CAMDEN — The Village of Camden celebrated the 31st Anniversary of the Black Walnut Festival this past weekend, Saturday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 21. This year’s festival had plenty to offer, with a parade, crafts, food, and live music.
There was also a chainsaw demonstration and art, baking contest, car show, and more.
The festival was well-attended, with visitors from nearby and faraway alike coming to celebrate the walnut-themed weekend. There is always plenty of walnut-themed food to consume as well, with a community favorite being the Lion’s Club’s Black Walnut ice cream.
The festival kicked off on Saturday, Oct. 20 with the annual parade. Crowning of the Black Walnut Princess followed the parade.
The Camden Bicentennial Committee also presented Camden Haunted Tours on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20. The tours took participants through Camden and featured true stories of local legends, haunted history, ghost sightings, and strange happenings.
“The Black Walnut festival is good for the community and good for the kids. All the proceeds go towards scholarships for kids here in the area,” Committee Chair Andrew Groh said. “This is the only festival the community has and it is a good time for all.
“There is not enough help planning this festival,” he said. “There is just a handful that helps out for the festival. We’re always looking for more volunteers and help planning. It is a great festival for the community.”
Groh thanked the members of the planning committee and chairpersons, and Camden Somers Township Fire and Rescue, Camden Hardware, Camden Police Department, Camden Village Pharmacy, Dayle Lewis Chain Saw Demonstration, Tobias Electrical Company, On Stage Sound and Lighting, Preble Shawnee Schools, the Village of Camden, Wolf Awning & Tent Company and Preble Shawnee students. Groh also sends a special thanks to Amanda Groh, Cathy Blevins, Kelda Bittinger, Ashley Kuykendoll, Keith and Esther George and Kim Dean, Tammy and Ronald Cupp, Cody and Elaina Truster.
