Ohio Lesbian Festival – September 9-11 in Kirkersville, OH

The Ohio Lesbian Festival, also known as The Ohio Womyn’s Festival started last night at Frontier Ranch in Kirkersville, Ohio. Kirkersville is about 30 minutes due east of downtown Columbus, OH off of State Route 40 (the National Road). Route 40 is easily accessed from I-70 when you near Kirkersville.

My wife and I missed the festival last year due to our work schedules at the time. We made plans to attend this year but, it’s not to be. Family and professional obligations – and a slight lack of funds – have gotten in the way. The “show” goes on. It’s my sincere hope that the weather holds out for them, that attendance is higher than ever before, and that the weekend culminates with thousands of energized women ready to participate fully in their own lives and ready to work for social change wherever the spirit may move them to help.

The festival is a women only weekend (no males allowed over the age of 10) of music, dancing, workshops, partying, networking…you name it. It’s definitely a “must attend” event, if at all possible for all of our sisters and any supportive female friends and family members that wish to attend. The festivities kicked off yesterday evening but the great bulk of the on stage talent and the workshops take place all day and well into the evening today. The cost is $50 per person over age 13 to get onto the grounds for the day today and that includes admission to all concerts, workshops, etc…whatever you want to do. It’s an additional $5.00 per person to camp overnight on the grounds. Childcare is available from opening until 9:00 PM on Saturday. There are performers scheduled until, approximately, 3:00 PM on Sunday afternoon.

Food service is available on the grounds but you can bring your own food in coolers too. You can also bring the beverages of your choice. Alcohol is allowed on the grounds but no glass bottles are allowed (cans or plastic ladies). It’s advisable to Bring your own chair.

The line-up of musical guests this year includes folk and political singer/songwriter and social change activist Holly Near. You can get her full bio, and bios on all other performers on the festival website. Also speaking and performing her poetry live will be the wonderfully talented out poet and political activist Staceyann Chin. There are many more artists on tap for the weekend including Emma’s Revolution who collaborated with Holly Near on the 2009 album, We Came To Sing!.

Have a great weekend ladies! Send pictures!