City of Forest Park, Ohio / Special Events

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Special Events

Recreation Department hosts several special events throughout the year, Here's a listing of some of our annual events:

February - Gospel Fest

Gospel Fest is an event that showcase various soloists, musicians and local church choirs. This has been an community tradition in collaboration with Dayspring Church. The event is Free to the community. Auditions will take place in late December through mid- January. Gospel Fest is held on the 3rd Saturday of the Month.

March/April - Breakfast with Easter Bunny

Breakfast with the Easter Buuny is an event for the whole family. In collaboration with our community Frisch's. Kids ages 0-12 can participate in our coloring contest while having a wonderful breakfast buffet and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Bring the kids for a chance to win prizes and have good fun! This event takes place on the weekend before Easter Sunday.

August - Forest Park Charge 5K Run & Jazz in the Park Festival

Jazz in the Park Festival is an event in collaboration with ArtReach that offers a jazz concert to the community. This is a NO PETS and NO ALCOHOL FREE event. This event is FREE! It takes place on the 1st Saturday of the Month at Central Park (at the corners of Winton & Kemper Roads).

The Forest Park Charge 5K Run / Walk is a community tradition that has been around for more than 30 years. This event is offered for the following RACE CATEGORIES below:

Top 3 Male & Female finishers: 14/under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-55, 54-59,

60- 64, 65-69, 70/over. Fitness Walkers: 29/under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60/over.

The USATF certified course offers a great scenic view of Forest Park's west side as well as a challenge to all

participants. Registration will take place in mid- June and the race takes place on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the

month.

October - Harvest Fest

The Harvest Fest is a SAFE and FUN way for area youth to enjoy tricks and treats of Halloween. This is a Free event for kids ages 0-12. We offer fun activities such as arts & crafts, a costume contest, a Halloween parade, a magic show and more! This event is offered the 3rd Saturday of the Month or the Saturday before Halloween.

December - Tree Lighting Ceremony & Breakfast with Santa

The Forest Park Tree Lighting Ceremony is a community tradition that is offered to the whole family. Kids ages 4-12 can participate in our coloring contest for a chance to win prizes and an overall winner is picked to flip the switch to light the City of Forest Park's Christmas Tree. Please come and enjoy Snacks, Christmas Carols (the Winton Woods Elementary Choir), and a visit from Santa on a Fire Truck !!! This event is held on the 1st Monday of the Month.

Breakfast with Santa is an event for the whole family. In collaboration with our community Frisch's. Kids ages 0-12 can participate in our coloring contest while having a wonderful breakfast buffet and take pictures with Santa. Bring the kids for a chance to win prizes and have good fun! This event takes place on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the Month.