Lake Hope State Park will again host R.O.A.R. Day (Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited) on Saturday October 30th, 2010 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. R.O.A.R. Day is a special celebration of Appalachian culture, including arts, crafts, music, food, and fun. Many local artisans are showcased as they demonstrate and display their talents and offer their products for sale. This is the largest one-day event held at Lake Hope State Park (always the last Saturday in October) and attracts up to 1000 people every year. Changing leaf color and cooler temperatures provide a wonderful backdrop for this event.

Two event sites will be used at the park and each will offer many activities and displays. At the shelterhouse, activities may include woodcarving, basket making, candles, corn husk dolls, flint knapping, weaving, food, music and more. Halloween activities will also be offered for kids at the shelterhouse. Activities will include Jack-O-Lantern carving, pumpkin rolling, trick or treat, and Appalachian games. Antique tractors will be on display near the shelterhouse and pony rides will be offered near the boathouse.

Hope Schoolhouse Interpretive Center will be open and displays about local history will be featured. Learn more about old iron furnaces, railroads, and the supposedly haunted Moonville railroad tunnel. Also, jams and jellies, baskets, woodcarving, and candles. Visitors can also test their skills at throwing an atl-atl (primitive spear).

A “spooky” night hike will take place at the nature center from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Visitors can walk through at their own pace and be visited by friends of the forest.

For more information about R.O.A.R. Day or info concerning camping/cottage accommodations and general park info, please call 740-596-3030. Visit us on the internet at www.lakehopestatepark.com