Chautauqua Opens Tuesday

Ohio Chautauqua, the traveling tent show presenting historical characterizations, will present its first show in Archbold, Tuesday, July 7.

Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Recreation director, said the tent arrives Monday and will be erected in Ruihley Park, with the first show the following night.

"I think we're as ready as we can be," Kidder said. "We're just hoping for good weather.

"We've got volunteers for the concessions, for greeters, and to help the actors. There's a lot of people behind the scenes," she said.

The five scholar-actors, who will portray historical characters, will give one-person shows, or historical characterizations. There will also be daytime workshops.

Characters

The theme for this year's Ohio Chautauqua is "Inventors and Innovators."

The under-the-tent events lead off at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, with Michael Hughes portraying Alexander Graham Bell, generally regarded as the inventor of the telephone.

Wednesday night's characterization will be Mary McLeod

Bethune. Born of former slaves, Bethune took an interest in her own education, eventually

starting a

school for African American youth in Daytona Beach, Fla. The school later became Bethune-Cookman University. She served as an advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. president. Bethune is portrayed by Dorothy Prince.

Andrew Carnegie, industrialist and philanthropist, will be played by George Dauler on Thursday night.

George Washington Carver, scientist and inventor, will be played by Paxton Williams on Friday night.

Thomas Edison, inventor, is portrayed by Hank Fincken on Saturday.

Each night features entertainment starting at 6:30 pm. Several local groups perform.

Sponsors

Ohio Chautauqua is presented by the Ohio Humanities Council, Archbold Parks & Recreation, and Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce.

Local sponsors include Sauder Village, Archbold Lions Club, Archbold Area Foundation, Northwest State Community Collage, Black Swamp Arts Council, and Archbold Rotary Club.

Kidder said it cost $7,500 to bring Chautauqua to Archbold. About $5,500 of the cost has been covered by donations, with $1,000 raised by the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce during the June 25 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure lunch stop.

Kidder said a freewill donation will be accepted; she hopes to cover the remaining $1,000 with donations.

"It's been a lot of work, but I'm excited to see it happen," she said.

"I want to have a lot of people here."

She said some people have asked just what a Chautauqua was, but others are asking where they can buy tickets and reserve their seats.

It is free of charge. - David Pugh