Fairs, Festivals and Fast Cars!

Enjoy a weekend getaway with a variety of options in historic Darke County. You’ll find us in
western Ohio, nestled on the Ohio and Indiana border. But we’re central to your next
adventure! Experience the world’s greatest auto racing dirt track. Visit charming Versailles,
named a 2022–23 Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine, learn about famous sharpshooter Annie
Oakley at the festival held in her honor and explore so much more!

Stroll downtown Greenville’s wonderful collection of shops and restaurants while enjoying our
DORA District! Join Main Street Greenville for First Fridays and other great events.

Come play in the dirt at the world famous Eldora Speedway! The high-banked, half-mile
speedway hosts bucket-list races including the Dirt Late Mode Dream, Kings Royal
(July 17–20) and World 100 (Sept. 5–7). While there take a selfie with the statue of founders Earl and Berneice Baltes, try the famous Pizza Burger and shop vendors’ row!

Experience Poultry Days in Versailles. Since 1952 the village of less than 3,000 people has sold 1,174,285 of their famous chicken dinners! A parade, car show, games, art exhibits, rides, vendors, live music and ultimate frisbee tournament highlight the three-day event (June 14–16).

Celebrate the history of antique tractors and gas engines at Farm Power of the Past (July 11–14) at the Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville. Arts and craft vendors, a flea market, food trucks and The Darke County Tractor Pullers also highlight the event.

Commemorate Darke County’s favorite daughter at the fun-filled Annie Oakley Festival (July
26–28) at the Darke County Fairgrounds. A parade, fast-draw competition, American western
arts showcase, performances by the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, historic bus tours, live music, food trucks and more honor Miss Sure Shot. Leave time for the Annie Oakley Trail, a self-guided, nine-stop tour featuring historic Annie Oakley landmarks. Don’t forget to pick up your Flat Annie for selfies!

The same weekend (July 27–28) … and a quick five-minute trip from the Fairgrounds! … go back in time to the Gathering at Garst. Held on the grounds of the outstanding Garst Museum (and just down the street from the famous Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe and its equally popular gum wall) are live encampments, crafts and vendors, cannon demonstrations, storytelling from actor-portrayed historical figures, carriage rides, live music, food trucks and more!

Enjoy one of the state’s most popular county fairs (we’re biased but we think it’s the best one) with The Great! Darke County Fair (Aug. 16–24) in Greenville. In addition to the variety of rides and amusements for all ages, The Great Darke County Fair features a concert by Bachman Turner Overdrive, tractor pull, demolition derby, harness racing, motorcycle racing, live music, vendors, food trucks and some of the best fair food around! Darke County is proud of its agricultural history and it shows with the Junior Fair’s livestock shows and varied ag displays.

When planning your trip make sure to visit these excellent stops as well:
● Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum
● BMI Event Center
● Darke County Parks
● Historic Bear’s Mill

Coming for the weekend? We have great lodging available including the Baymont by Wyndham, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hotel Versailles featuring Silas Creative Kitchen and Quality Inn. For additional lodging and campgrounds visit the Darke County Visitors Bureau website and click Stay Awhile.

During your stay in Darke County make sure to start your trek on the Whiskey, Wine & Ale Trail! The trail features 10 stops and is a tribute to the American spirit and to individuals who
appreciate its taste and heritage. It’s a touring destination unlike any other, consisting of five
wineries, two breweries, two distilleries and a vodka cocktail lounge … all creating their own
product. Each locale offers its own distinctive experience and authentic character. Pick up a
Whiskey, Wine & Ale Trail passport, complete all 10 stops and receive a WW&A Trail t-shirt!

Have questions or want more information to plan your trip to Darke County? Visit us at
visitdarkecounty.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/DarkeCountyOhio, Twitter at
twitter.com/DarkeCountyOhio and Instagram at instagram.com/darkecountyohio/