Lisbon revives festival

The chamber of commerce is attracting people with history, fun and food.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Carla Douglass, executive director of the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce, is promoting all things Lisbon.

“What can I tell you about the Johnny Appleseed Festival, other than it will be great?” she said with a laugh.

Lisbon’s celebration of the wandering planter will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Douglass wants to draw 5,000 or more people to the village during those two days.

That’s a good goal, considering that the festival wasn’t even held in 2003 or 2004.

Douglass is billing this year’s event as the 40th year, despite those missing years, since the festival began 40 years ago.

But she and the chamber have every reason to be upbeat since their efforts to draw people to the city are working.

Since the festival began again, the number of vendors has grown a small number to 39 vendors this year, and crafters have increased from 10 to 32.

The festival will also feature a quilt show run by Carol Rossler, who just won best of show for her quilting at the Canfield Fair.

3rd historic walk

Douglass said that the chamber will have its third historic walk this year, this time on a Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21.

People can walk, ride a wagon or take a carriage ride to visit the village’s many historical buildings, complete with reenactment of events.

Proceeds will go to the Lisbon Landmark Foundation Committee, which wants to preserve the village’s many old structures.

The village has the oldest brick building in the state, as well as the oldest stone building. Ongoing renovations of the brick building will be highlighted during the festival

“We have a lot to be proud of, and we just want to get people to see us,” Douglass said.

Like other chamber of commerce officials in the area, Douglass would like to bring a couple of businesses to town.

But in the meantime, even the village’s community concerts have brought in visitors.

Not all of the attractions are based on history. The Steel Trolley Diner is sponsoring the rubber duck race at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The fire department will flood Jefferson Street, and let the boy ducks (the ones in black jackets) and girl ducks (the one in poodle skirts) head downstream. Proceeds will help the fire department.

For those who aren’t into duck racing, Douglass suggested people try the Steel Trolley’s award-winning food.

“Their hamburgers are to die for,” Douglass said.

wilkinson@vindy.com