🎢 Fair and square - Fairfield County

Good morning, Fairfield County. October brought all the quintessential small-town charm to Lancaster as the 2023 Fairfield County Fair transformed our community into a whirlwind of demolition derby dust, twinkling midway lights, and proud moments like seventeen-year-old Lily Dennis's crowning as Junior Fair Queen. But beyond the festivities, our community faces more sobering headlines that remind us how quickly the mood can shift.

While city officials navigate the complexities of protected speech amid controversy over a recent Pride event, our community is also processing the discovery of a body in the Hocking River - a stark reminder that behind the cheerful facade of carnival games and fair food, real-life challenges demand our attention and compassion as neighbors.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

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Pickerington

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Reynoldsburg

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Canal Winchester

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Baltimore

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎡 Lancaster's biggest party brings demolition derby chaos and royal crownings. The 2023 Fairfield County Fair delivered a packed week of traditional festivities and modern thrills in early October. Seventeen-year-old Lily Dennis of Sheridan High School earned her crown as Junior Fair Queen, while spectators cheered on everything from horse pulls to harness racing. The demolition derby drew massive crowds as drivers crashed and smashed their way through multiple events. Families enjoyed classic fair experiences including midway rides, carnival games, and plenty of fair food along the bustling grounds in Lancaster, Ohio.

🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Berne Union Rockets
	vs Horizon Science Academy	12/30 @ 7:30pm
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces
	vs Zane Trace	12/27 @ 7:00pm
	vs Buckeye Valley	12/28 @ 4:15pm
Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs
	vs Bishop Watterson	12/27 @ 7:30pm
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights
	@ GCA	12/30 @ 6:30pm
Fairfield Union Falcons
	vs Sheridan	12/28 @ 7:30pm
Millersport Lakers
	@ Tree of Life Christian	12/27 @ 7:30pm
	vs Liberty Christian Academy	12/28 @ 5:30pm
Pickerington Central Tigers
	vs St. Edward	12/27 @ 4:45pm
Pickerington North Panthers
	@ Licking Heights	12/27 @ 7:15pm
	vs St. Edward	12/28 @ 8:15pm
Liberty Union Lions
	vs Parkersburg	12/27 @ 5:30pm
	vs Tyler	12/28 @ 2:30pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Auction home bid without competition

This property is listed at $0 and is part of Auction.com's First Look Program, allowing owner occupants, public entities, and non-profits to bid without competition from investors. The online auction commences on December 31, 2024, with a First Look Period that runs until January 16, 2025, so interested buyers should act swiftly and save the property on Auction.com for updates.

Spacious two-story with garage

Welcome to your potential new home in The Findlay, listed at $423,900. This charming two-story abode features 4 bedrooms, including a spacious second-floor owner's suite, a total of 2.5 bathrooms, and a laundry room conveniently located on the upper level. Choose between a traditional, farmhouse, or craftsman elevation to suit your style, complete with inviting front porches and a two-car garage for added convenience.

Historic gem with elegant details

Welcome to the Royalton House, a remarkable historic gem listed at $449,900. Built in 1817, this stunning home boasts exquisite craftsmanship with period details, including an enchanting spiral staircase, five elegant fireplaces, and soaring 10-foot ceilings, all nestled amidst beautifully landscaped grounds featuring mature flower beds and an herb garden.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎄 Dec. 30 - Holiday Window Walking Tour: Experience the magic of a living advent calendar as historic downtown Lancaster homes reveal nightly festive window displays. Catch the final enchanting reveal at 128 N Broad St on December 30.

🏃 Dec. 31 - Combustion Taproom Run: Lace up those running shoes for a social three-mile jaunt every Tuesday at Combustion Brewery! The group departs from the taproom at 6:30 PM, with cold craft brews waiting at the finish line.

📚 Dec. 31 - Early Library Holiday Closing: Heads up, book lovers! Pickerington Public Library wraps up 2023 early, closing at 5 PM on New Year's Eve. Don't worry - the eBranch stays open 24/7 for your digital reading needs.

🎨 Dec. 31 - AHA! Children's Museum Open: Ring in the New Year early at AHA! Children's Museum, where hands-on fun awaits little explorers from 10am to 2pm. Let your kids discover, play, and celebrate at this interactive wonderland in Lancaster.

🎉 Dec. 31 - Glass Town Countdown: Ring in 2024 at Glass Town Countdown, where downtown Lancaster lights up with New Year's festivities! Join the celebration at 104 N Broad St for a dazzling evening of entertainment and community spirit.

🙏 In Remembrance

Evelyn M. Coleman

Evelyn M. Coleman, 87, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on December 21, 2024. A retired secretary for Dixon United Methodist Church, she was an active member of Fairfield Christian Church, volunteering in preschool education and participating in various church activities. Evelyn is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, along with several siblings and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman H. Coleman, Jr., and several family members. Funeral services are set for December 30, 2024, at Fairfield Christian Church, with memorial gifts directed to Fairfield Christian Academy in her honor.

Rebecca S. Ety

Rebecca S. Ety, 82, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away on December 22, 2024, at the Pickering House in Lancaster, surrounded by family. A dedicated music teacher for over 35 years at Pickerington Local Schools, Rebecca was also actively involved in her church, Christ United Methodist, where she founded the church bell choir and initiated various community programs. She is survived by her children, Betsy and Andy, along with three grandchildren and several siblings and in-laws. A funeral service will be held on December 28, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Union Evangelical Cemetery. Contributions may be made to her church or The Pickering House in lieu of flowers.

Earl Culp

Earl "Coop" Culp, 81, of Rushville, Ohio, passed away on December 21, 2024, at Fairfield Medical Center. Born on March 20, 1943, he was a retired sales clerk for NAPA Auto Store and Advance Auto Parts and a member of the Christ Church of Fairfield. Coop is survived by his daughter Tammy, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister Diane, and his dog Hank. He was preceded in death by his wife Jacquelyn, daughter Shelly, and several siblings. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28