One-of-a-kind rain barrels prepare to hit streets in Ashland County; fundraiser for SWCD
In just a few weeks, Ashland County visitors and residents alike will notice a colorful addition to the main streets of both Loudonville and Ashland as art and conservation come together for Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District’s Rain Beat on Main Street event.
This year marks the program’s fourth year, and the popularity of the program shows no signs of slowing down.
In fact, this year’s event will feature a record number, 26, of one-of-a-kind rain barrels sponsored by local businesses and painted by local artists. The barrels will be on display throughout June and July in Loudonville’s Central Park (June 14-21), Ashland Balloonist at Freer Field (June 22-July 1) and Ashland’s Corner Park (July 2-11).
While the barrels are on display, an online auction will take place for each barrel with the proceeds going to storm water education programs.
“Since we started this event in 2020, the Rain Beat on Main Street event has been such a fun experience, and we were so excited to have so much interest and involvement from local community members and businesses,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “This year, we are so excited to continue to see the program grow with more and more local businesses and artists getting involved. The talent within the Ashland community is amazing.”
Meet the barrel sponsors and artits
Ashland County Park District (LeAnne Stadler artist)
Brethren Care Village (Brethren Care residents artist)
Centerra Co-op (Kyle Ackerman artist)
Chad’s Collision (Carol Jump artist)
Chicony Witch (Element of Art Studio/Gallery artist)
Donley Ford (Rachel Justice artist)
Fin, Feather, Fur Outfitters (Whitney Mullionex artist)
Forbes Farmstead Market (Hailey Spreng artist)
Gerwig’s White Barn (Hannah Endslow artist)
Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweetie’s Chocolates (Donna Sutherland artist)
Honey Haven Farm (Evelyn Brockway artist)
Neil Kadey Insurance (Colleen Carl Miller artist)
Loudonville Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2275 (Angel Watson artist)
Loudonville Lions Club (Grace Ringler artist)
Mohican Appliance (Kandi McCrea artist)
Pheasants Forever (Pole family artist)
Rooks Brothers, LLC (Sarah & Hanna McCrea artists)
Shakley Mechanical (Heather Herrick artist)
Simonson Construction (Emily Spreng artist)
Sutton Bank (Grace Call artist)
Sugargrove Tree Farm (Christine Palton-Snyder artist)
Tin Can Chandelier (Megan Gallaway artist)
Tin Can Chandelier (Amanda Kenscan artist)
Tin Can Chandelier (Nataliegh Everett artist)
Ralph & Betty Jo Tomassi (Julia England artist)
Truax Printing (Sophia Truax artist)
Weaver Home Improvement (Shelbi Kinsman artist)
So far, the Rain Beat on Main Street program has raised over $4,500 for storm water education projects. The funds have been used to the purchase of a storm water management learning and community engagement game and host educational events on precipitation monitoring, ice river spotting, rain garden workshops and two rain barrel workshops.
“We have so many talented artists in Ashland County that have created beautiful variety of rain barrels that were created,” Houin said. “As this year’s barrels start to come in, we have everything from chalkboard inspired butterfly paintings to colorful elephants and from peaceful garden scenes to underwater fish. We even have some highlighting local attractions and residents, and of course our native wildlife. Each of these rain barrels is so unique and really reflects the passions and talents of our local artists.”
For more information on this year’s Rain Beat on Main Street event, contact Cora Crilow at 419-281-7645.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Barrels of fun coming Ashland County's way through July 1
