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Kudos
As you travel along I-75 in northwest Ohio, there is much to see and do in Allen, Hancock, Wood, and Lucas counties. For information about the tours offered in each of these fine counties, check out the Group Tour section or call the Lima/Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 419-222-6075.

- I-75 Corridor Tours


Kudos is a feature on our web site that highlights special events, awards received, promotions, new business openings, new menus, and any other noteworthy information. To submit an article or item for consideration please email your news to cara@lima-allencvb.com (include the word "Kudos" in the subject line) or call the CVB office at 419-222-6075. We look forward to hearing from you!

- Lima/Allen County CVB


We are excited to announce that the CVB along with the Lima Area Chamber of Commerce, Allen Economic Development Group, Downtown Lima Inc., Allen Lima Leadership and others have now relocated into our new offices in the Schnorf/Wagner Building in Downtown Lima. We encourage everyone to stop in and visit us at our new location: 144 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45801. Our email, website and phone number all remain the same!

- Lima/Allen County CVB relocates to new office!


Allen County's Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center has a new website. If you are planning a meeting, big or small, a convention, reception or special event you can get many details at this site. You can also find out what's going on at Crouse Performance Hall, reserve your tickets on line and get information on Memorial Hall of Allen County. Check it out!! www.limaciviccenter.com

- Lima's Civic & Convention Center

The Blue Caboose is owned and managed by the Lima-Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau and staffed by nearly 30 volunteers. These Tourism Specialists give their time, enthusiasm, and knowledge to welcoming visitors to Lima and Allen County by providing local, state, and regional information and printed materials for inquisitive travelers. The Caboose is open seasonally from the end of May to Labor Day.

- Blue Caboose Tourist Info Center



November Events:

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John Rausch Art Exhibit

October 29 - December 2, 2010.
7:00 p.m.
Location: The Meeting Place on Market.

Artist, Architect, John Rausch has long found the spacious, open landscapes of his rural northern Ohio home of Findlay an inspiration and source of constant interest.  Wherever his travels lead, the local landscape is subject to an expressionistic, often minimalist interpretation by this painter, photographer.


Contact:
The Meeting Place on Market
220 W. Market St.
Lima, OH  45801
419-222-0985

 

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Oklahoma!

A REGIONAL EVENT -

Monday, November 1, 2010.
7:30 p.m.
Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Van Wert.

Rogers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, two Academy Awards, a Grammy and a special Tony Award, Oklahoma! Is the classic American musical that launched the remarkable songwriting collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

Tickets: $20, $30, $40. On sale Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

Contact:
Niswonger Performing Arts Center
10700 St. Rt. 118 South
Van Wert, OH  45891
419-238-6722

 

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College Access Monthly Workshops

Tuesdays.
October 5 & November 2, 2010.
January 11, February 1, March 1, and April 12, 2011.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: YMCA Annex, 136 S. West St., Lima.

Cost: Free!

Contact:
Wendy Schall
College Access
567-204-3861

 

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Elida Band Boosters Bingo

Every Sunday & Tuesday, 2010.
November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 2010. 
7:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Exhibit Hall.

Package prices start at $15.00

 
Contact:
Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center
7 Town Square
Lima, OH  45801
419-224-5222

 

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Senior Citizens Services Bingo

Every Wednesday throughout the year except holidays.
November 3, 10, 17, 24, 2010.
Doors open: 5:00 p.m.
Bingo: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Senior Citizens Services, Inc.

54 cards: $20; 72 cards: $25; 90 cards $30 w/free tag.
Fireball Jackpot: $8700.
Open to the public.

Contact:
Senior Citizens Services, Inc.
3400 W. Elm St.
Lima, OH  45807
419-991-8811

 

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Chamberfest

Thursday, November 4, 2010
5:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center. 

This is the Chamber's largest community event with over 700 attendees.  The Las Vegas night will feature local restaurants and caterers with samples of their finest cuisine, a full casino and interactive games, Texas Hold 'Em tables, celebrity dealers, a fully stocked beer garden and a silent auction overflowing with fabulous prizes!

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

 
Contact:
Tannie Whitling
Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce
144 S. Main St.,  Suite 100
Lima, OH  45801
twhitling@limachamber.com
419-222-6045

 

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Rays Market Wine Tastings

Thursdays:  November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010.
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays:  November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2010.
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rays Market.

50 cents per sample.  Typically two to four samples.


Contact:
Chris Pauff
Rays Market
890 S. Cable Rd.
Lima, OH  45805
419-224-0600

 

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Vino Bellissimo Wine Tastings

Thursdays:  November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010.
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays:  November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2010.
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Vino Bellissimo.

Taste four different wines for $2.00.

 
Contact:
Mark Reineke
Vino Bellissimo
2720 Elida Rd.,  Suite 144
Lima, OH  45805
419-221-1010

 

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Lima Astronomical Society Observing Schedule

November 5, 2010.

The Schoonover Observatory in Schoonover Park (670 N. Jefferson St., Lima) will be open at 8:00 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.  This coincides with the regular monthly meetings of the Lima Astronomical Society.

The Observatory will also be open from time to time for special events related to sky phenomena taking place at the time.

On regular meeting nights, there will be a short business meeting at 8:00 p.m. followed at 8:30 p.m. by some sort of presentation lasting approximately an hour.  Observations will commence thereafter.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Society's regular meetings and any special events.
You are encouraged to come to the observatory and look through the 14-inch Celestron telescope housed at that facility.  Members of the LimaAstronomical Society will be on hand to operate the telescope and answer your questions.


Contact:
419-224-8222

 

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Bluegrass in the Cornfield Monthly Concerts

A REGIONAL EVENT -

Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, 2010.
Saturdays: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Famous Old Time Music Company.

Bluegrass in the Cornfields is an evening of lively bluegrass entertainment featuring the finest national and local talent.  This is an indoor concert.

Cost: $10.00
Good food by Margaret's Kitchen available on site.


Contact:
Famous Old Time Music Company
20322 U.S. 33
Wapakoneta, OH  45895
419-568-1220 or 513-607-1874

 

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Lima Symphony - Buckeyes and Berlioz

Saturday, November 6, 2010.
7:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Crouse Performance Hall.

The LSO pays tribute to OSU in this sparkling 50th anniversary celebration of the Ohio State University/Lima. The University Chorus will join our orchestra in our musical salute to the Buckeyes featuring all of your collegiate favorites. Our evening will culminate with Berlioz's delicate, complex and deeply chromatic Symphony Fantastique.

Single Ticket Costs: Adult Area 1, $28;  Adult Area 2, $22;  Student Area 1, $14;  Student Area 2, $11.

Contact:
Lima Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 1651
Lima, OH  45802
419-222-5701

 

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Tri-State Gun Show

November 6 - 7, 2010
Held the first Saturday and Sunday from January - May and October - December.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Allen County Fairgrounds.

A popular show for collectors.  Guns, knives, hunting equipment and associated collectibles.
Admission Fee: Adults - $4.00; Children 14 and under - Free, and must be accompanied by an adult.


Contact:
Manetta Sneary
419-647-0067

 

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Walking Thru Autumn Hiking Series

Saturday, November 6, 2010.
9:00 a.m. (approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hour hike).
Location: Kendrick Woods, 971 N. Defiance Trail.

This is the 4th year for this popular series of 8 consecutive Saturday morning hikes. Combine the benefits of walking with an opportunity to explore some of the 27 miles of Metro Park trails.

Attend your first hike and receive a hand-made hickory, sassafras or dogwood walking stick and a guide to the Metro Park trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 hikes, participants will receive a 2010 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion.

All participants are required to register, and a $10 registration fee is charged. The registration fee will be waived for those not interested in a hiking stick.

September 18 marks the first hike; however, participants may register as late as October 1 for the final 6 hikies. After this date, walk-ins are welcome, but will not be eligible for the hiking stick or the medallion.

Contact:
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
419-221-1232

 

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West Central Ohio Fall Home & Energy Expo

November 6 & 7, 2010.
Saturday: 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Exhibit Hall.

The West Central Builders Association, along with the Lima News, brings you this opportunity to explore possibilities for upgrades to your home.  Come down and see what is new.

Open to the public.
$1.00 admission. Proceeds to benefit Safety City.

 
Contact:
Jolene Molaski
The Lima News
419-993-2118

 

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Photo Contest Open House

Sunday, November 7, 2010.
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd., Lima.

All 2010 Nature Photo Contest entries will be on display.
The public is invited.

Contact:
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
419-221-1232

 

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American Traditional Skills: Stained Glass

Part I: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Part II: Tuesday, November 16, 2010.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m., both sessions.
Location: McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd., Lima.

Join instructor Tammy Morman as she teaches us to make a masaic snowman plate that will come with an easel for beautiful display.

Cost for this two-part class is $55.00.
You can view this project at our website, www.jampd.com.
Call to register by Nov. 5.

Contact:
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
419-221-1232

 

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Alzheimer's Support Group

2nd Wednesday of each month:
Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 2010.
2:00 p.m.
Location: Allen County Council on Aging.

Meetings are for family members and caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related memory loss condition.
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease and meet other caregivers.


Contact:
Judy Jacomet or Judy Doute
Allen County Council on Aging
215 N. Central Ave.
Lima, OH  45801
419-228-5135

 

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Lima/Allen County Civil War Study Club

January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, 2010.

The Lima/Allen County Civil War Study Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month except December.
7:00 p.m.
Location: New Creation Lutheran Church, Allentown Rd., Lima.

 
Contact:
Tom Bowman
419-999-4785

 

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Nature Pals: Turkey Talk

Wednesday, November 10, 2010.
10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Location: McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd., Lima.

Children ages 3 - 5 and their adult companions are invited to "talk turkey" as we learn about wild turkeys through a story, craft and a hike.

Registration required by Nov. 8.

Contact:
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
419-221-1232

 

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LACNIP Annual Dinner

Thursday, November 11, 2010.
6:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center.

This is the annual dinner where new officers for 2011 will be installed.  The Good Neighbor Award, and Shirley Daley Neighborhood Leadership Award winner will be announced.

Open to the public.

 
Contact:
Connie Dershem
419-221-5177

 

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Bath Fall Craft Show

Saturday, November 13, 2010.
Always the 2nd Saturday in November.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Bath High School.

Sponsored by Bath PTS.
Admission: $1.00; Children under 12: Free.


Contact:
Jane Roberts
419-227-4813

 

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Bluffton University - Gospel Choir Concert

Saturday, November 13, 2010.
Location: Bluffton University, Yoder Recital Hall.

This is the debut of Bluffton University's new gospel choir, led by Dr. Crystal Sellers.  Dr. Sellers has been singing gospel music most of her life, and has joined the Bluffton University faculty as an assistant professor of music.

Other choirs will be coming to Bluffton for the concert, as will a rhythm section led by Dr. Sellers' brother Wesley, a drummer, as well as pastor of their Columbus home church, Holy Temple Church of God.

 
Contact:
Robin Bowlus
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH  45817
419-358-3453

 

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Lantern Walk

Saturday, November 13, 2010.
7:00 p.m.
Location: Ft. Amanda Park, St. Rt. 198.

Take a journey back in time. Guided by lantern light, we will experience the woods as the early settlers may have. First we will learn how to use flint and steel to light our lanterns without the use of matches for our journey. We will gather around the campfire and listen to stories about Ft. Amanda and the Auglaize River.

Bring your favorite lantern - no flashlights please. A limited number of lanterns will be available for use.
Registration required by Nov. 10.

 
Contact:
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
419-221-1232

 

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Lima Silver Spurs Square Dance

November 13, 2010

2nd Saturday of every month except July and August.
July: no dance
August: 3rd Friday.
8:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Location: West Middle School Cafeteria, 503 N. Cable Rd., Lima.

 
Contact:
Sharon Myers
President
419-222-5520

 

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Springbrook Gardens Dances - 2010

Saturdays except for last date in December.
All dates: 8:00 p.m.
April 24, May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 14, August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, November 13, December 11 and December 31, 2010.
Location: Springbrook Gardens.

 
Contact:
Springbrook Gardens
4240 N. West St.
Lima, OH  45801
419-225-8451

 

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J & M Collectibles Motorcycle Swap Meet

Sunday, February 14, 2010.
Sunday, November 14, 2010.
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. both days.
Location: Allen County Fairgrounds.

Admission: $6.00. Age 12 and under admitted free.


Contact:
Mary Godwin
P.O. Box 166
Mendon, OH  45862
419-795-4185

 

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L.A.U.R.A. Meeting

January 20, February 17,March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, 2010.

The Local Area UFO Research Association (L.A.U.R.A.) meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of every month except December.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Market Street Presbyterian Church, Lima, Ohio - lower level.


Contact:
Tom Bowman
419-999-4785

 

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Taste of Home Cooking School

Thursday, November 18, 2010.
Location: Veterans' Memorial Civic & Convention Center.

Presented by The Lima News and LimaOhio.com.

Expo: 3:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall.  The Expo will feature booths, displays and cooking tips.
Taste of Home Cooking School: 7:00 p.m. in the Crouse Performance Hall.
This annual show will present a well-known cooking professional with unique skills to teach us.

Cost: $10/$8/$5.  (All seats reserved).  Tickets will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

See coupon in the Lima News, and mail along with payment and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  You may also order online at www.limaohio.com.  (A $1.00 handling fee will be added).  Tickets may also be purchased by visiting The Lima News office.


Contact:
Jolene Molaski
The Lima News
419-993-2118

 

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Appalachian Opry Monthly Variety Shows

A REGIONAL EVENT -

Jan. 23, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 15, June 19, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 2010.
Saturdays: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Famous Old Time Music Company.

The Apalachian Opry is our answer to Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry.  An assortment of guest artists join staff musicians Vernon & Kitty McIntyre with Mitch Manns, Don Bowlin, and Jeff Causey for an evening of bluegrass, old country music, comedy and fun.

Cost: $10.00
Good food available on site.

 
Contact:
Famous Old Time Music Company
20322 U.S. 33
Wapakoneta, OH  45895
419-568-1220 or 513-607-1874

 

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Christmas Craft Show

Saturday, November 20, 2010.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Allen County Fairgrounds.

Don't miss this Christmas Craft Show where craft vendors come from all over Ohio and the surrounding states to show and sell their unique items for that special someone this holiday season.

Admission: $3.00

 
Contact:
Julie Hall
419-648-3747

 

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Alzheimer Caregiver's Support Group

Meetings 4th Tuesday of the month:

November 23, December 28, 2010.
6:30 p.m.
Location: HCF, Inc., 1100 Shawnee Rd., Lima.

Refreshments served at each meeting.

Contact:
Linda Friend, LSW
419-999-2055

 

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Encore Theatre - A Christmas Carol

November 26-28 & December 2-5, 2010.
Thursday & Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday matinee: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Encore Theatre.

A Christmas Carol 
Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future for this tale of redemption and forgiveness that captures the true spirit and magic of the holiday season.

Cost: Regular Adult: $13; Senior: $11; Student to age 18: $8.

Contact:
Encore Theatre
991 North Shore Drive
Lima, OH  45801
419-223-8866 or 1-800-944-1441

 

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Heart Of It All Livestock Show

November 26 - 28, 2010.
Friday - Sunday. 
Location: Allen County Fairgrounds.


Contact:
Jay Begg
Allen County Fairgrounds
2750 Harding Hwy.
Lima, OH  45804
419-228-7141

 

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NWORRP - North Pole Express

A REGIONAL EVENT -

November 26 - December 26, 2010.
Fridays: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Sundays: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
(Closed December 24, Christmas Eve)
Location: Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc.

Admission: $2.00 Adults and $1.00 Children, includes train ride ticket.

All train rides are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. It is our intention to run our Steam Engine 901 for Special Programs and Sunday rides, but we reserve the right to run Diesel Engine 101. Children under 42" tall must ride with an adult. Prices and times subject to change without notice.

 
Contact:
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc.
11600 County Rd. 99
Findlay, OH  45840
419-423-2995
Email: nworrp@sbcglobal.net

 

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Bluffton Blaze of Lights

Saturday, November 27, 2010.
Location: Downtown Bluffton.

Events all day long.
5:00 p.m.: Blaze of Lights Parade
7:00 p.m.: Ream Folk Art Display lights turn on.
Blaze light display until January 8, 2011.


Contact:
Fred Steiner
Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 142
Bluffton, OH  45817
419-358-5675
blufftonchamber@gmail.com

 

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Dulcimer Jams

A REGIONAL EVENT -

Jan. 30, Feb. 27, Mar. 27, Apr. 24, June 26, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 27, 2010.
Saturdays: 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Famous Old Time Music Company.

Our monthly Dulcimer Jams feature mountain and hammered dulcimers with autoharps; but we also welcome guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and other players. Join us and have lots of fun!

Donations accepted.

 
Contact:
Famous Old Time Music Company
20322 U.S. 33
Wapakoneta, OH  45895
419-568-1220 or 513-607-1874

 

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