Special to 1812Blockhouse
Cabin fever is supposed to be behind us but with the taste of spring we experienced earlier this week, you may be more eager to get out of the house and explore more than ever! Don’t worry, from St. Patrick’s Day events to Murder Mystery Dinners to the Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm, here’s the lowdown on Mansfield area happenings.
Instant Replay
If you thought you missed your chance to learn about the science of scent at Kingwood Center or the opportunity to immerse yourself in glass blowing at the Mansfield Art Center, you’ll be thrilled to know that both Making Scents: the Art and Passion of Fragrance and the Trail of Tears exhibits continue through March.
Shop Local
If you haven’t experienced a First Friday Shop Hop (March 4) now is the time to add it to your calendar. This is a great way to get out of the house, support locally owned businesses and see some of the unique shopping options that are available right here in our beautiful downtown Carrousel District. And if you really need an excuse, this is also a great time to spend time with friends!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
We may not have a river to color green, but we do have several events to help you celebrate this Irish holiday. Join the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District in making your own moss ball decorations (March 8), make a special Glass Blown Shamrock at the Mansfield Art Center (March 11, 12), Take part in a fun St. Patty’s Paint N Sip at SS Second Chances Art and Craft Studio in Shelby (March 11), or learn cookie decorating techniques in this tasty St. Patty’s Cookie Decorating Workshop (March 13).
Learn New Skills and Get Crafty
Are you looking for an easy introduction to knitting? Check out the Chunky Blanket Class and create one of three different size blankets that you’ll be able to give as a gift or keep to wrap yourself up in on cold evenings.
Learn what it takes to raise honeybees in an environment where they’ll thrive in this interesting presentation by Dave Duncan who shares his many years of experience and teaches you how to plan a pollinator garden (various dates at Mansfield/Richland County Public Library locations).
If you’ve seen the new cabin at South Park and wanted a glimpse inside, now is your chance. Attend an 18th Century Cooking Demonstration with Laura Supinger and learn how to cook over an open hearth (March 19).
Get Outside and Get Moving
Enjoy the warming temperatures as you leave hibernation and get back in the swing of things with Parkrun Mansfield weekly 5k. This weekly event is held every Saturday. Meet at North Lake Park at 9 a.m. to join the run.
Beethoven’s 5th 5K (March 26) in Ashland is a fun walk or run race for all ages to benefit the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.
Explore Our Local Treasures
Visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary as a family each Saturday between 1-2 p.m. to meet one of their birds up close during Avian Encounters (March 5, 12, 19, 26). Make a day (or weekend of it) by visiting Mansfield’s favorite family-friendly destinations; the Little Buckeye Museum, Kingwood Center Gardens, Richland Carrousel Park and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
Enjoy a night of laughter at the Monty Python’s Spamalot the Musical (March 5,6, 12, 13) or listen to the Mansfield Symphony present the beloved musical The Sound of Music (March 19) at the Renaissance Theatre.
If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up in your fancy evening attire, look no further than Murder at Kingwood (March 19). This intriguing murder mystery dinner is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you try to figure out who the culprit is in this who-done-it night of fun.
Gorman Nature Center provides plenty of programming for the outdoor lover including Timberdoodles in Love (March 4), Breakfast with the Birds (March 19) and The Night Sky (March 19).
Festival Time
After taking a break the past two years, we’re excited to welcome back the Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm State Park. This free event is held the weekends of March 5 & 6 and March 12 & 13. Take a horse drawn carriage ride to the sugar camp and learn firsthand the work that goes into making the tasty syrup that is often referred to as liquid gold. You’ll even have an opportunity to sample and purchase maple syrup products. Don’t forget the Big House will be open for tours. Inside you’ll find not one, but two Grandma Moses original paintings. See if you can find them on your tour.
Get a Jump on Spring Cleaning and Home Renovation
The 2022 Mid-Ohio Home Show is back for your chance to meet the vendors and businesses to make all your home improvement dreams come true. This event will be held March 12 & 13 at the Richland County Fairground.
Adults Only
Did you know that The Phoenix Brewing Company and Operation Fandom team up each month for a game night? Plan to attend the Game Night at the Phoenix (March 1), make new friends and find a new favorite game.
If you haven’t been to The Phoenix, you’re in for a treat. Housed in a former mortuary, this local brewery serves up craft beers, ciders, seltzers, spirits from Ohio distilleries and more. March events include Pound and Pour with McManes Personal Training (March 12), Taproom Trivia (March 15), and M & W (Moonshine and Wine, March 18).
You know spring is just around the corner when the food trucks make their way back to town. Stop over to support The Wicked Lobstah at The Phoenix on March 27.
Check out The Hub at Village Square in Crestline for a fun themed night. The Cowboy Country Night with Mechanical Bull (March 5) is sure to be entertaining. Listen to your favorite country music and see how long you last on the bull. If you’d rather sit back and enjoy a few laughs, you may consider the Newly Dead Game (March 19) that isn’t nearly as deadly as it sounds. This murder mystery dinner is a spin on the 1970’s Newly Wed Game.
And then there’s live music! All month long there are artists all over the county showcasing amazing talent.
Live Music
Jose Sanchez at Hudson & Essex (March 4)
The Oolong Gurus at Hudson & Essex (March 5)
Just Jazz at Hudson & Essex (March 12)
Music at Main at the MRCPL Main Branch (March 20)
For a full list of area events, visit www.DestinationMansfield.com.
Source: Destination Mansfield/Richland County
