Loveland, Ohio – If you are a little Miami River Chamber Alliance member, resident of the Loveland School District, or work in the Loveland area your Valentine Card Design original artwork may be submitted.
Artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.”
One-color, two-color, and full-color entries are acceptable. Artwork must be flat (two-dimensional) and reduce proportionately to fit within a 5 inch by 3 ¾ inch space, the size of the printed Valentine’s Day cards.
The submission deadline is November 20, 2021.
Last year’s winner was Cindy Wilmes and she created this video of her taking one of her cards to be stamped at and mailed from the Loveland Post office.
Entry forms and contest rules are available at the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140. If you would like one sent to you, call the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at 683-1544.
The winner will receive design credit on the back of the 2022 Valentine’s Day cards, recognition at the Valentine Kick off, other local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast. Entries not selected may be picked up after December 10, 2021.
The winning card design will be featured as a “Cover Photo” in Loveland Magazine.
Click below to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal presented to you by LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV!
Watch this interview by Cassie Mattia interviewing the 2021 Valentine Card Designer and Valentine Lady Jeannie Shumaker.
We have more Loveland Magazine TV videos for you to enjoy! Click below to watch now!
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!
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, Ohio – “No words can describe how deeply touched and grateful I am that David gave me the opportunity to fulfill my Journalism dreams at Loveland Magazine. The fact that at the age of 31 I can proudly say I am the Co-Owner of a newspaper that has been around for 18 years is truly amazing,” said Cassie Mattia.
Mattia as a six-year-old had a passion to be a writer. Her love for the written word along with pursuing and achieving college degrees in Journalism, Business, and English led her to reach yet another milestone on June 25th; when she became an “Equal Co-Owner” of Loveland Magazine.
It was 3-years-ago on July 9, 2018, when Cassie sent Loveland Magazine owner, David Miller, an email that introduced herself. It read in part, “One day I was running and I passed the Loveland Magazine location and immediately got excited as I thought this could be an opportunity to display my writing skills! I am not sure if you guys are hiring or not but I thought I would send an email displaying my interest in possibly doing some freelancing or anything you had available. I want so badly to share my writing with others and I do believe this may be a good opportunity to do so!”
Loveland Magazine founder David Miller signed a Co-Equal Partner Agreement at Ramsey’s Trailside on June 25th with Cassie Mattia.
“It was an absolutely beautiful Summer morning when I received Cassie’s email and I thought, why not get out of the office for a change and enjoy spending a few moments outside,” Loveland Magazine’s Founder and Editor, David Miller said, “I invited Cassie to have coffee in Historic Downtown Loveland at the Loveland Sweets Shop.”
Within moments Cassie jumped at the invite. Even though she was in the middle of her morning workout she accepted the invitation, and soon after Miller arrived and sat down under a sidewalk umbrella. “Mattia was walking across West Loveland Avenue a little disheveled because she interrupted her daily morning workout to meet me,” Miller said.
That meeting quickly led to a photoshoot and a column branding for Mattia. “Time for Loveland Salad with Cassie Mattia” was created. In this column, Mattia could write and report on a wide variety of stories about Loveland. Cassie soon became a paid writer and our Associate Editor. She then was promoted to Account Executive, which entailed managing Loveland Magazine’s advertisers. Recently Mattia was given the title Director of Marketing to better reflect her current advertising duties.
“I had thought for a long time about how to reward Cassie for her dedication and the skill set she brought to our newspaper and concluded she should be part owner,” said Miller. “After drafting an ownership agreement, asking her if she was interested, and after looking much closer at it, I became increasingly uncomfortable with the 60/40 percent owner relationship I was proposing. I thought, what am I trying to hold onto and control by making her a minority partner?”
Miller redrafted the agreement into a Co-Equal Partner Agreement. For Miller, it wasn’t about sharing future profit, it was about Mattia gaining equal control and decision-making power. “It is a true model of how I believe an employee-owned business should be run,” Miller said.
“I have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember and have done whatever it takes to get to where I want to be in the world of Journalism. I have experienced so many things over the years in this field, but nothing compares to my time with Loveland Magazine,” said Mattia after signing the contract.
“I am beyond proud that Loveland now has a newspaper co-owned by a woman and the unique perspective it will bring to how news is reported here. Readers should feel more confident that Loveland Magazine will report the news and select the stories and interviews we publish, from a broader, more diverse, and younger point of view,” Miller added.
Mattia is Loveland Magazine’s on-air personality who does most of the on-camera interviews, live streaming, and writes feature stories. The “What’s In Loveland’s DNA,” “Sports 411,” and “Cassie The Food Guru” storylines were created to showcase her talent. “Cassie is multi-lingual in what seems like all cultural-cuisines,” said co-owner Miller.
Cassie Mattia and Loveland Magazine founder David Miller signed a Co-Equal Partner Agreement at Ramsey’s Trailside on June 25.
Since Mattia has joined the Loveland Magazine team she has been nominated for several of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s local business awards each year. “The award we received from the Ohio High School Athletic Association for ‘Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity in 2020 was in large part a credit to Cassie’s contributions,” said Miller.
Mattia said, “I could have never imagined having my own columns, conducting on-camera interviews, creating feature stories, commentating big events like ‘Rolling Mondays’ and ‘Loveland’s 4th of July Parade,’ and getting nominated for so many awards for my work.”
After taking a couple of days to process that she now was a Co-Owner of what she described as “an unbelievable publication”, Mattia said, “It’s been an absolute dream come true.” She thanked Miller for being her support system and teaching her so many things about Journalism. She also expressed gratitude to all the area residents, Loveland Magazine readers, business owners, and city leaders for supporting her work. She continued, “I want to thank all of those who gave me internships when no one else would because I didn’t have ‘enough experience.’ I want to thank my teachers and professors who inspired and pushed me to keep on writing. I want to thank my basketball, track and field, and cross country coaches for instilling in me great work ethic and determination. I want to thank my boyfriend for encouraging me and putting up with my crazy schedule, and last but not least I want to thank my family, without you I would not be who I am today.”
“Loveland Magazine hopes to always thrive in and contribute to a nurturing environment for Loveland, one of equality and empathy. Cassie Mattia’s love for our community and its people will certainly keep us moving in that direction,” Miller said. “Her positivity and compassion are contagious.”
“I can’t wait to see what David and I continue to create and achieve for Loveland Magazine. Loveland, you really are the Sweetheart of Ohio and I promise to continue filling the community with love and of course writing and reporting the absolute best stories I can,” Mattia said when asked about Loveland Magazine’s future.
About Loveland Magazine
Loveland Magazine LLC is locally and independently owned with offices in Loveland, Ohio… where we live. Before Loveland Magazine was published in 2004 it had been nearly four decades since Loveland had a locally owned newspaper.
Our bias is towards being socially progressive, and fiscally conservative when fiscal policies bend towards equality and serving the members of society on the lowest rung.
We believe in a Loveland that represents a future made from the beliefs of its passionate, innovative thinkers who love this town so much they spend a considerable amount of their own time trying to make it the absolute best place to live in the entire world.
Since 2004, it has been the mission of Loveland Magazine to be a platform so that those ideas and dreams can be shared wide and far throughout our hometown until they become our reality.
In 2008, Loveland Magazine was awarded the prestigious, Booth Spirit Media Award, beating out all other media stations in the tri-state. Loveland Magazine is “a premier local online news outlet.”
In February Loveland Magazine’s Editor in Chief, David Miller was notified by the Ohio High School Athletic Association that he had been selected for the 2020 Media Award. In 1991, the Ohio High School Athletic Association initiated the Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Program. One aspect of the program was to honor those “special individuals” who bring great recognition to our high schools, coaches, and especially, our athletes through media’s different forms. Tim Stried, OHSAA’s Director of Communications said at the time, “I first got to know David in 2013 when Loveland made its run to the 2013 Division II football state championship,” Stried said, “I read much of his coverage of the team in the playoffs and I remember his excitement and professionalism covering the team in Canton for the state championship game.”
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Newspapers Association on October 11, 2013, Loveland Magazine was voted into membership.
Loveland Magazine was the first “digital-only member” of The Ohio Newspaper Association
The Ohio Newspaper Association (ONA) was established in 1933 and is the trade association for more than 250 Ohio daily and weekly newspapers. Their membership includes The Columbus Dispatch, Plain Dealer, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, Dayton Daily News, and The Toledo Blade.
ONA is now the Ohio News Media Association. The association administers a full program of member services that include: government relations and lobbying, publications, seminars, and employee training, legal assistance, group insurance, and advertising services.
Loveland Magazine is also a member of the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. Founded in 1972, the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association works to support and enhance the coverage of high school sports in Ohio and to recognize superior writing among sports journalists.
Loveland, Ohio – It was a beautiful Summer night at the first installment of Bands and Brews in the heart of Downtown Historic Loveland last Saturday!
Families and friends grabbed their lawn chairs, blankets, and their favorite beverage and gathered around the Fountain Greene as they enjoyed live entertainment by the Counting Skeletons and Everything’s Jake.
The fun-filled night kicked off at 6 PM with the Counting Skeletons performing their personal “Dance-able Rock” favorites. As Bone Head, Bon “E” Phish, Phred “Big Bones” McAllister, Skeleton Keys, Jon Bone-m, and Dead Ear got the crowd rocking and rolling kids from the surrounding families joined the Skeletons on stage showing off with their best dance moves!
Check out the video below that I took of the Counting Skeletons rocking out with the community’s kids!
After the Counting Skeletons finished their set, the crowd intermingled with one another as many members of the community had not seen each other since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Next on the entertainment line-up was Everything’s Jake featuring the trio of Ben Duke, Joe Cremeans, and Marianne Puntenney. The community of music lovers grabbed their beverages from the President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, Cee Cee Collins, and intern, Amanda Fox, and once again gathered around for one heck of a show!
Everything’s Jake ended the night with a bang playing everything from R&B to Blues to Pop. As everyone swayed and grooved to the sweet harmonies of Everything’s Jake it was clear that the first rendition of Bands and Brews was a Summer success!
Check out the video below captured by Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller of Everything’s Jake!
Bands and Brews 2021 will be going on every month throughout the Summer from 6 PM-10 PM on the Fountain Greene in Downtown Historic Loveland. The next installment will be on July 3rd and will feature Model Behavior.
Loveland, Ohio – The warm weather is finally here and Downtown Loveland is more than ready to bring the community back together once again to celebrate Summer 2021!
The Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance (LMRCA) has been working harder than ever planning events as Ohio slowly but surely returns back to normal after all the COVID-19 chaos canceling the majority of events last Summer.
Counting Skeletons is composed of a group of veteran musicians that are based out of both Cincinnati and Dayton. This local band is all about getting their audience up and dancing as they focus primarily on the ’70s, ’80s, and today’s “Dance-able Rock” hits! Bone Head, Bon “E” Phish, Phred “Big Bones” McAllister, Skeleton Keys, Jon Bone-m, and Dead Ear are all a part of Counting Skeletons.
Click below to listen to Counting Skeleton’s “Super Moon!”
Everything’s Jake, featuring trio Ben Duke, Joe Cremeans, and Marianne Puntenney, will also be headlining the first round of Bands and Brews on June 12th. This local band plays a little something for everyone, from R&B to Blues to Pop and Rock, Everything’s Jake is bound to get you singing along!
The LMRCA encourages those who are attending to bring lawn chairs and blankets so that they can comfortably watch the live entertainment. Drinks will be sold at the event!
Bands and Brews will take place each month throughout the Summer in Downtown Loveland from 6 PM to 10 PM and will feature only the best local bands! On July 3rd Model Behavior will take the stage and on August 14th both the Frogman Band and Time Stamp will be performing.
As more details come in about Band and Brews The Summer Concert Series, Loveland Magazine will be here to deliver to you our loyal readers the latest news!
We hope to see everyone celebrating Summer together at the first installment of Bands and Brews this Saturday at Fountain Greene in Downtown Loveland beginning at 6 PM! Let’s kick-off together a beautiful Summer 2021!
For more updates on Loveland events and entertainment stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – Foodies from all over came together to enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and superb live entertainment on Saturday at Shopper’s Haven Plaza for the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally!
Me being the Food Guru I am, I couldn’t miss out on all the local cuisine, so I grabbed my boyfriend and enjoyed a beautiful walk from Downtown Loveland to Shopper’s Haven Plaza.
As Adam and I inched closer to the Food Truck Rally we were beyond impressed with the 24 Food Trucks lined along the plaza welcoming the community as they selected their food truck of choice! Included in all the fun were inflatables for children to play on, face painting and henna tattoos, vendor booths in which local businesses/organizations, like LIFE Food Pantry and Garden City Chiropractic, were able to share their story with the community, exciting give-away raffles, and a stage in which 3 different entertainment groups, Premier Dance and Tumbling, Minar and Sowers, and The Dan Varner Band, were able to perform while many stopped to watch to cheer them on.
Those who attended the Food Truck Rally were able to bring in their own “Tailgating” set-up so that they could safely and comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and of course the most important part; the food. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse into the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!
After going to the last few Food Truck Rallies I have learned that the best way to take in all the Food Trucks is to start from the first truck and slowly but surely make your way to each and every one. Me being the journalist I am I have gotten into the habit of documenting each Food Truck and what they bring to the table so that by the time I get to the last Food Truck I know exactly which ones I’m going to try!
This year the Food Truck Rally had a little something for everyone! From the unique flavor combinations from Kona Ice to the Texas Joe award-winning Brisket, not one community member came out of the Rally empty-handed. Being Vegan, each year I am always curious as to what Food Trucks will be representing those with a plant-based lifestyle, and to my pleasant surprise, I had several options to choose from.
One of my favorite Vegan Food Truck options was Just Jerks Jamaican Grill. Just Jerks specialized in “Rice Boxes” and Tacos with a little Jamaican flair! I decided to go with the Veggie Rice Box, which included Plantains, Jamaican rice and beans, sauteed veggies, and Caribbean slaw. The Plantains were to die for as they melted right in my mouth when I took my first bite. Jenn’s HOT Tamale Food Truck also had some great Latin street eats for Vegans as they featured both sliders and tacos with Zucchini substituted as the protein!
Although many are now moving towards a plant-based lifestyle, the Loveland Food Truck Rally had more than enough options for the meat-lovers out there!
East Coast Eatz represented a blacked-out style Food Truck offering a variety of cheesesteaks, chicken subs, and street tacos. Rock n Rolls displayed a vintage speaker on their Food Truck and specialized in Tots (Goetta and Buffalo Chicken), Egg Rolls, and Wraps including an Orange Ginger Chicken combo. Mama Bear’s Mac ended up being my boyfriend’s Food Truck dinner choice as he ordered the Flamin’ Jack Grilled Cheese. Even though I couldn’t try the grilled cheese, my boyfriend said and I quote, “My mouth is on fire, but for some reason, I can’t stop eating this!”
Of course after a filling yet scrumptious dinner you have to get something sweet, right? That simply is a no-brainer for me. The Food Truck Rally had so many sweet options that I believe some of those that attended the Rally skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! The legendary Loveland Dairy Whip brought their mobile truck, serving up only the creamiest soft serve you can imagine, while Funnel Vision offered 10 creative funnel cake creations ranging from Maple Bacon to Tooty Fruity to Salted Caramel Pretzel.
I decided to go with Sweet Maize Kettle Corn being the popcorn lover I am. I was anticipating an average-sized bag of Kettle Corn but when my boyfriend went to order it for me he came back with a 13-pound bag of Kettle Corn! Needless to say, I’m still working on finishing the bag. There have already been a couple of nights where I have woken up the next morning with the bag of Kettle Corn laying right next to my pillow! I think that describes how fantastic Sweet Maize Kettle Corn tastes.
Cincinnati’s Graeter’s also brought their Food Truck, which of course you can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of their infamous Black Raspberry Chip, while The Cheesecakery made an appearance again this year featuring Oreo, Birthday Cake Batter, White Chocolate Raspberry, Original with Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Silk as their cheesecake flavors.
All 24 Food Trucks present at the Annual Food Truck Rally went above and beyond to serve up only the best street food to those wanting to support the individuals working within the Food Trucks’ passions. Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins said the feedback from the community this year was out of this world.
“Loveland is back open! We had the largest attendance we have ever had for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally,” Collins said, “The feedback we are receiving is amazing. Everyone feels it was a fantastic day all around; great weather, great music, great company, and GREAT FOOD! We want to see any guests come back soon and visit all of the businesses throughout our area over the summer months.”
Meredith Taylor, Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance Program Director, couldn’t agree more with Collins, as she said she couldn’t thank the community of Loveland enough for all of their support.
“It was an amazing day and night! Thanks to so many of the community members who came out to support us. The food trucks, vendors and entertainment had a blast and we can’t wait for the next one,” Taylor said, “Loveland is a special place and we are honored to serve you and the business community!”
If you missed out on the Loveland Food Truck Rally’s musical guests or you would just like to reminisce on all the fun you had watching, check out the videos below!
Minar and Sowers Performing at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck RallyThe Nationally Recognized Dan Varner Band Putting on a Great Show at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally
Thank you to all those who supported, helped, and served up delicious food at this year’s Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys spending time together while supporting one another’s passions. I for one can’t wait until next year’s Food Truck Rally as well as all of the fun and exciting things to come this summer in Loveland as we safely transition back to a bit of normalcy!
Be sure to stay tuned to all things delicious with Me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take on the absolute best cuisine in the area and share it with YOU our loyal Loveland Magazine readers! Enjoy the photos I captured at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally below!
Join us for a Job Fair! Your “one stop shop” for finding a great job or employee! Sponsored by: Oasis Conference Center & Express Employment Professionals
Loveland, Ohio – Are you one of the many individuals in search of a great job? Or maybe you have or run a business that is in desperate need of expanding your staff…we have got you covered as the Loveland 2021 Job Fair is ready and willing to meet your needs!
On May 17th from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Oasis Conference Center located at 902 Loveland-Miamiville Road will be hosting the 2021 Job Fair sponsored by the Oasis Conference Center, Express Employment Professionals, and Suzy Cree from Keller Williams. Those that are seeking a profession will be able to learn more about potential sign-on and retention bonuses, trade certifications, unexplored job industries, and shift schedules. Employers who are looking to fill positions will have the opportunity to sign up for a Job Fair Booth that will include a covered table and chairs. The fee for reserving a booth at the 2021 Job Fair will be $40 and will be open for both vendors and employers to rent. If you would like to register for a booth at the Job Fair click here.
The 2021 Job Fair is completely FREE for the public to attend and completely safe as the event will be adhering to ALL Covid-19 safety guidelines! Below are some of the vendors that will be present this year!
Loveland, Ohio – The final countdown has begun as The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be kicking off the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, in just a few days on Saturday, May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road.
This year the Loveland Food Truck Rally, both family-friendly and free to attend (the food trucks present will charge separately for their concessions), will be bringing in over 20 food trucks for the community to enjoy! Guests that attend will have the option to stay and take in the atmosphere by tailgating near their cars with their delicious food or they may take their food and beverages to go. Parking will be available across the street at the Loveland Primary School. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs to add to your tailgating set-up, but please do not bring coolers or outside food and beverages as the Food Truck Rally will have plenty of food for you to enjoy as well as a variety of beer, wine, water, and soda for sale.
The LMRCA has made COVID-19 safety their top priority so that the community can celebrate the beginning of summer while still feeling safe and at ease! Masks will be required for the event and only may be taken off when seated and consuming food.
This year the Food Truck Rally will also include a “Children’s Area” that will feature inflatables, face painting, balloons, and a few other child-friendly surprises! The Children’s Area is set to close at 8 PM.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally recently added in more spectacular live entertainment aside from the nationally recognized Dan Varner Band. Premier Tumbling and Dance will put on a show from 3 PM-4 PM then Minar and Sowers will perform from 4 PM-6 PM. The Dan Varner Band will take the stage from 7 PM-10 PM.
In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials, including Mayor Kathy Bailey, will be present to address previously submitted questions by the community. Click “Contact” to submit your question to be answered at the Food Truck Rally by the Loveland City Officials.
There will be 22 Food Trucks in attendance that will be serving up everything from Chicken Mac to Funnel Cakes to creamy Loveland Dairy Whip ice cream! Check out the Food Truck line-up below!
Adeena’s Beef Stroll
All American Grill
Best Thing Smokin
Caveman Café
Chicken Mac
East Coast Eatz
Funnel Vision
Graeters
Jenn’s Hot Tamale
Just Jerks
Kona Ice
Loveland Dairy Whip
Mama Bears Mac
Patriot Grill
Philly Pretzel
Red Sesame
Rock and Rolls
Steak it Easy
Sweet Maize
Sweets and Meats
Texas Joe
The Cheesecakery
The Beerded Pig
At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.
Meet Dan Varner
Proud member, as an artist, of the CMA, ACM & ICMA
#1 ICMA Charting Song “When Mama Prayed”
Multiple Top 5 Charting ICMA songs
Opening act for the following country superstars: Blake Shelton, Dan & Shay, Kip Moore, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Randy Houser and many more.
Nashville benefit performance with country star Taylor Swift
Nashville “In the Round” performance with Music Row’s top hit- makers
CEA Finalist For Best Country Band multiple years
Voted #1 Original Music, Best Singer and Best Original Band by CincyVibe Magazine readers
Voted one of the top three bands in the Ohio tri-state area
Multiple, live on-air radio & TV performances within regional markets
If you are a business that would like to be involved in the Food Truck Rally this year, there will be booths available for rent. Click “Contact” to rent a booth for your business! Additional sponsorships are still available! For more information visit the LMCRA website or call their office at 513-683-1544.
For all things Loveland and more stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – The 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, is back and better than ever, and now The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has shared the Food Truck line up with us!
On May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road, The Loveland Food Truck Rally will be welcoming 22 Food Trucks that will be serving up everything from Chicken Mac to Funnel Cakes to creamy Loveland Dairy Whip ice cream! Check out the Food Truck line-up below!
Adeena’s Beef Stroll
All American Grill
Best Thing Smokin
Caveman Café
Chicken Mac
East Coast Eatz
Funnel Vision
Graeters
Jenn’s Hot Tamale
Just Jerks
Kona Ice
Loveland Dairy Whip
Mama Bears Mac
Patriot Grill
Philly Pretzel
Red Sesame
Rock and Rolls
Steak it Easy
Sweet Maize
Sweets and Meats
Texas Joe
The Cheesecakery
The Loveland Food Truck Rally is of course both family-friendly and free to attend! Guests that attend will have the option to stay and take in the atmosphere by tailgating near their cars with their delicious food or they may take their food and beverages to go. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs to your tailgating set-up, but please do not bring coolers or outside food and beverages as the Food Truck Rally will have plenty of food for you to enjoy as well as a variety of beer, wine, water, and soda for sale.
The LMRCA has made COVID-19 safety their top priority so that the community can celebrate the beginning of summer while still feeling safe and at ease! Masks will be required for the event and only may be taken off when seated and consuming food.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally will also include spectacular nationally recognized live entertainment by The Dan Varner Band! In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials will be present to address previously submitted questions by the community. Click “Contact” to submit your question to be answered at the Food Truck Rally by the Loveland City Officials.
At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.
Proud member, as an artist, of the CMA, ACM & ICMA
#1 ICMA Charting Song “When Mama Prayed”
Multiple Top 5 Charting ICMA songs
Opening act for the following country superstars: Blake Shelton, Dan & Shay, Kip Moore, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Randy Houser and many more.
Nashville benefit performance with country star Taylor Swift
Nashville “In the Round” performance with Music Row’s top hit- makers
CEA Finalist For Best Country Band multiple years
Voted #1 Original Music, Best Singer and Best Original Band by CincyVibe Magazine readers
Voted one of the top three bands in the Ohio tri-state area
Multiple, live on-air radio & TV performances within regional markets
If you are a business that would like to be involved in the Food Truck Rally this year, there will be booths available for rent. Click “Contact” to rent a booth for your business!
For more 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
