Tag: Mayor Kathy Bailey

  • 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!

  • Mayor Bailey launches process for 10 new D-5J liquor permits and drinking district for Loveland Madeira Road Business Corridor

    Mayor Bailey launches process for 10 new D-5J liquor permits and drinking district for Loveland Madeira Road Business Corridor

    Loveland, Ohio – “I have reviewed the CED application and the benefits it represents to the Loveland Madeira Road Business Corridor. Based on this review, I am submitting the application to City Council with a recommendation of approval and request that City Council schedule a public hearing to be held on September 28, 2021, to allow for public comment on the application,” Mayor Kathy Bailey said in a recent memo to Council.

    Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey (Loveland Magazine File Photo)

    The drinking district, or “Community Entertainment District” (CED) within the Loveland Madeira Road business corridor would create 10 new D-5J liquor permits.

    At the August 24 council meeting, City Manager Dave Kennedy described the effort as a new pool of liquor licenses, called D5-J, “…to help create a long and sustained turnaround for the Loveland Madeira Road business corridor.” He said it could expand the corridor’s opportunities for dining and entertainment-type businesses.

    Mr. Kennedy added that, if a CED is created, a D5-J would cost the applicant a $100 processing fee and a permit fee of $2,344, a savings of $27,000.

    The proposed district would encompass 54.029 acres between the intersection of West Loveland Avenue to Kroger, including all of the city’s Chestnut Street parcels. If approved, it would allow for ten D5-J liquor permits to be available in the district. The City council must: approve or disapprove the application. 

    If Council moves forward with the process they will set a date and time for a public hearing regarding the application. 

    Kennedy told Council that the CED could easily be expanded in the future. He said there would be a maximum of fifteen D5-J licenses in one district. 

  • 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!

  • The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    At Shopper’s Haven from 3 until 10 PM

    by Cassie Mattia

    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!

  • [VIDEO] Mark Bersani honored with Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award

    [VIDEO] Mark Bersani honored with Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award

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

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is full of lovely people! If you visit the city and simply walk along the Loveland Bike Trail or along the sidewalks as you pass the local businesses you will find that everyone within the community supports and loves one another. Many individual community members, business owners, and local leaders have been recognized for what they have done for the City of Loveland and its people but one person, in particular, has proven time and time again to go above and beyond what is asked of him. That person is Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe and Kayak.

    On October 13th at Loveland’s City Hall Bersani was honored with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award, an award that recognizes the time and accomplishments of volunteers in the City of Loveland.

    Bersani was introduced and was given the prestigious award by Mayor Kathy Bailey. Two prominent members of the Loveland community nominated Bersani for the award and read their testimonials during the city hall meeting.

    Tim Butler, member of the Loveland City Council and Owner of local business Mile42 Coffee, read his nomination first.

    “Mark is a ceaseless advocate for preservation and aesthetics along the Little Miami River.  He is an active and fervent supporter of local businesses,” Butler noted, “Mark is also involved in a project which offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities to inner-city youth. Mark is a true representative of the ‘Think Global/Act Local’ mentality. Mark is always thinking of ways to improve the City.  He is well-deserving of this honor.”

    Neil Oury, also a member of the Loveland City Council, delivered his kind testimonial next during the city hall meeting.

    “Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe & Kayak, for his tireless efforts to helping Loveland businesses since 2003 with events and for being involved in the downtown business district,” Oury said, “Mark has mentored many young employees through his summer hiring.  Mark cares about Loveland, the river, and our residents.  His retail store offers canoes & kayaks and accessories along with offering demos, fishing tournaments, and tread shows which brings our community together.”

    After Mayor Kathy Bailey awarded Bersani, his wife, and daughter, Bersani got the opportunity to speak about how thankful he was to receive such an honor in the city he loves so much. Bersani explained that he was not only honored but very humbled by the award. He said everything he does is a team effort and that his family has played a big part in his success and volunteering efforts. Bersani said that he loves being apart of a community that supports one another and was sure to thank his wife, daughter, and canoe staff for all their hard work and support especially during the pandemic.

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we have always been huge supporters of Mark Bersani, his amazing family, and his legendary business! The Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award could not have been given to a better Loveland community member! We are so lucky to be apart of a community that recognizes people like Mark for their outstanding efforts in making Loveland that much better to live, work, and have fun in! From the moment I stepped foot into the City of Loveland I knew the Bersani family was special so I decided to write a story about their journey last year! If you would like to read the story click the following link: https://lovelandmagazine.com/an-inspirational-loveland-family-canoes-their-way-into-peoples-hearts/.

    Congratulations Mark Bersani! Click below to watch Bersani and his family honored at the October 13th City Hall Meeting with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award!

  • Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland celebrated those heroes who lost their lives during the 9/11 tragedy gathered around the Chief Candace M. Cook Firefighters Memorial, located on Harrison Avenue right along the Loveland/Little Miami Bike Trail just two Fridays ago. 

    Both the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department attended the beautiful ceremony as well as several dedicated community leaders.

    Luckily, Loveland Magazine was there to capture the breath-taking ceremony that included, a speech by retired Cincinnati Police Lieutenant and Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff ,Bruce Hoffbauer, the playing of bagpipes as the firefighter memorial flag was lowered to half-mast, search lights resembling the Twin Towers set off into the sky, and a patriotic display of fireworks as songs honoring the fallen heroes rang throughout the night. Pastor Bill Hounshell led the gathering in prayer.

    We understand that many may have missed Loveland’s 9/11 ceremony so here at Loveland Magazine we wanted to make sure our readers could virtually enjoy the experience through our “9/11 Photo Essay.” Click below to view the compilation of photos taken by Editor-In-Chief David Miller honoring the 9/11 heroes, local first responders, and attendees.

    (The Memorial – the Monument – the Ceremony – the Fireworks – the Searchlights – the Solemn People of the Greater Loveland Area)

    Stay tuned for more of 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 Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!

    [Video Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!

    By Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It has been a tough few weeks for people all over the United States with COVID-19 hasn’t reached its peak. With many small businesses and schools being forced to close their doors for the safety of the public, community members all over Ohio are wondering what’s next?

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV decided to join forces with Loveland’s Mayor Kathy Bailey in an on-camera interview so that we could get answers to some of the community’s hard-hitting questions! Mayor Bailey sat down with us, while of course still adhering to the 6 feet rule, in the Amphitheater at Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland in hopes that she could not only share what she and her team are doing for the community but also answer any questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.

    We know most of Loveland is at home right now wanting to connect with the community virtually so in saying that sit back, grab your favorite snack, and tune into LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents a “One-on-One With Mayor Kathy Bailey!”

    RECENT UP-DATES to this story:

    Read the full statement from Lt. Amy Campbell: Loveland Police Lt. Amy Campbell: We want our residents to abide by the Shelter in Place order

    Ohio Tax Commissioner Announces State and Local Income Extension!

    Building and Zoning Department suspends of services

    Utility Payments

    FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    Loveland Council declares a state of emergency

    Read the Emergency order that Council adopted



  • The City of Loveland educates through the mail!

    The City of Loveland educates through the mail!

    Loveland Magazine writer Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown

    Loveland, Ohio As election day quickly approaches the City of Loveland wants to be sure that all Loveland voters are not only aware but educated on the issues they will be voting on come November 5th!

    If you are a Loveland resident and you haven’t yet seen a packet from the City of Loveland addressing the proposed changes to the City’s Charter, well Loveland Magazine has it all right here! Below is a short description of what you will see in the packet of proposed changes to the City Charter, how the changes came about, and why these changes are being proposed.

    The 411 from City Hall:

    “On the November 5 ballot, you will be asked to consider amendments to the Loveland City Charter. The Charter is our City’s constitution. It defines how the City of Loveland is organized and how it functions and can only be changed by a vote of Loveland citizens. Loveland’s first Charter was approved by the voters in 1961, and throughout the years, revisions have been made, with the last round of revisions being approved by the voters in 2003. In 2018, Loveland City Council determined that our Charter needed to be reviewed, as most communities review their charters at least every ten years. City Council appointed a Charter Review Commission on February 27, 2018, and the members met twice a month for over a year to review each section of the charter. Additional background on the proposed amendments is available on the City’s website within the Commission’s meeting minutes. The Commission accepted public comments at every meeting and held a formal public hearing on May 22, 2019, to receive public input before submitting the proposed Charter Amendments to City Council for consideration. On July 9, 2019, the Charter Amendments were presented to City Council and a second public hearing was held to receive public comments. Following the public hearing, City Council adopted Ordinance 2019-61, which approved the submission of the proposed Charter Amendments to electors on the November 5 general election ballot. The proposed Charter Amendments are presented in a format that allows you to easily see the current charter language in the left column and the proposed changes within the right column. Many sections were not subject to changes. These proposed changes are being mailed to all registered voters in the City as required by Article XVIII Section 9 of the Ohio Constitution. All Loveland citizens are encouraged to vote in the November 5, 2019, general election which will include these proposed changes to our Charter.”

     

    Councilman Ted Phelps chaired the Charter Review Commission and we asked him to tell our readers the major changes that people should pay attention to when they review the proposal:

    First, the Charter was last amended in 2003.  One of the major things appearing in this year’s changes, is a requirement that at least once every 10 years, the City appoint a Charter Review Commission to review and recommend changes to Council (12.09).  This way, we will hopefully avoid long periods of time passing, like the 16 years since the last revision, which tends to give rise to a back-log of changes and the inefficiencies which accompany not doing so sooner.  Similarly, another change now being proposed is to require at least every 10 years, the City review its Master Plan (2.10).  This too will avoid City planning becoming stale or obsolete and will help Loveland to assess and reassess its direction in a more timely and productive manner.

    Another substantive change on the ballot this year seeks to address what happens when there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor.  This situation arose just a few years back and the City was without a Mayor for multiple months until the general election.  Under the revisions proposed to Section 2.06, that won’t happen as again as the revision makes clear that the Vice-Mayor becomes the Mayor for the unexpired term, unless the Vice-Mayor declines to do so and then Council by majority vote will select the new Mayor.

    There are also proposed changes to the Director of Finance position as currently the Director of Finance is chosen by Council.  The revisions (5.02, 5.06 and 9.06) will allow for the City Manager to choose the Finance Director subject to approval by Council.  Removal of the Finance Director will also be subject to Council approval.  These proposed changes seek to streamline matters and make more efficient not only the selection process for the Finance Director position but the changes also seek to align the Charter with the reality that the City Manager has and must continue to have a close and highly functional relationship with the Finance Director.  Council maintains a checks and balances role as again, both the actual selection and any removal of the Finance Director can only be done with Council approval.

    Finally, other important revisions seek to conform current roles and responsibilities of the Clerk of Council (2.08), clarify how the City is to publish ordinances and resolutions allowing for utilization of the City’s website to do so (3.04) and remove the residency requirement for the City Manager in conformity with current Ohio law (4.01).  One other beneficial change is to clarify when Council begins its term of office (2.04).  As you know, every two years when there is a general election, Council is to hold its organization meeting to elect the Mayor and Vice-Mayor and under the current Charter that meeting has to take place on the first Monday in December even if the recount winner has not yet been determined by the Board of Elections.  The changes to 2.04 make sure that Council’s first organization meeting following the general election takes place only after the recount process is finalized.

     

    Click on the link below to read through the proposed changes to the City’s Charter.

    https://lovelandoh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1313/Proposed-Charter-Amendments-2019


     

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