction, education, and awareness of healthy life choices and supporting families in prevention and intervention strategies through community and school-based activities.

    “As an example, the LEAAD youth ambassador program has taken prevention initiatives to the next level by engaging students in meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences to create positive change in our community.”

    “LEAAD has a tremendous impact through its work for students and families in Loveland,” said CeeCee Collins, member of the Loveland Legacy Foundation executive committee. “As an example, the LEAAD youth ambassador program has taken prevention initiatives to the next level by engaging students in meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences to create positive change in our community.”

    Youth ambassadors make up the student sector of the LEAAD coalition, which is a partnership of numerous community-based organizations, including Hope Restored Counseling, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, the Loveland Police Department and the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, local faith-based organizations, NEST, and many others. For more information, visit LEAAD’s page on lovelandschools.org.

     

    Image result for Loveland Legacy Foundation

    About Loveland Legacy Foundation

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation was initially created in response to the devastating 2017 fire in downtown Loveland. Businesses and residents affected by the fire received financial support through the generosity of members of the Loveland community and in turn, created the foundation as a way to pay it forward.



     

  • The Sweetheart of Ohio Prepares for a Very Festive “Christmas in Loveland!”

    The Sweetheart of Ohio Prepares for a Very Festive “Christmas in Loveland!”

    A Sam Smith photo of Christmas in Loveland © 2016

    Christmas in Loveland

    December 14 from 4 to 9 PM

     

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas….in Loveland! The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is calling all Christmas fanatics to come and enjoy a beautifully decorated City of Loveland winter wonderland this Saturday, December 14th beginning at 4 PM!

    Visitors will have the opportunity to take a carriage or a train ride as well as take part in complimentary tastings, festive crafts, and holiday beverages. Historic Downtown Loveland will feature some incredible Christmas entertainment at some of the local historic hot spots. Loveland City Hall will be transforming into “Whoville at City Hall” while the Loveland Stage Company will be offering free Christmas in Loveland shows at 5 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM. There will be several other Christmas spectacles in the center of town next to the live nativity scene and inside many of Loveland’s local businesses.

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce, shared what visitors should expect this year at Christmas in Loveland. “There will be so many fun activities such as a caricature artist, singing with carolers, and meeting Elsa & Anna, just to name a few!” Collins added that Christmas in Loveland is truly a great event for many reasons one being that the event gives local businesses the opportunity to give back to everyone that has not only visited Historic Downtown but has made a significant effort to support the local businesses. “They truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and I hope they will continue to come back, especially now that all the businesses are re-opened (and more have been built) after the fire.”

    Christmas in Loveland will feature different samplings throughout Downtown as well as several give-a-ways that all ages will be able to enjoy! This event will be held in any inclement weather so if you are planning on coming Downtown to celebrate be sure to bring rain and snow gear!

    If you would like to learn more about Christmas in Loveland visit, www.lmrchamberalliance.org.

    A Few Fun Facts About Christmas in Loveland

    • The event takes place from 4-9 PM, Saturday, December 14.
    • Train rides will be available at the Loveland Museum Center as well as a trolley that will take guests from Downtown Loveland to the museum.
    • Maps of all the activities will be placed inside local businesses and by the clock tower in Downtown Loveland.
    • The back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed for horse-drawn carriage rides.
    • You can line up for carriage rides on Railroad Avenue across from Lyle’s Bike’s, Brews & BBQ.
    • A Holiday Trolley will be available to transport people to the Loveland History Museum from Harrison Avenue at no charge.
    • Entertainment will be held in the center of downtown next to the fountain.

    Not sure what to expect at Christmas in Loveland this year? Click below to view photos taken by Loveland Magazine Photographer Sam Smith of Christmas in Loveland in 2016.

     

    At the Loveland Stage Company

    Don’t forget to attend this FREE SHOW during your Christmas In Loveland visit!
    Show Date: December 14, 2019 Director: Pat Furterer



    While at Christmas in Loveland be sure to visit these Loveland Magazine Advertisers and Businesses Supporters…

  • Little Miami River Chamber Alliance celebrates milestone at Oasis Turf & Tree

    Little Miami River Chamber Alliance celebrates milestone at Oasis Turf & Tree

    Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance had two reasons, really about 308 reasons to celebrate on November 20, so they threw a party. The decision to celebrate at Oasis Turf & Tree was because they had just recently become the 300th Chamber member. Since the date for the party was set, Chamber membership has now grown to 308.

    Oasis was also chosen because their brand new building was to be open in time and they have an incredibly big, ideal atrium just perfect for a party.

    The Oasis Turf and Tree atrium – Photo from Oasis Turf and Tree

    Chamber President, CeeCee Collins said, “What a gift the owners of Oasis Turf & Tree have brought to the Loveland area, specifically Loveland-Madeira Road. They have given us not only a beautiful building but amazing landscaping to enjoy.” The new building is across from the Loveland Kroger, on land where the old Loveland Lanes bowling alley used to be. Collins added, “It was an honor to hold our 300th member celebration at the new location. We are appreciative of all our chamber members and the business they have brought to Loveland, Symmes and Miami Townships.”

    Here are some photos from the party…