Staff report

The 10th annual Taste of Clermont, hosted by the Village Association of Batavia, will be held Aug. 9-10 this year in the village.

The Taste of Clermont will feature some new twists in addition to popular activities and entertainment from previous years including a variety of local musical entertainers, an art show, food and shopping vendors, a motorcycle show, a car show, a corn hole tournament, a KidZone, a petting zoo, and more.

“The Taste of Clermont is more than just food and drink,” Barb Haglage, co-chair for the Taste of Clermont, said. “It’s a sampling of the various tastes of Clermont County including entertainment, arts and crafts, and don’t forget fun!”

Terry Morris, president of the association, said that this year they will have their first-annual rib cook-off at the Taste.

“When a group of people gather around a grill, whether it is a family reunion or a backyard party, everyone always brags about how great their ribs taste,” Richard Mason, rib cook-off chair, said. “So, here is your chance to prove your ribs are the best in Clermont County.”

The rib cook-off will begin at 7 a.m. Aug. 10 and the judging will take place at 2 p.m.

The music lineup for 2013 includes The Never Setting Suns, 5 Thirteen, Reveal, and Archer on Friday night and The Nightfire Band, Noah Smith Band, Taylor Shannon Band, Dan Varner Band, and more on Saturday.

In addition, local soloists will be performing in between band performances throughout the weekend. Soloists include Dillon Holland, Mylee Nipper, Michael Moeller, Sarah Hamilton, and more.

“All the music is from local bands and soloists,” Gary Farmer, music organizer, said. “The music will cover everything from rock to pop, to country to bluegrass and will be performed non-stop on both days.”

Farmer said the Taste will be a great show of musical talent.

“Everyone should come out and listen,” he said.

The corn hole tournament this year will begin on Friday and will continue on Saturday. Winners will qualify for a state-wide sanctioned tournament that will be announced later this fall.

The motorcycle show will be held from 5 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and the car show will be 5 – 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Both days will feature an art show that will include posters from the Taste of Clermont Poster Competition.

Similar to previous years, local food vendors will be scattered along Main Street selling pulled pork, pizza, watermelon, kettle corn, lemonade, funnel cakes, and much more.

Shopping vendors will also be selling their products along Main Street.

“The Taste of Clermont is a major fund-raiser for the Village Association of Batavia as well as other non-profit groups that participate,” Morris said.

Morris said last year the event helped fund a scholarship for a student to attend the University of Cincinnati Clermont as well as four Facade Restoration Grants for buildings on Main Street in Batavia.

He said they are hoping to use future funds to help bring entertainment and art into the area and to help support local charities.

For more information about the Taste of Clermont or to view a schedule of events, visit www.tasteofclermont.com.

Morris said the Taste is still accepting applications for vendors, volunteers, artists and sponsors. Applications can be found on the website.