Ravenna – Come one! Come all for the greatest show around! And then be our guest and put our hospitality to the test! Ravenna is hosting the 2nd Annual Taste of Ravenna for the community to experience and learn what our city has to offer. Whether it be a nibble of a cupcake, a question to help you with your taxes or getting artistic with some clay this upcoming scavenger hunt will have something for the whole family to enjoy.
“The goal and vision I have had since day one is to share Ravenna’s hidden treasures,” said Ryann Kuchenbecker, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. The idea is to get individuals involved by physically going into the shops to partake in the scavenger hunt. They will get to taste food/beverages at restaurants while other shops will have surprises instore for the scavenger hunters. The goal is to make it around town to the over 40 different locations and have them sign off on your map. Then race back to the Chamber and turn in your map to be entered into the grand prize drawing for an award highlighting all there is to love about Ravenna!
Meant to focus on economic growth, the hunt will be taking place Saturday, July 20, from 11am-5pm. Participants can purchase tickets the-day-of at the Chamber, located at 135 East Main Street, or in advance online at https://ravennaareachamber.com/events/taste-of-ravenna-ticket-business-participation/. Individual tickets are $15 and a family pack is $40. Maps of the city and tickets will need to be picked up at the Chamber whether bought in advance or not.
“People were confused last year because they were expecting Main Street to be closed for food vendors,” Ryann said with the hint of a smirk in her voice. It was because of this unique tactic that approximately 300 surprised citizens were drawn to the Taste of Ravenna to explore the town. “It is a new approach that we are implementing,” she said about making people aware of what is around them and at their disposal. The highly-awaited event is expecting to attract even more citizens from the surrounding area to become familiar with the area.
In an age when digital delivery services encourage people to never venture outside the land of computers, Ravenna is combatting that society issue by keeping the current trend of “Shop Small, Shop Local” in mind. If you want to come to a place ‘where everybody knows your name’ come on out for a great weekend at this hometown event. Coupons, deals and discounts can also be expected!
Also, the child-friendly Summer Fest, put on by Family and Community Services, will go from 12-8pm on the Portage County Court House lawn. There will be games, music, contests and much more to support Ravenna Youth Sports. For information call 330-281-0698.
The Chamber would like to thank sponsors Penney’s Auto Body, Guido’s, the Ben Curtis Foundation, Main Street Ravenna, H&R Block, Brimfield Insurance, Ohio Ceramics and Print & Sign Express, as well as the numerous participants involved in the scavenger hunt.
