Relaxed Small-Town Fun with Metro Amenities Close By
Preble County’s small-town, relaxed atmosphere can be enjoyed by exploring the farmers markets, orchards, boutiques, and antique shops. The region’s dining, entertainment, festivals, and events offer delicious options and good old-fashioned fun — but, bonus! — city amenities are just a short drive away. Some of Ohio and Indiana's best metro areas are at our doorstep, perfect for an adventure or special weekend. Central Preble County is just 40 minutes from Dayton and under 1.5 hours from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. Families can enjoy a fun day at the Cincinnati Zoo, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, or Dayton’s Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. City dining, theater, and concerts can make for a special night out on the town.
Fans of professional baseball, basketball, and football can cheer for the Reds, the Pacers, the Bengals, or the Colts. The stadiums and arenas are close enough to easily experience gameday thrills in person. If college sports get your heart pumping, The Ohio State University is just an hour and a half away.
Preble County Celebrates Community
Preble County’s community spirit really shines through in its celebrations and festivals. It is unique to be able to experience small-town charm so close to four different metro areas: Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis.
Enjoy good old-fashioned fun in Preble County!
Racing
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G&J Cartway
A Hidden Gem
Located among the cornfields and pastures of Southwestern Ohio lies a WKA Master Track known as G & J Kartway. The track entrance is marked by the silos used by Barnets Inc. which is owned and operated by track owner Gary Gregg.
G & J Kartway was built by Gary’s father, Bill, in 1958 and was used by Gary, his sister and other local karters as a fun track for several years. Initially, a 1/7 mile dirt track, it was paved in 1962 and expanded to a ¼ mile in 1966. Now in its 59th year of operation, G & J Kartway has been the home of the Ohio Valley Karting Association since 1964.
In 1968, the track was expanded to its current ½ mile, 9 turn configuration. For many years the distinguishing feature of G & J was the Monza-style turn at the end of the back straight-away. This high-banked left-hand corner was removed in 1973.
Located in rural Preble County, the track is within 60 miles of Dayton and Cincinnati and less than 2 hours from Columbus, Ohio drawing karters primarily from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. In addition to being home of OVKA, a 200+ member kart racing club, the track has hosted events for IKF, the World Karting Association, Great Lakes Sprint Series, former Ohio Sprint Series, SKUSA, CKNA, Buckeye Karting Challenge, and Vintage Karting in addition to numerous driving schools and non-karting events. The WKA Gold Cup held in July of 2004 saw in excess of 400 participants, one of the largest summer national events for this series and the largest G & J has hosted.
Eldora Speedway
Since carved from a cornfield in the natural amphitheater that existed between the Eldora Ballroom and the Wabash River by bandleader Earl Baltes in 1954, Eldora Speedway has grown to be a frontrunner in motorsports growth and stability. Baltes chose to sell the legendary high-banked clay oval to motorsports entrepreneur and NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC champion Tony Stewart in 2004. Eldora hosts the biggest events in short-track racing including the Dirt Late Model Dream, Kings Royal and World 100.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Indy 500
IMS Ticket Office
317-492-6700
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
4790 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Festivals and Annual Events
Camden Black Walnut Festival
Third Full Weekend In October
The Black Walnut Festival is a community tradition organized by Camden Comeback, a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization made up of citizens and business owners partnering in supporting and revitalizing their community. The festival is one of the best in the Southwest Ohio area, with more than 175 vendors and about 8,000–10,000 folks filling the streets each day. Enjoy top-notch entertainment at two venues, a Kid Zone, a petting zoo, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and more! Don’t forget to sample the hand-cranked, homemade ice cream!
Community Fun Fest
Kick off summer with this annual festival in Downtown Eaton, held the second Saturday in June, with fun and games, live music, shopping and good food.
Eaton White Christmas
Eaton White Christmas is held after Thanksgiving to herald in the holiday season in the historic downtown. Santa and Mrs. Claus make a trip all the way from the North Pole to visit! Families and visitors can expect a joyous afternoon and evening of hot chocolate, candy canes, singing, and a countdown to lighting up Courthouse Plaza.
New Paris Applefest
Second Weekend In September
Bring your family and friends to the friendly little Village of New Paris for the two-day fun-filled Applefest! Enjoy an apple baking contest, tons of food options, a wine and beer garden, a zip line, car and tractor shows, a kiddie tractor pull, and much more! There are so many vendors with unique items to purchase at this street fair.
New Paris Olde Fashioned Christmas in the Village
Visit New Paris for some Olde Fashioned Christmas charm at our Olde Fashioned Christmas in the Village with holiday celebrations featuring festive lights, local vendors and timeless traditions.
Old Fashioned Downtown Saturday Nite Car Show
Old Fashioned Downtown Saturday Nite Car Show, held annually in August. Visit Downtown Eaton for an evening to hear live music, the roar of vintage automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and good old-fashioned family fun.
Preble County Fair
End of July – Beginning of August
The famous Preble County Fair has brought old-fashioned fun to local families for over 172 years! Get a weekly pass to enjoy everything the fair has to offer. Rollicking entertainment includes a country concert, Preble County Idol finals, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, a tug-a-truck, a lawnmower derby, a rodeo, and much more!
Preble County Pork Festival
Third Full Weekend in September
Preble County Pork Festival is held in the community by members of the community to benefit the community. People come from miles around to browse hundreds of vendors or sample the smorgasbord of delicious food. The weekend features entertainment, a beer and wine garden, a parade, a petting zoo, pig races, and more. The festival sponsors several scholarships.
West Alexandria Oktoberfest
Beginning of October
For over 50 years, the Kiwanis have brought the West Alexandria Oktoberfest to Peace Park. This wonderful family-friendly arts and crafts festival is a hallmark of the community. Enjoy handmade arts and crafts, tasty food, and more!
College Sports
NCAA First Four
The Dayton region is recognized as the Epicenter of College Basketball. Fans from around the world know that THE ROAD STARTS HERE™, in Dayton, Ohio! Dayton looks forward to welcoming the NCAA® First Four® back to the University of Dayton Arena in 2023 and hosting it through 2026!
Professional Sports
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a NFL football team based in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are a National Basketball Association team based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are an NFL AFC team based in Cincinnati.
Dayton Dragons
The Dayton Dragons are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They have been located in nearby Dayton since 2000.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are Major League Baseball National League team based in Cincinnati.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH's professional soccer team since 2015.
Columbus Crew
Columbus, OH's professional soccer team since 1994.
Family Fun
Great Wolf Lodge
Near Cincinnati and Indianapolis, IN, our resort offers indoor water park fun and exciting land attractions for the entire family. Along with the water park's 13 slides and eight pools, your stay includes kid-friendly activities, dining options, and more — all under one roof. Book now and prepare your pack for adventure.
Kings Island
For more than five decades, Kings Island has been the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest for literally millions of families seeking the best in rides, live entertainment, food and Cincinnati events, all in a magical amusement park setting.
Since opening in 1972, Kings Island has worked hard to ensure a visit to the park is a day to remember for the entire family – the best day of the year!
From the moment you arrive at the 364-acre amusement and water park, you’ll see that Kings Island is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati. We’ll see you soon!
Spooky Nook
At 691,000 square feet, Spooky Nook Champion Mill in Hamilton, Ohio, is North America's largest indoor sports facility. From basketball and volleyball courts to turf soccer fields, Spooky Nook can accommodate nearly any major dry-land sport.
The Star Theatre
The Star Theatre and The Gymnasium at Eagle's Point are located inside the Historic Eaton High School. This building was renovated in 2019 and shares space with The Residences at Eagle's Point and Preble County ESC's Project Life. In conjunction with the By-Jo Theater in Germantown, The Star Theatre is Preble County's only movie theatre and shows first-run movies weekly at an affordable ticket price.
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