By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — Sponsors and exhibitors are invited to support the 2008 Journey Through Ashtabula County event, set for Sept. 20-21 at the county’s Joint Vocational School, Route 167.
Sponsorships are $500, while business exhibitors can reserve a spot for $75. People participating in the event’s farmers market or exhibiting animals will pay $20.
Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 and noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. For information or to register, contact Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County or www.journeyashtabula.com.
Journey, which debuted last year, showcases the county’s “benefits, positives and success stories encompassing industry, agriculture, tourism, service and future potential,” said Tom Cassidy, who helped originate the program and serves on this year’s committee.
“Many have asked, ‘What is the Journey Through Ashtabula County?’” he said. “The best description I have heard is that it is a public awareness event — awareness of who we are, what we are and our future potential.”
On Sept. 20, the event focuses on agriculture with guided tours of the Pleasant Valley Fisheries Aquaculture Farm on Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road in Denmark Township. The farm raises thousands of fish, destined for dinner plates, in several ponds.
The following day highlights industry and features a Made-in-Ashtabula display that showcases locally created products.
Several other activities will be featured, including a farmers market on the ACJVS front lawn, displays from county museums, Jungle Terry and his animals (Sept. 21 only), Sparky the Clown, Ashtabula County Library District bookmobile, “Did You Know?” scavenger hunt, Antique Engine Club, special weapons and tactics team demonstration, and a K-9 unit demonstration.
“Everyone who attends, exhibits or worked to put this event together helps to promote Ashtabula County,” Cassidy said. “This is for you — come give it a boost.”
