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Gene Autry Days festival returns
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KENTON - It has been 70 years since singing cowboy Gene Autry paid a visit to Kenton.
Even with seven decades of distance, the town's enthusiasm for Autry and the toy cap guns that once bore his name has yet to diminish, as evidenced by this weekend's 15th annual Gene Autry Days celebration.
Designed to attract national attention, the two-day event has done exactly that, said Sue Harrison, vice president of chamber and tourism for the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance. According to official counts, last year's festival drew visitors from 69 cities in 22 states, including visitors from 147 Ohio towns outside of Hardin County.
"This is what we intended all along with the collectibles show idea," Harrison said. "The fans are pretty widespread."
The event's major attractions are the collectibles vendors who come from various locations in and outside of Ohio. Visitors can browse 50 to 60 tables of collectibles and memorabilia, from Gene Autry bed spreads to cookie jars to the cap guns manufactured by the old Kenton Hardware Co.
Also attracting participants and spectators is the Ohio State Championship Fast Draw Match (a shooting contest) and a western look-alike contest in which participants impersonate western heroes like Autry, John Wayne and more. Guests can cap off their day at the event with homemade foods, from delightful chicken and noodles to Amish pies.
According to Harrison, the collectibles, food and activities might inspire a little nostalgia in those who attend the event, whatever their age.
"People tend to reminisce about the past," she said. "It was a simpler time back then, when there were westerns on TV. It was a black and white time. It was pretty clear cut back then. It was a different society from what we have today."
Gene Autry Days
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Community building at the Hardin County Fairgrounds, country Road 140, Kenton
COST: $5; kids admitted free.
FOR MORE INFO: Call 419-673-4131, or visit www.hardinohio.org.
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