The Old Ball Game

– by Betsy Ross

If you are new to the Greater Cincinnati area, or if you have a friend or co-worker who’s new to town, you probably have heard or said this phrase: “You have to go to Opening Day. Cincinnati does it better than any other baseball city.”

The sentence itself is true. But it hardly explains or demonstrates just what makes the first day of baseball season so special in the Queen City.

First, a history lesson: Veteran Reds fans will remember the days (and lament their passing) when the Reds were THE opening game of baseball season. Not because that the Reds were the first professional baseball team, as many believe, but mostly because of tradition, according to Reds historians Greg Rhodes and John Erardi. Before baseball expansion, Cincinnati was the southernmost city for baseball, so the belief was that the chances for better weather were greater.

Of course, we know that the weather forecast for Opening Day can be as unpredictable as an Aroldis Chapman fastball. It has snowed twice (measurable snow) on Opening Day, and as recently as 2018 the opener had to be postponed because of rain, the first time in more than a half century that Opening Day was delayed because of the threat of rain. Strikes, lockouts and, of course, the pandemic, were other factors that have altered the traditional first day of baseball.

But what makes Cincinnati’s Opening Day different from the other teams? Again, referencing Erardi and Rhodes in their terrific book, “Opening Day,” the Reds’ business manager at the turn of the 20th century, Frank Bancroft, gets the credit for turning the day into a holiday, complete with bunting around the stadium, first pitches from dignitaries and presentations on the field. The extra spectacle drew sellout crowds for Opening Day every year, so Cincinnati continued get a home game for its season opener.

It was around that time, in 1920, that Findlay Market got into the act with its Opening Day parade, which now is a 1.4 mile long celebration of Spring and baseball season. But it wasn’t always greeted with big crowds (an estimated 130,000 last year) and school children playing hooky.

From Rhodes: “With the Reds move downtown to Riverfront Stadium in 1970, the parade dynamics changed completely. Now, the line of march headed down Race Street and turned on Fifth and went right through the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Local television began covering the procession live for the first time. The parade became the focal point instead of the ballpark presentation.

“The parade organizers decided to open up the event to outside organizations and the entries grew to nearly 200. When Marge Schott purchased the Reds in the 1984, she used her connections with the Cincinnati Zoo to include elephants and other large animals that gave the entire event the feel of a circus.”

Once the parade is done, there’s still usually some time to fill before the start of the game—this year, a 4:10 p.m. matchup with Pittsburgh. Depending on the weather, fans can hang out at The Banks or inside their favorite watering hole while waiting for the ballpark festivities. Expect a sellout crowd to greet the Reds home and signal the start of Spring and baseball season.

As former Reds manager Sparky Anderson said,

“It’s a holiday—a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!”

Take the Field

–Kathrine Nero

The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade is as Cincinnati as it gets. As tens of thousands of Reds fans find their way downtown, it can be tough to get the best vantage point. So here are some insider tips on the best places to watch the parade.

Best for families

Washington Park is a hub of activity on Opening Day. There are inflatables for the kids, adult beverages for mom and dad, and lots of places to run and play for kids who get bored waiting for the floats to come by. Bally Sports Ohio is headquartered here as well for parade coverage.

Best for true Cincinnati homers

It’s a sea of humanity most years on Fountain Square, but that shared experience is exactly why this is a perfect place to see the parade. To be fair, it may be easier to hear the parade than see it, given the crowds here, but if that’s your jam, there’s no better place to be. Fans without tickets to the game can share the excitement of Opening Day, watching it on the big screen.

Rounding Race and headed for home

The parade route is a simple one – with a single turn down Race Street. This corner is a perfect place to see the floats and other entries up close and personal. There is plenty of parking nearby, with garages and surface lots within a block or so. Plus, it’s an easy trip back to the Duke Energy Convention Center immediately afterward, where the Cincinnati Auto Expo is giving free entry to anyone wearing Reds gear. And that’s all of us on Opening Day, right?

Begin at the end

If you or your family isn’t big on big crowds, the end of the route is great spot to set up shop. The parade officially ends at the Taft Theatre, and hanging out there allows kids a little breathing room and gives you an interesting vantage point as you see the floats almost the entire way down Race Street. Getting out of downtown is pretty easy from here, too, once the roads start to open back up. 

Take it to The Banks

Looking for an old-fashioned block party? Head to The Banks, with the Reds Community Fund Block Party kicking off at 11 a.m., with food, drinks, and entertainment. At noon, they’ll show the parade on the big screen in all its glory, so you can enjoy the view with an adult beverage as you sit on one of the patios at the bars and be close to GABP when the gates open 2:10 p.m. for the game.

Clutch Hitter

If You Go

Rich Walburg Day 
Saturday, April 1, 3–5 p.m,
The Filson, 25 E. Freedom Way

Donate to the Rich Walburg Media Scholarship at UC.

Join friends and colleagues for Rich Walburg Day to celebrate Rich's life and work during an event organized by Game Day Communications.

Donors of $25 or more to the Rich Walburg Media Scholarship at the University of Cincinnati receive a “Be Kind” bracelet.

Walburg, a beloved figure in local media, passed away in January 2022. Throughout his career, Walburg worked at WLW-AM, Q102, Kings Island, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and the National MS Society's Ohio Valley Chapter, as well as Game Day Communications. He was renowned for his quick wit, love of puns, and incredible professionalism.

The scholarship recipient will be announced on April 12.

Away We Go

Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St.
cincinnatiautoexpo.com

Thursday, March 30, 3 – 9 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Any-day general admission tickets: $11
(Save $2 by purchasing online in advance); Children age 12 and younger: Free

Specials

Thursday, March 30: Opening Night
Free admission when wearing Cincinnati Reds apparel 

Friday, March 31: Matinee Day
Half-price admission,11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Curious about EVs? Long to see a rare Maserati? Looking for a new family car?

Find all your answers at the 35th Cincinnati Auto Expo at Duke Energy Convention Center March 30–April 2.

Managed by the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Assn. (GCADA), the Expo provides the opportunity to experience new technologies and features in the newest model cars, crossovers, EVs, SUVs, trucks, from both domestic and import manufacturers. .

EV Showcase Schedule

Author Brian Culp: “A Dummy Answers Dumb EV Questions”

• Saturday, April 1: Noon | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 6 p.m.

• Sunday, April 2: Noon | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m.

Donovan Energy “Residential Charging”

• Saturday, April 1: 1:20 p.m. | 3:20 p.m. | 5:20 p.m. 

• Sunday, April 2:  12:40 p.m. | 2:40 p.m. | 4:40 p.m.

Drive Electric Cincinnati and Drive Electric Dayton EV Owners’ Panel” discussions:

• Saturday, April 1: 12:40 p.m. | 2:40 p.m | 4:40 p.m. 

• Sunday, April 2: 1:20 p.m. | 3:20 p.m.

An expanded EV Showcase includes a variety of vehicles with a wide range of price points from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Mercedes, Porsche, Subaru, Volvo and Volkswagen. The informative exhibit also will feature rotating presentations from Brian Culp, author of Electric Cars for Dummies, Cincinnati-based Donovan Energy along with the EV-owner members of Drive Electric Cincinnati as well as Drive Electric Dayton. EV chargers also will be on display courtesy of Electrify America.

With the Chevrolet Test Drive, guests can either drive or ride in a Bolt EUV, Blazer RS, Equinox RS, Silverado 1500 2.7, Tahoe Z71 and Trailblazer Activ.

But the expo is more than cars.

The Safe Travel for Kids Family Zone presented by the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Toyota Dealers has goody bags, RC car raffle, fun activities for young guests, courtesy of Kemba Credit Union. There is also an interactive safe teen driving simulator from the Hamilton County Safe Communities along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The Subaru Pet Park will introduce guests to adoptable animals from Greater Cincinnati shelters. A Campground exhibit will display RVs ideal for weekend getaways that can be towed by nearly every vehicle on the Expo floor.

Lovers of classic cars won’t want to miss the BMW M Series 50th Anniversary Collection, which celebrates the anniversary of the iconic BMW series, with models ranging from 1972 to 2011.

On Dream Machine Boulevard, presented by General Electric Credit Union, guests can see sought-after vehicles from Acura, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, Maserati, Jeep, Porsche and RAM that they can bring home to their own garages! Models from manufacturers such as have all been represented on Collector cars from Cincinnati Concours d’ Elegance, The British Car Club and Ohio Valley GTO Club will also be on display.

Off to the Races

If You Go

Jeff Ruby Steaks
Saturday, March 25, 12:45 p.m.
Turfway Park
7500 Turfway Road
Florence, KY 41042

Tickets and reservations for Jeff Ruby Steaks Day can be found at www.TurfwayPark.com.

And they’re off! The road to the Kentucky Derby runs through the Jeff Ruby Steaks this Saturday at Turfway Park. Last year’s race produced the winner of the 148th Kentucky Derby, Rich Strike. 

The Jeff Ruby Steaks is a “Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series” event and the top 5 finishers will receive points on a 100-40-30-20-10 scale toward a spot in the starting gate for the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI).

Last year’s Jeff Ruby Steaks helped launch Rich Strike to victory in the Kentucky Derby. This year’s field is expected to feature a talented group of 3-year-olds including Spendthrift Farm’s two-time graded stakes winner Major Dude; Patricia’s Hope and Phillip Sagan’s multiple stakes winner Two Phil’s and Tami Bobo and Lugamo Racing Stable’s $150,000 John Battaglia Memorial winner Congruent. The Jeff Ruby Steaks is one of six stakes events on the 13-race program.

Turfway Park and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment have extended their partnership and will remain the presenting sponsor of the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (Grade III) for an additional five years.

“Turfway Park recognizes our responsibility to provide best in class Thoroughbred racing that will complement the Jeff Ruby brand,” Turfway Park President Michael Taylor said. “Mr. Ruby has always been an advocate of supporting important causes for our industry, especially the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). We are grateful for his continued partnership in what has become Northern Kentucky’s premiere Spring sporting event.”

In addition to sponsoring the race, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment will be providing their food for the VIP dining experience on race day.

"This race has a long and storied history in Northern Kentucky. We're thrilled to be a part of it and continue our partnership with Turfway and Churchill Downs," said Jeff Ruby, Chairman and Founder of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. “The Jeff Ruby Steaks continues to grow and we're so proud to play a role in this key steppingstone to qualification for the Kentucky Derby."

“We are so happy to extend our partnership with Jeff Ruby and his team for the next five years in support of our Jeff Ruby Steaks,” Turfway Park General Manager Chip Bach added. “To have the ability to continue to associate our premier race with his best in class brand is a dream come true.”

Now Playing

Listen up! You can here the sounds of Spring (and Summer!) at The Banks.

“Banks Radio,” powered by the iHeartRadio app, will be airing The Soundtrack of Cincinnati featuring JonJon from KISS 107.1 FM using a new sound system recently installed along the Freedom Way Plaza from Joe Nuxhall to Walnut.

The Banks and iHeartMedia, parent company of stations including 700WLW, WEBN, and KISS 107 FM, collaborated to create the new station. 

“We are continuously looking for new amenities for our guests at The Banks,” said Tracy Schwegmann of The Banks. “Banks Radio will provide a music track to complement the energy of the area while entertaining our guests when they visit for dinner, a ball game or a concert.”

“Banks Radio is a unique station branded just for The Banks on the iHeartRadio app. It was built incorporating our iHeartCX platform, which is our retail in-store audio solution technology,” said DJ Hodge, Metro President at iHeartMedia, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. “We are thrilled to use our music automation software to air a custom playlist created just for the fans of The Banks.”

What are the odds?

It’s time to take a gamble on The Benjamin.

That’s the theory behind the new men’s lifestyle media brand, brought to you by Game Day, the same company responsible for the fine work here at Cincinnati People.

The Benjamin, available at BetTheBen.com, focuses on those interested in sports betting, Cincinnati content and is one of the area’s only outlets specifically geared toward men, though all are welcome.

Readers of The Benjamin will find daily content from award-winning sports columnist Paul Daugherty, who retired from The Enquirer last year, and Keith Jenkins, who has enjoyed stints at ESPN and The Enquirer as the University of Cincinnati Athletics beat writer.

“The Benjamin will connect Cincinnati sports enthusiasts and bettors with sportsbook promotions, betting tips based on research, lifestyle features and exclusive promotions,” said Jackie Reau, Publisher of The Benjamin. “We know there is a void in the market for Cincinnati-focused sports betting and men’s lifestyle content to drive engagement and promotions for those brands looking to market to men, 25+. The Benjamin will work to fill this void.”

The genesis of The Benjamin came from the success of the first few months of legalized sports betting in Ohio. In January alone, the volume of sports betting in Greater Cincinnati was $526 million, representing nearly half of the $1.1 billion in total for the entire state. Now, there’s a sports and entertainment platform focused on those bettors and others, who would like to learn more.

“We had a hunch sports betting would be popular in Cincinnati when we saw 1.9 million bets made from January 1-2 alone so we are taking a gamble on The Benjamin as a new media resource for Cincinnati,” added Reau, who has been studying the business of sports betting since 2020 when she earned a Master’s Certificate in Sports Gambling Education at Ohio University.

The Benjamin will offer freemium subscriptions to all content including:

• The Morning Line by Paul Daugherty, a daily look at sports stories from around Cincinnati

• The 100, video features about top sporting and entertainment events in Cincinnati, from bourbon tastings, concerts and new restaurants, hosted by Keith Jenkins

• The Key, a weekly sports betting tip sheet by Keith Jenkins, sourced from research from top betting experts, all focused on Cincinnati area teams

• A map and listing of all sports book license holders and their locations

To subscribe for free, visit www.BetTheBen.com and follow on social media: Twitter @betthebenjamin, Instagram @betthebenjamin and Facebook @betthebenjamin.

Paid sponsorship opportunities are available for brands looking to connect with men 25+ in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Key Figures

In Concert

Emanuel Ax
Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
Corbett Theater at the School for Creative & Performing Arts,

BCB recipients Trinity Thrasher and Morgan Olivia Reynolds will also perform.

Tickets and information at bcbscholarship.org.

“This is an inspiring opportunity to give back to the musical community,” said Emanuel Ax, one of the world’s finest classical pianists.

A Grammy-winning musician who regularly performs with major orchestras around the world, Ax will be performing in Cincinnati to benefit the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund.

“The Ben Carlson-Berne (BCB) Scholarship Fund makes a real impact on the lives of many young students,” said Ax. “Their scholarships nurture the next generation of classical musicians and expose the artistry of classical music to new audiences.”

For the last 19 years, underserved and economically disadvantaged students at Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) have been receiving free classical music lessons through the fund.

“The single most important factor in improving a student’s music ability throughout junior high and high school is the opportunity to take a weekly private lesson with a qualified teacher,” says Dr. Isidore Rudnick, Fine Arts Manager for Cincinnati Public Schools, said. “The ability to study with, and be mentored by, a professional music teacher over the course of years can have a dramatic impact on a student’s life and future.”

The fund was created by Susan and Phil Carlson-Berne to honor their son, Ben. At 16, after realizing some youth had limited exposure to classical music, and couldn’t afford lessons, Ben made it his mission to share his love of classical music with underserved youth. He began finding instrument and providing music lessons to underserved youth.

As Ben’s began to expand his efforts, his life was cut short in a tragic hiking accident when he was 19. A short time later, his parents continued his mission, founding the BCB Scholarship Fund.

“We were inspired by our son’s capacity for giving back, and we knew we had to continue what he had started,” Phil Berne said. “Starting at 5 years old, piano lessons were a venue for Ben to express his profound love for classical music. He didn’t want anyone to be excluded from the opportunity of having classical music in their lives.”

The BCB Scholarship Fund focuses on building a strong mentorship between students and tutors. Students who receives a scholarship can extend it from middle school through high school. The scholarships considers a student’s talent, but also need and interest

Morgan Olivia Reynolds, a student at SCPA, has been a BCB piano student for two years.

“Receiving a BCB scholarship has been a wonderful entry to the path of my extraordinary journey of perfecting my craft in piano,” Reynolds says. “I am elated for the phenomenal opportunities that BCB has bestowed upon me, allowing me to express my passion freely.”

Another student, Trinity Thrasher, a junior at SCPA has been a BCB student for the past three years. She recently been accepted into the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. Lessons for both students are funded until their high school graduations.

Behind the Wheel

Saturday, April 8 at Cintas Center, Xavier University

Saturday, April 22 at Sports Plus in Evendale

Saturday, May 13 at Sports Plus in Evendale

Saturday, June 10 at Sports Plus in Evendale

Tickets are on sale now!

The Cincinnati Rollergirls take the Cintas Center for their first match of the season.

“We're excited to let our fans throughout the Cincinnati area know about our 2023 season,” said Cincinnati Rollergirls owner Lauren Bishop. “We’ve been practicing hard since January. The energy is great, and the teamwork is impressive. The recruits from our recent open tryouts are already proving to be valuable additions.”

CRG's A team, the Black Sheep, take on Louisville Roller Derby on Saturday, April 8 in a single-header event. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the game at 6 p.m. The game will also be Pride Night, in partnership with Cincinnati Pride.

CRG is working toward double-headers for its remaining games at Sports Plus. Opponents and more details will be announced soon. 

Founded in late 2005 with its inaugural season in 2006, the Cincinnati Rollergirls is Cincinnati's first amateur flat track roller derby team. The all-volunteer team is owned and operated by its skaters and is an internationally ranked member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the sport’s governing body. 

All Clover Again

Find your pot of gold at The Banks this Saturday, March 11!

St. Patrick’s Parade Schedule
12 p.m – 55th annual St. Patrick's Day parade
2 p.m. – Irish dancers
3 p.m. – Live music by the Tyler Moore Band
6 p.m. – DJ entertainment by DaveyC

Don’t miss the 55th annual St. Patrick's Day parade, starting at noon, with grand marshal Ken Anderson. The Bengals legend will be joined by Irish dancers, floats, families, and marching bands.

This beloved tradition is followed by a new event sponsored by a number of bars at The Banks, LepreCon.

LepreCon is a bit like SantaCon, only sub in green for all the red. Fishbowl at The Banks, Holy Grail, Jefferson Social, and The Stretch, have teamed up to host this new spin on a block party. The stage will be set up in front of BurgerFi on Freedom Way, with beverage sales available throughout the DORA District. 

Goat For It

It’s spring!

Almost.

Kind of.

Just go with it, ok?

Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of Spring, Over-the-Rhine's brewing heritage, and bock beer, begins tomorrow, with the parade and the opening of Bockfest Hall. The revelry continues through Sunday. With so much to do, and so many goats, how to you make the most of the weekend? Check out our top 5 tips for enjoying Bockfest.

1. Go to the Parade

Cincinnati loves parades – the weirder the better. The Bockfest parade with monks, goats, wooden goats, and more monks doesn’t disappoint.

The parade starts at Arnold’s at 6 p.m. The area around Eighth and Sycamore is the perfect vantage point to catch all the action, before, during, and after the parade.

2. Drink a bock beer

Bock beer is a strong, German (duh) beer, brewed by monks to during Lent to offer nourishment during their fasting. (wink wink)

Legend has it that the citizens of Munich pronounced the beer as "ein Bock" ("a billy goat") which is where all the goat associations – goatsociations? – started.

3. Pet a goat

If you get to the parade early, you can pet goats lining up to march. Baby goats, old goats, rams – any kind of adorable goat you can imagine is there!

Goats are also part of the fun around Bockfest Hall. But please, don’t try to steal a baby goat. They frown on that sort of thing.

4. Go on a brewery tour

Bockfest isn’t just about beer, it’s also about history.

The Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail is offering tours of the 19th century Sohn Brewhouse during Bockfest weekend. This is the only time guests will be allowed inside before a major restoration and construction project begins. Adult tickets include a beer at Bockfest Hall!

5. Get a pretzel necklace

With all of the drinking and walking, you need to keep your strength up! But it can be hard to eat on the go AND keep track of your food after a few beers.

Enter the pretzel necklace.

The friendly folks at Servatii’s have a stylish way for you to enjoy a German snack during Bockfest – A pretzel you can wear. It’s good and good for you!

Longtime Bockfest enthusiast (and event coordinator) Aaron Sharpe has some critical advice as well. (That’s him on the left!)

Do NOT miss the parade. While there is plenty happening all weekend long at Bockfest, the parade is the highlight.

Wear a costume. Doesn’t matter what it is, but everything about Bockfest is more fun in full costume.

Don’t sleep on Sunday. Weather will be beautiful, Hot Magnolias will be playing, and one of the most entertaining Bockfest activities, the .05K takes place on Sunday.

Take a brewery tour. It’ll truly be one of the most interesting experiences you can have in Cincinnati.

Drink lots of water and pay attention to the ABV’s of the bock beers you’re drinking. They’ll add up quick!

Admission to the parade and Bockfest Hall, HQ for bock beer, music, and entertainment, is free all weekend long.

​Bockfest Hall, at Findlay Playground, 1811 Vine Street, and the adjacent outside spaces around the Brewery District will host a number of popular traditions including

• Bockfest Parade, Friday, March 3, 6 p.m.
  Steps off from Arnold’s Bar & Grill, 210 East Eighth Street

• Bockfest Hall Opening Hours, Friday, March 3, 6 p.m.,
  1811 Vine Street
  Opens on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noon

• Bockfest 5K, Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.,
  Starts from Bockfest Hall, 1811 Vine Street.

• Bockfest Brewing Heritage Trail Tours and Historical Programming
  Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5

• Bockfest Beer Games
  Saturday March 4 and Sunday, March 5

Sales for all ticketed events and packages are available now at www.Bockfest.com.

Back to the Garden

If you still need help with your home improvement projects, you’re in luck! The Cincinnati Home + Garden Show is back for another weekend.

You can see stunning patios and gardens, along with kitchen, bath, and more, plus talk to experts about how to bring it home to you from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 5 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Thursday is Hero Day, with free admission for active military, veterans, current or retired police, fire, highway patrol, healthcare workers, and teachers. Stop by the show office and show an ID or proof of your service to get in free on that day.

Friday and Saturday, HGTV’s Joe Mazza takes the stage to answer questions and offer his expert advice. A home inspector with a 20-year construction background and a sixth sense for safety, Mazza runs Exclusive Home Inspection in Westchester, New York. On HGTV, he works with his design partner to help house hunters achieve their dream home designs while also repairing high priority safety issues.

Get more details and discounted tickets at www.cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.

Spring to Mind

Duke Energy Convention Center
Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Thursday, March 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
Friday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets: $15, box office (adult admission); $13, at www.cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com
Discount courtesy Ray St. Clair Roofing
FREE for children 12 years old and under

With the spring-like weather, it’s easy to start dreaming about starting your garden or working on a new home improvement project. But before you get to far, make sure to ask an expert!

The 54th annual Cincinnati Home + Garden Show, presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers has more than 350 experts in landscaping and home improvement trends all in one place. Running over two weekends, this annual showcase is a one-stop spot for idea, advice, and vendors.

This year’s special guest is Joe Mazza, the host of HGTV’s “Home Inspector Joe.” Mazza will be at the Home + Garden Show on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4. 

Mazza is an expert home inspector with a 20-year construction background and a sixth sense for safety. He runs Exclusive Home Inspection in Westchester, New York, and his job is to ensure his clients won’t move into an unsafe home. On HGTV, he works with his design partner to help house hunters achieve their dream home designs while also repairing high priority safety issues.

Other highlights of the Home + Garden show this year are:

FEATURE GARDENS

Explore a bridge to spring as you stroll through the Garden Showcase and see the outdoor inspirations created by Cincinnati’s top landscapers. Find new ideas, solutions, tips and design inspiration from the pros for all your outdoor needs. Local master gardens presenting awards in categories.

PICKLEBALL COURT

It’s the hottest trend in backyard fun! Cincy Sportscapes features VersaCourt, the premier athletic court system to reduce joint impact and athlete injury. Sportscapes is an authorized dealer of VersaCourt. 

ASK A DESIGNER

Get expert advice plus 2023 tips and trends for home décor questions at the “Ask a Designer” exhibit presented by Sacksteder’s Interiors. Bring photos and project samples along with your questions!

HERO DAY

To honor those who serve or have served, the Cincinnati Home + Garden Show will offer free admission on March 2 (includes active military, veterans, current or retired police, fire, highway patrol, healthcare, and teachers). Stop by the show office and an ID or proof of your service and you will get in for FREE on this day.

Mad about the beer

Get ready for a beer bonanza this weekend! Madtree Brewing is celebrating 10 years of brewing with a huge party, and everyone’s invited.

Madtree Taproom
3301 Madison Road,Oakley

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Details at www.madtreebrewing.com/bonanza

“I would say there’s been some significant growth over the past 10 years,” says Madtree’s co-founder, Kenny McNutt. “When we first started, the goal was distribution. Within the first three months, some laws had changed and we realized there was a big opportunity to really connect to the consumer through our taproom…that grew and blossomed.”

Madtree continued to grow. In 2017, they opened the taproom in Oakley, with the Alcove in OTR opening in 2022, winning a “diner’s choice award” through Open Table within it’s first few months.

Madtree doubled it’s employee base (again), released its first non-beer vodka soda, Sway (it’s delicious) and won three medals for two of its lagers and Happy Amber.

“Year 9 was a really good year,” says McNutt.

Hop on In

Are you hopping these spring-like weather lasts? You can always enjoy warm temps at Krohn Conservatory, and right now you can enjoy one of the cutest signs of Spring!

Bunnies & Blooms is underway and you can get up close and cozy with some of the cutest, fluffiest little bunnies.

If You Go

Bunnies & Blooms
Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Drive

Through March 12

Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 for youth; Free for kids under 5

“Surrounding the bunnies are gardens featuring a lot of vegetables, which we thought was ironic,” says Mark House, assistant manager Krohn Conservatory. “The bunnies do eyeball them but they can’t eat them. They’re relegated to the hay and vegetables in their pen.”

Raised by a local family, the bunnies are used to a lot of attention. This event is a first for Krohn and House says there’s a very specific demographic who enjoys it.

“Usually the under-5 crowd who has a favorite children’s book featuring a bunny,” he says. “Their eyes just light up when they see these rabbits because they’re every bit as cute as they are in the books.”

At “Bunnies & Blooms,” keep an eye out for a few of your favorite children’s books/themes sprinkled around the showroom.

Pick Your Battles

If you think a potluck should be more competitive, Food Fight 513 might be just what you’re looking for.

If You Go

Food Fight 513
Monday. Feb. 20, 6–11 p.m.
TQL Stadium, Medpace Tunnel Club

Free parking for all who attend. Kids 10 and under get in free.

Tickets are $10 cash at the door. Proceeds from the door will go to The LEE Initiative.

This event – part potluck, part cooking contest –brings together some of the best chefs in region. But the fun isn’t limited to the pros!

You want to be judge? Put your name in the pot. You want to fight? Put your name in the same pot. The trick – It’s the same pot.

So don’t bring a dish if you aren’t ready to play.

But everyone attending the event is encouraged to bring a dish, whether it’s a family fave casserole or a box of coneys you picked up on the way over – just be sure to have a sign explaining what it is.

Cocktailoligist Molly Wellmann will be stirring things up at a casheless bar with DJ Mowgli shaking the tunes. Adopt-a-Pit and other non-profits will have raffle baskets and Cincy Sharp will be sharpening knives on site.

Date Nights

Much like Cupid’s very own arrow, Valentine’s Day strikes fear in the hearts of many people. The panic over finding just the right gift, the dread of forgetting to make a dinner reservation, or the absolute terror of empty buckets in the Kroger floral department can all be too much.

But fear not, we have a few tips that will make Feb. 14 (or even the weekend before!) a little more fun and a whole lot easier.

First things first

Courtesy Hilton Netherland Plaza

Maybe you’ve Bumbled or Matched your way to finding someone online, and it’s time to meet IRL.

The pressure! You could probably use a drink.

The Bar at the Palm Court (Hilton Netherland Plaza, Fifth and Vine Streets) is just the place you need to meet a new love interest. The art deco setting is classic and romantic, plus offers plenty of fodder for conversation. Order a Martini or an Old Fashioned, nestle into a banquette, and settle into the rich history of the bar.

Once you’ve steeled your courage, head out to the next phase of your date. Just around the corner from the Palm Court is the Van Gogh Expo, (18 West Fourth St.) This immersive visual art experience allows you to walk through the paintings. It’s better than going to a movie – you can actually talk during it, getting to know each other better while you stroll through the light and music of Van Gogh’s work.

While that is certainly a lovely initial meeting, if you still want to spend a little more time together, take a trip to Graeter’s on Fountain Square. You can learn a lot about someone’s through their choice of ice cream flavor!

A Little Romance

Have you been dating for a while and need some new fun? Or maybe you’re newlyweds who feel all dated out? When life has become a bit more Netflix and Zzzz than party on, it’s time to act like a kid again!

Pick up those cool college vibes with a trip to Art Academy of Cincinnati’s (1212 Jackson St.) current exhibition, Minumental 33. The 2" x 2" works works of art in the Pearlman and McClure Galleries will spark big conversation. As a plus, the art is for sale, if you still need a gift!

Courtesy Pins Mechanical

It may not be the video arcade of your youth –  though there is pinball – but duckpin bowling is much more interactive. At Pins Mechanical (1124 Main St.) the bowling using smaller balls and smaller pins which makes it much more difficult. While not obviously romantic, the healthy competition, and a little trash talk, will certainly heat things up, in a good way.

Courtesy Pendleton Parlor

Keep the spirit of fun going by grabbing a slice at Goodfellas (1211 Main St.) Along with specialty pies and sandwiches, you’ll also find salads, since you’re not a kid anymore!

After the game and pizza, cap off the evening with a trip to Pendleton Parlor (1218 Broadway St.) While the initial appeal may be ice cream, sundaes, and shakes, the real draw is every kid’s fantasy, edible cookie dough.

Family Fun

If Valentine’s Day has become more of a family affair, share the love with kid-centric fun.

Celebrate a little early, as the Contemporary Arts Center (44 E. Sixth Street) holds their winter family festival, Ice Ice Baby, in the Creativity Center on Saturday, Feb. 11. This free drop-in program offers loads of art and science-themed projects plus a meet-and-greet with a penguin. The day also includes an indoor snowball fight.

The recently opened Creativity Center has exhibitions and art making every day, so it’s a fun way to reconnect through art on any day.

Across the street, Bru Burger (41 E. Sixth St.) has an expansive list of burgers available for all ages, but also offers a special kids menu along with root beer floats! Grown-ups can also choose from chef-driven salads and sandwiches, plus local craft beers and cocktails.

The ice rink at Fountain Square is still open, which includes both skating and bumper cars. To make the day even more dazzling, the Winter Wonder Light Show happens every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the evening.

From a chat over a cocktail to a turn on the ice, you’l find plenty of ways to make memories this Valentine’s Day, and isn’t that what love is all about.

Sow Much to Learn

Flying Pig Community Scholars

Applicants must demonstrate a passion for running and community service. Applicants who are interested in applying to the Flying Pig Community Scholars Program must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled as a high school senior

• Participate on a high school Cross Country or Track & Field team

• Have a cumulative 2.7 GPA or higher

• Be recommended by a teacher, coach or community leader

• Submit a personal essay 

For additional information about the Flying Pig Community Scholars Program and how to apply, please visit https://flyingpigmarathon.com/flying-pig-high-school-scholarship/ 

To learn more about other charity efforts at Pig Works, visit our Charity Program Overview https://flyingpigmarathon.com/get-involved-2/2015-charity-program-overview/ 

Running is good for your body and mind, with Pig Works, the non-profit parent organization behind the Flying Pig Marathon, offering a new scholarship opportunity for students in the area.

Flying Pig Community Scholars will award 10 scholarships of $5,000 annually to community-minded student runners, helping them pursue their running goals and their post-secondary education. 

“The Flying Pig has always been about the spirit of Greater Cincinnati and ultimately about creating a vibrant future for our community. Investing in these amazing young track and cross-country athletes in our community is a great way to give back while helping them become the leaders of the future, ” said Bob Coughlin, founder, Paycor and The Flying Pig Marathon.

The program is an expansion of Pig Work’s existing youth initiatives, including a scholarship program that has awarded more than $100,000 and The Flying Pig Youth Program which provides opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities to learn healthy nutrition and exercise habits while training for the Cincinnati Children’s 26th Mile and the Flying Pig 5k. The program is generously funded through the Coughlin Family Foundation, sponsorship from Skyline Chili and donations to Flying Pig charities. 

This will be one of the largest scholarship programs for high-school runners in the country, extending Pig Works commitment to care for the Greater Cincinnati community through fostering support for community-minded student athletes who are seniors in high school with financial assistance to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.

Beer Me

Think beer is just for the summer? Think again!

The Cincy Winter Beerfest brings more 150 local and craft brews, as well as new craft wineries and distilleries to the Duke Energy Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4.

Ready to go? Get tickets!

Dive Right In

If even thinking about the scene in the freezing water at the end of Titanic is too much for you, jumping into the Greater Cincinnati Polar Plunge the Polar Plunge may not be for you.

But you can still support Special Olympics during this annual event and still stay warm and dry!

This year’s Polar Plunge returns to The Banks on Saturday, Jan. 28, with the opening ceremonies starting at 10:15 a.m. Then those who have raised at least $75 will jump into the cold water, many in costume.

Along with the Plunges, the day includes a costume contest as well as fun throughout the day for participants and spectators alike. There will also be vendor booths set up near the Plunge and many restaurants at The Banks will be opening early on Plunge day.

Prizes are awarded for best costume – the best individual and team costumes will receive the coveted Golden Plunger award – and for the top individual fundraiser and for the top fundraising teams in corporate/civic, school and law enforcement divisions.

Held in front of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, the event is a fundraiser for both Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics Kentucky to support the Special Olympics mission of providing sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Plunge has raised nearly $1.9 million for the two programs. 

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in 25 sports.

For more information about Special Olympics Programs, visit www.sooh.org or www.soky.org.