Pay your overdue fines with food! From February 6-19, you can exchange canned goods and other nonperishable foods for library overdue fines to help the Family Resource Centers at Collins, Ockerman and Florence Elementary Schools. These Resource Centers are school-based initiatives whose mission is to ensure that children come to school healthy, safe, and prepared to learn. With the current economic downturn and high unemployment, 9% of the children living in Boone County are below the poverty line and 31% of the children in Boone County Schools are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program. Children who are hungry cannot learn and succeed in life.

How can you help? The Library will waive $1 in current overdue fines for each can or package of food donated during the drive (a maximum of $20 can be waived). Donations may not be used to waive replacement fees for lost or damaged items or collection agency fees. Don't have any overdue fines? That's OK, no need to have fines to participate. All donations are gratefully accepted. Food may be dropped off at all Boone County Public Library locations. Bring a can down to your local library and help feed our community! 

Items especially needed include:

*    peanut butter

*    jelly

*    canned meats (tuna fish, beef stew)

*    canned vegetables and fruit

*    macaroni and cheese

*    rice and pasta

*    breakfast cereal or hot cereal

Please note: The library cannot accept home-canned  items, items that are opened, cans that are past their expiration date, dented, damaged, or cans with bar codes that have been lined or scratched through.

Boone County Public Library was one of 16 public libraries, and the only one in Kentucky, selected for the grant by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation as part of Smart investing@your library®. This prestigious grant will help Boone County Public Library to provide effective, unbiased financial and investor education to the community. The Library was invited to apply for this funding opportunity and was one of 80 libraries to submit proposals.

"This generous grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation couldn't have come at a better time," said Library Director Greta Southard. "Smart investing@your library® allows us to meet a critical need for people to have information they can trust to help them arrive at a brighter financial future. We surveyed our community to discover which financial topics they wanted to learn more about and to find out how they preferred to receive the information.  We used the results from the survey to tailor our financial program outlined in the grant proposal to our community's needs and interests. We wouldn't have been able to write this grant without community feedback. Thank you, Boone County! We look forward to using the grant to create innovative programs to help you prosper!"

With the funding, the Library will partner with the Brighton Center to provide a year of financial learning experiences to families in Boone County. The initiative will be called "Earn, Spend, Save" and include collaborations with the State of Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and Boone County Schools. Targeted programs and print resources will be implemented for all age groups, from preschoolers to senior citizens.

"Our plan is to offer programs for all ages on the same nights at the same times," said Carrie Herrmann, the Library's project coordinator for the grant. "Families will be able to participate without having to look for childcare. We want to make it easy for everyone in Boone County to participate and benefit from this grant."

The Earn, Spend, Save program will launch in August, watch for more information.

--Submitted by The Boone County Library

For those of us with kids, the holiday season brings all sorts of magic through a child's eyes.  Not only do the kids really get into the holiday spirit but their behavior suddenly takes a turn for the better when they hear the "Santa is watching."  What better way to keep that spirit alive than having Santa call your house.   From now until Christmas Eve, Cincinnati Bell is providing FREE personalized calls from Santa.  You can have Santa call your house as much as you would like and as many times a day as you would like.  We do this each year in our home and my boys LOVE it!  They get such a kick out of hearing Santa say their name and hearing him on the phone.  Just follow the link below and get your official call from the big man himself:

http://www.cincinnatibell.com/consumer/holiday/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours....

If you're looking for something to do to add a little jingle to your step, grab the family and head down to Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati for some holiday fun.  Saturday's in December (3, 10. 17) Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine Building, to the Macy's rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off an awesome holiday fireworks display.  The 20-minute family fun program also features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music.  The fun begins at 5:30pm when the choir starts to sing and Santa begins his decent at 6:30pm.

Immediately following the fireworks, join Mrs. Claus for some cookies, crafts and story-time at Macy's Fountain Place on 505 Vine Street.  You can also grab your skates or rent a pair and skate at the ice rink at Fountain Square.  Cost is $2.50 for admission and $2.50 for skate rental.  Hours are 10a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 10 a.m. to Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

See the sights and sounds of downtown on a carriage ride.  boarding at the corner of Fifth and Race streets take a free horse drawn trolley carriage ride through the heart of Cincinnati.  Rides run Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 from Noon to 5pm (final boarding at 4:45pm).

And don't forget to bring your camera for photos with Santa.  He'll be on Fountain Square from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sundays from Noon - 6 p.m. and Monday thru Thursday from Noon - 6 p.m.  He'll be there until December 24th right before he must leave for annual trip around the world.

Brought to you by The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Rarely, does one size fit everyone and the same goes for advice. The following suggestion is not right for everyone. However, for people with job security and who don't own a home; for people with good credit and enough savings for a down payment, there may never be a better time to buy a home.

Homes have had a significant price correction but in many markest, they have started to rise again. The lower prices combined with historically low interest rates make this an opportune time to buy a home if you can afford it.

One of the reasons homes are an attractive investment is that fact that you can use a small down payment and finance the balance for 30 years. The principle, called leverage, allows you to earn a return on the value of the home rather than the actual cash investment. Small appreciation can create a large rate of return on the initial investment of the down payment and closing costs.

The following example is a projection at the end of five years for a $175,000 home with 3% closing costs and a 5% interest rate for a 30 year term. The rate you see in each column is an annual rate of return based on the equity of the home at the end of the five year period due to both appreciation and amortization of the loan.

The nature of positive leverage will cause the returns to be higher with a smaller down payment. As you see in the table, the return is higher on the 3.5% down payment than with the 10% or 20% down payment.

If you're curious to see if this advice might fit your situation, you really need to sit down with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can help you assess your position. It's worth the time because there may never be a better opportunity than now.

Halloween is in the air which means it's time for the Boone County Parks Jack-O-Lantern Walk and Contest located in Central Park and join in in the fun.

From 8:30 - 9:30 am bring your pumpkins then return at 7:30pm until 9:30pm and walk the trails and enjoy all of the pumpkins.  They'll be lit up in all their glory.  The walk is free and to enter your pumpkin it only costs $1.00. 

Happy Halloween!!

Pumpkin Patches

Benton Farms

11946 Old Lexington Pike
Walton, KY 41094
859-485-7000

Shaw Farms

513-575-2022
Milford, OH

Daniels Petting Farm & Pumpkin Patch

1850 WALTON NICHOLSON PIKE
WALTON, KY 41094
859-363-8623

Kinmon Farms

4175 BURLINGTON PIKE
BURLINGTON, KY 41005
859-689-2682

McGlasson Farms

5832 River Rd.
Hebron, KY 41049
859-689-5229

Haunted Houses

BENTON FARMS
Haunted House
Weekends In October
11946 Old Lexington Pike
Walton, KY 41094
859-485-7000

USS Nightmare
Wednesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 11pm
Friday & Saturday 7pm - 1am...... Sun. 7pm - 11pm
Through November 1st .....

Located on the river at Newport on the Levee

St. Rita Haunted House
October 2nd -November 1st
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

Free Parking
The Haunted House is located on the school grounds.

Kings Island
Mason, OH
Halloween Haunt

Haunted Hayride
Sandyland Acres
Petersburg, KY
This hayride has won numerous haunt awards and offers individual and group rates.
859-689-4283 or 859-322-0516

Dent Haunted Schoolhouse
5963 Harrison Ave.
Cincinnati OH 45248
Every Friday and Saturday, The Dent Schoolhouse is open from 7:30 pm to 12:00 pm. On every Sunday The Dent Schoolhouse is open from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Land of Illusion
5 terrorizing events, choose one or enter them all!!  All at your own risk of coarse!!
8762 Thomas Rd.
Middletown, OH 45042
Open until November 1, 2009

HallZOOween
Discover the "creepy and the crawly," weekends in October, at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during the annual HallZOOween celebration. Little ghouls and boys, ages 12 and under, can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun, from 12 - 5 p.m.

The Grand Festival Parade takes place on Saturday morning at 10 am and festival goers can enjoy a round of stone toss or splashing grape stomp, sample some of Indiana's most delectable wines and be entertained by various music bands ranging from country to polka.

The festival is located at the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park where Indiana highway 56 and 156 meet.  Come on over to Indiana and enjoy the fun.

Vevay Indiana is located across the river from historic Warsaw, Kentucky.  The Mike Parker Team is proud to present the some historic homes near the Vevay area in Northern Kentucky.  Homes from yesteryear with today's conveniences.  For more things to do check out our blog series titled "365 Things To Do in Northern Kentucky."  Or "like" us on Facebook.

View Larger Map

Boone County Fair

Now that the weather had cooled out, grab the kids and head on out to the Boone County Fair at the Fairgrounds in Burlington, Kentucky on 5819 Idlewild Rd.  Admission is $8.00 after 2:00pm on Thursday and Friday and after 8:00am on Saturday.  Admission includes unlimited rides, grandstand entertainment and other events.  There is an additional charge to ride the live ponies.  Ride the rides, see the shows and taste all the wonderful food!!!

This is the remaining schedule:

There's so much to do in Northern Kentucky.  "Like" us on Facebook for more of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  Our Facebook page is also filled with community information as well as current real estate market updates.  Brought to you by The Mike Parker Team of HUFF Realty - Northern Kentucky Real Estate Experts.

Approximately the average number of homes sold per month so far in 2011 has been 348.  This makes an 11.16 month supply of residential property in Northern Kentucky.

Out of those 3882 active listings, there are 190 active foreclosed properties for sale that are foreclosures.  That is 5% of our residential inventory in the MLS.  Year to date, 587 foreclosed properties have sold.  That's approximatly 24% of our sales since January 1, 2011.  This is about the same number as its been for the last two years.  Recieve your list of NKY Bank Owned Homes and foreclosed properties for sale in Northern Kentucky today. 

Inside the Northern Kentucky MLS there are 423 "NEW" homes for sale (New homes by builders).  259 "NEW" construction homes have sold since January 1, 2011.

Feel free to sign up to receive listings in the Northern Kentucky MLS delivered right to your inbox.  You can also sign up to receive Bank Owned Homes or a get a free market analysis of your home. 

"Like" us on Facebook for more reports like this as well as community information and exciting property listings.

The following information was brought to you by Mike Parker of HUFF Realty "Northern Kentucky's Real Estate Expert."  Contact him today today for all of your real estate needs.

Get ready bargain shoppers!!  It's that time of year again...time for the worlds longest yard sale.  And there's loads of deals to be had. 

The yard sale runs straight through Kentucky and our area.  It is 675 Miles long and begins in Hudson, Michigan and runs through US 127 and ends in Gadsden, Alabama.  For those of you looking locally, you can start in Covington, Kentucky and go through Florence, Kentucky, Union, Kentucky and into Gallatin County and then on into the heart of the Bluegrass.  There are also many great yard sales in the neighborhoods located just off US 127 where more deals await.  The intent of the sale was to give travelers a reason to take the scenic route and boost local economies in counties and towns bypassed by the interstate highway system.

The yard sale begins August 4 and runs through August 7.  Let us know if you get any good deals.  The best deal we came across was an almost new oven/stove for 20$.  There was nothing wrong with it, the owner got a new flat top and needed to unload it.  Don't forget to haggle over prices...everything is negotiable!   And don't forget the bottled water!  Happy Shopping!

This blog is part of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  Check out our previous posts or "like" us on Facebook for loads more community information.

The smell of funnel cakes is in the air, you hear the screams of happy children as they ride the rides and you hear the men cheering on for their favorite tractor or demolition derby car and you know its fair time!!  Then on to the horses, the pigs, the cows, the vegetable and of course the pageants!!!

The Grant County Fair located in Grant County, Kentucky on US 25, at Grant Park, kicks off its 2011 Fair on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 7:00pm with the Youth Talent Competition, Dead Weight Tractor Pull, Mud Run and Horse Show.  Gates open at 5:00pm and admission that night is $5.00 at the gate.  The rest of the weeks schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 30 (No Rides - Admission at the Gate $5.00)
9:30 am 4-H/FFA Poultry Show
10:00am Baby Show (Amphitheater)
2:00pm Toddler Show (Amphitheater)
5:00pm 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show
5:00pm Walking Horse Show (Horse Ring)
7:00pm Battle of the Bluegrass Pulling Series (Main Track)

Monday, August 1. 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
6:00pm 4-H Cloverbuds Livestock Show
7:00pm Grand County Only Horse Show
7:00pm ORVTPA Truck and Tractor Pull (Main Track)
7:30pm Cornhole Tournament
8:00pm Miss Grand County Fair Pageant (Amphitheater)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
5:00pm 4-H/FFA/open Market Goat Show
1:00pm 4-H/FFA Tractor Driving Contest
7:00pm Open Youth & GC 4-H Contest Horse Show
7:00pm NKTPA Truck & Tractor Pull (Main Track)
7:30pm Cornhole Tournament
8:00pm Miss Teen Pageant (Amphitheater)

Wednesday, August 3, 20011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
10:00am 4-H/FFA/Open Swine Show (enter at 8:30am)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA/open Dairy Goat Show
6:00pm Motocross Race (Motocross Track)
7:00pm Truck & Tractor Pull (Truck & Tractor Pull Track)
7:00pm Horseshoe Contest
8:00pm Little Miss Junior Pageant (Amphitheater)
8:30pm Miss Pre Teen Pageant (Amphitheater)

Thursday, August 4, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
10:30am 4-H/FFA & open Dairy Show (enter at 9:30am)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA & Open Sheet Show (enter at 6:00pm)
6:00pm Family & Children's Fun Night
7:00pm Garden Tractor Pull (Track 2)
7:00pm Hudnall Small Truck Pull (Main Track)
7:00pm Performance by Shelly's Gymnastics (Amph.)
7:00pm Horseshoe Contest
7:30pm Corn Hole Tournament Championship

Friday, August 5, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
4:00pm 4-H/FFA Beef Show (enter at 3:00pm)
6:00pm Open Beef Show (enter at 4:00pm)
7:00pm NKTTA Truck Tuggers Tu O War (Track 2)
7:00pm Blue Grass Horse Pull (Horse Ring)
7:00pm Truck Drag Racing (Truck & Tractor Pull Track)
7:00pm Horseshoe Championship
8:00pm Little Miss & Mister Pageant (Amphitheater)

Saturday, August 6, 2011 (Rides Open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
9-11am Remove All Exhibits & Pick Up Premium Checks
8:00am Mile Race (Grant County High School Track)
10:00am 4-H Cat Show (enter at 9:30am)
10:00am Miniature Horse Show
1:30pm 4-H/FFA Show of Showmen
4:30pm Open Pet Show (enter at 4:00pm)
5:00pm Remote Control Truck Pull (Horse Racing)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions (Buyer's Meal 5:30pm)
7:00pm Demo Derby (Demo Derby Track)
7:00pm ATV Dirt Drag (Main Track)
8:00pm Arm Wrestling (weigh-in 7:30pm)
8:00pm Live Music by Quentin Flagg (Amphitheater)

You can buy discounted fair tickets at Dry Ridge Toyota in the parts department for $6.00 each.  This is an exclusive offer that is only being offered at Dry Ridge Toyota.  The ticket includes access to unlimited rides, shows and events.  Free parking and shuttle service is also available from the Grant County Middle School.

Have fun and see you at the fair!!!!

Interested in more fun things to do in Northern Kentucky?  Check out our "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky" Blog.  Follow us on Facebook for more interesting happenings in Northern Kentucky.  All courtesy of The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  A great resource for homes available in Grant County.

This fantastic 4 bedroom home is loaded with amenities including 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, a large wood deck, a finished lower level that makes for a wonderful spot to entertain, a formal dining room, a living room, a two car garage, a family room with fireplace, a large master suite with an adjoining luxurious bath and a walk-in closet.  It is conveniently located in Florence, Kentucky. 

9044 Crimson Oak Dr. is located in the Plantation Pointe subdivision and sits in the Boone County Public School System.  It is near area restaurants, places of worship, area attractions, a mile from the bus-line, the Boone County Public Library and much more.  Other amenities include gas heat, central air, cable TV ready, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, smoke alarms, a garage door opener, a security system, a home warranty, multi panel doors and cathedral ceilings. 

This home is priced to sell at $179,900.  This this is too good to be true?  It's not, contact The Mike Parker Team today and see for yourself.  This home will also be held open on Sunday, July 31, 2011 from 1:00 - 3:00pm. 

When the mercury rises above 90 and the heat index is into the 100's it's time to cool off and take a trip to the Florence Aquatic Center located in Florence, Kentucky.  It's a perfect way to spend the day with the family so grab the kids and the sunscreen!!

This incredible facility includes a lazy river where floating and relaxing are the norm, a competition pool, a zero depth area, perfect for the little ones, sunbathing areas, slides of all shapes and sizes, two spray grounds, funbrellas and a concession area.  There is a charge for daily admission to the facility and Florence residence receive a discount.  Swim lessons, aquacize, diving and scuba lessons are also offered for an additional charge.

The Florence Aquatic Center is located off Burlington Pike on Ewing Dr. at the Florence Government Center.  It is open until August 21, 2011 from 11:00am to 7:00pm.  Go out and make a splash!  You'll be glad you did.

Do you have something fun to do in Northern Kentucky?  Contact us and let us know.  This blog "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky," is written by The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  Visit us on Facebook and Twitter for more exciting Northern Kentucky Information.

Calling all race fans....the Sprint Cup has FINALLY arrived in Northern Kentucky!!!  Race fans began their decent to the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky on Tuesday and are still pouring in.  The long awaited arrival of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race has sent fans into a frenzy of excitement. 

Campers are lining up by the hundreds and there hasn't been a buzz in this area for decades.  The Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup race will begin at 7:30pm on Saturday night on July 9, 2011 and consists of 267 laps.

Drivers have been sighted this past week all over the tri-state making appearances.  Tony Stewart was at the Florence Home Depot welcoming fans.  This surely is an exciting time for Northern Kentucky.

Below is a time frame of all upcoming events:

Thursday 7-7-11

10-11 a.m.: Trucks final practice

11:05 a.m.-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup testing

3:05 p.m.: Trucks qualifying (two laps, all positions)

4-6 p.m.: Sprint Cup testing

6:10-7:25 p.m.: Nationwide practice

7:35 p.m.: Trucks driver introductions

8 p.m.: UHNO 225 Trucks race (150 laps, 225 miles)

Friday  7-8-11

9-11 a.m.: Nationwide final practice

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup practice

1:30-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup final practice

3:35 p.m.: Nationwide qualifying

5:10 p.m.: Sprint Cup qualifying

7 p.m.: Nationwide driver introductions

7:30 p.m.: Feed the Children 300 Nationwide race (200 laps, 300 miles)

Saturday  7-9-11

7 p.m.: Sprint Cup driver introductions

7:30 p.m.: Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup race (267 laps, 400.5 miles)

Download this map courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer to see all of the improvements as well as areas of the Kentucky Speedway.  We think it will help get you around as well as teach you something new.

Get ready ......Gentleman Start Your Engines.......

This blog is part of our ongoing series, "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  View homes located near the speedway in Gallatin County, Kentucky or contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty for more information.

Are you ready for a little Red, White and BOOM?  We compiled a list of all of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area fireworks for the upcoming 4th of July weekend.  Hopefully you can find one near you and check it out.  Don't forget to take lots of pictures and bring a lawn chair!!  Have a safe and happy Holiday Weekend!!

Northside Rock 'n' Roll Carnival

Hoffner Park- 4104 Hamilton Avenue - Northside

July 1 : 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. Scheduled to appear: Moonshine Drive, Magnolia Mountain, the Dukes, Team Void, Masters of the Obvious, Two Headed Dog and Man Halen.

Includes beer garden, local food and music.

Newport Motorcycle Rally

Festival Park Newport - Riverboat Row - Newport

July 1 : 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Music, food, games, motorcycle show, contests and prizes.

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Memorial Park - 2001 Jack Woods Parkway - Independence

July 1 : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Music by the Mike Heile Band at 7 p.m.

City of Madeira Independence Day Festivities

Sellman Park - 6700 Marvin Ave. - Madeira

July 1 : 8 p.m. Music by Stagger Lee.

Madeira Middle School. Food booths and entertainment. Madeira Mile at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

City of Madeira's Independence Day Parade

Madeira High School- 7465 Loannes Drive - Madeira

July 1 : 7 p.m.

Parade leaves high school and proceeds south on Miami Avenue to St. Gertrude's Church. Concessions available.

Union Celebrates America Parade and Fireworks

Union Community Building - 10087 Old Union Road - Union

July 1 : 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Parade on US 42 from Union Kroger to Ryle High School starting at 6 p.m. Music at Community Building begins 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at dark. Food and drinks available. Bounce attractions for children. Bring seating.

Fort Thomas Independence Day Celebration

Tower Park - 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave. - Ft. Thomas

July 2 : 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Classic car show 3-7:30 p.m., followed by classic car parade at 7:45 p.m. Games, inflatables, food, beverages and beer booth 3-10:30 p.m. Music by Hot Wax Band 8-10 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Aurora Firecracker Festival

City of Aurora - Aurora

July 2 : 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Music by Bob Hudson and the Country Kings 4:30-7 p.m. and Steve Pratt and the Oakley Avenue Band 7:30-10 p.m.

Due to Lesko Park construction, festival held at river end of Fourth Street at Ind. 56. WWII veterans recognition, music and fireworks.

Fourth of July Weekend Fireworks Extravaganza

Kings Island - 6300 Kings Island Drive - Mason

July 2 : 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m.

More than 80 rides, shows and attractions, including the Beast and Diamonback roller coasters, Boomerang Bay and Planet Snoopy. Dinosaurs Alive! with park admission: $5.

City of Independence Fourth of July Parade

Summit View Middle School - 5002 Madison Pike - Independence

July 2 : 3 p.m.

Parade starts at middle school, travels south on Madison Pike and ends at Memorial Park.

Pioneer Days Festival

Greenhills Village Commons- Winton and Farragut roads - Greenhills

July 2 : 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Games, food, and drink booths. Entertainment throughout the day.

Pioneer Days Parade

Winton Woods Middle School - 147 Farragut Road - Cincinnati

July 2 : 11 a.m.

Parade starts and ends at Winton Woods Middle School, and includes police, fire, and military vehicles, marching bands, floats, Shriners minicars and more. Winton Road at Andover and Sharon will be blocked to traffic briefly as parade passes.

Coney Island Balloon Glow

Coney Island - 6201 Kellogg Ave. - Cincinnati

July 3 : 8 p.m. Park opens at 10 a.m. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. Balloon Glow begins at 8 p.m.

Music, entertainment and as many as 15 glowing air balloons. Rozzi' Famous Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Belleview Baptist Church's Independence Day Parade and Patriotic Service

Belleview Baptist Church - 6658 fifth St. - Burlington

July 3 : 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Participants gather in parking lot 10-10:30 a.m. Boone County Honor Guard will lead parade to the Veteran's Memorial at Belleview Cemetery for service. Hot dogs, drinks and snacks served under church shelter at noon.

Koorsen’s Fourth of July Bash

Fountain Square - Fifth and Vine streets - Cincinnati

July 3 : 9:30 p.m.

Follows Toyota Movie Night featuring "Iron Man 2." Music by DJ. Free fireworks display at 10 p.m. Concessions available. Bring seating. All ages.

Fairfield Red, White and Kaboom

Village Green Park - Fairfield- 301 Wessel Drive - Fairfield

July 3 : 6:30 p.m.

Fairfield Idol finals. Music by Stagger Lee at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Rozzi’s fireworks show with soundtrack broadcast by ClassX Radio 88.9 FM 10 p.m. Music at Harbin Park by My Sister Sarah at 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration

July 3 : 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Lunch stand available and offering homemade cakes, pies, homemade ice cream, sandwiches, salads and drinks.

Features old-fashioned cakewalks, traditional woodworking, kid’s games, contests, activities and more. Music by National Trail Steel Drum Band 1 p.m., Glass Halo 2 p.m. and Eaton Community Band 3:30 p.m.

Florence Fourth of July Celebration

Florence Government Center - 8100 Ewing Blvd. - Florence

July 3 : 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Rides and games, demonstrations, food booths, kidzone and music. Car Cruise at 4 p.m. Patriotic Salute at 6 p.m. Music by Deron Bell and the D-Street Band at 7 p.m. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Moscow Independence Day Celebration

Village of Moscow - Village of Moscow - Moscow

July 3 : 1 p.m.

Music by DJ at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks show at dark. Bring picnic, no food vendors available. Parade at 1 p.m., line-up at 12:30 p.m. at Rivervalley Community Center.

Independence Day Parade

Downtown Lebanon - Mulberry, Main and Broadways streets - Lebanon

July 3 : 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Broadway Street. Floats, antique cars, school bands and more. Free parking.

Harrison Fourth of July Celebration

Harrison Community Center - 300 George St. - Harrison

July 3 : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Music, entertainment, children's games, balloon rides for $5 and fireworks at dusk.

Harrison Fourth of July Parade

Harrison Community Center - 300 George St. - Harrison

July 3 : 2 p.m.

Parade starts at center, travels down Broadway, turns on State Street, right on Harrison Avenue and back to Broadway. All ages.

Green Township Independence Day Concert and Fireworks

Kuliga Park - 6717 Bridgetown Road - Cincinnati

July 3 : 7 p.m. Music by Pete Wagner Band and Ooh La La & the Greasers at 7 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Concessions available. Shuttle bus services available starting at 5:30 p.m. No alcohol or pets.

City of St. Bernard Independence Day Festival

Ross Park - Corner of Ross and Tower Ave. - St. Bernard

July 3 : 4 p.m.

Music by DJ Bill Helton and After Midnight, games, rides, food and beverages. Bring blankets. No coolers or glass bottles. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks show at 10 p.m. Rain date: July 4.

Northside Fourth of July Parade

Northside - Hamilton Avenue - Cincinnati

July 4 : 12 p.m.

Starts at northern boundary of Northside and travels south on Hamilton Avenue to Hoffner Park, where celebration continues with Independence Day Festival. Benefits the Northside Business District Recycling Program.

All American Birthday Party & Fireworks

Sawyer Point - Pete Rose Way - Cincinnati

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Celebration of our community, our country’s birthday, and in recognition of our active and veteran military service men and women. Music, food, family activities and fireworks.

Hamilton’s 4th Of July Celebration

Butler County Courthouse - 101 High St. - Hamilton

July 4 : 10 a.m. Music by the Jack Carr Band 6 p.m. and the Wright Patterson Air Force Band of Flight's "Systems Go" 7:30 p.m.

Booths, food vendors and entertainment. Visit Butler County Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument, pioneer encampment re-enactment around Monument Cabin and more from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking in the McDulin Garage at Third and Market streets for July 2-4.

Red, White and Boom!

Riverbend Music Center - 6295 Kellogg Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 8 p.m.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra; John Morris Russel, conductor. Daniel Narducci, baritone; Karen Slack, soprano; Prism Brass from the Air Force Band of Flight and Cincinnati Studio for Dance cloggers.

Liberty Township Fourth of July Parade

Lakota East High School- 6840 Lakota Lane - Liberty Township

July 4 : 10 a.m.

Parade features floats, Lakota East High School Varsity Baseball Team, marching band, fire trucks and more. Route will go from school, down Wyandot Road to Yankee Road and ends at Liberty Park behind Lakota Family YMCA. Wyandot and Yankee roads will temporarily close between 10-11 a.m.

Liberty Township 5K Run for Liberty

Lakota East High School- 6840 Lakota Lane - Liberty Township

July 4 : 8 a.m.

Registration 7 a.m. 3.1 mile course starting in Lakota East High School stadium, heading north around the Freshman building, then back south to head around the Liberty Commons Shopping Center before heading back to stadium. 5K walk begins 8:31 a.m. Water available on course. Fruit and water available at finish line.

Montgomery July Fourth Festival

Montgomery Park - 10101 Montgomery Road - Indian Hill

July 4 : 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Children's games, prizes, pony rides, bounce house and food and beer booths. All-Star baseball game.

Anderson Township Independence Day Parade

Anderson Township Government Center- 7954 Beechmont Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 11 a.m. Theme: "Hometown Pride."

More than 100 entries travel on Beechmont Avenue to Anderson Towne Center. Beechmont Avenue closes by 10:45 a.m.

Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular

Colerain Township Government Complex- 4200 Springdale Road - Groesbeck

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Free children's entertainment. Music by Naked Karate Girls at 6 p.m. Free shuttle service and parking.

Edgewood's Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

Presidents Park- 281 Dudley Road - Edgewood

July 4 : 9:30 a.m.

Parade route from K-Mart on Dixie Highway to Presidents Park. Red Idle concert at Freedom Park at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Food and drink available.

Red, White and Blue-berry Pancake Breakfast

North Presbyterian Church- 4222 Hamilton Ave. - Northside

July 4 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Benefits Churches Active in Northside Choice Food Pantry.

All American Picnic

Beach Waterpark - 2590 Water Park Drive - Mason

July 4 : 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Makahiki Picnic Grove.

Anderson Township Celebrating America's Birthday

Anderson Towne Center - 7500 Beechmont Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 12:30 p.m.

Food, activities for children and music by Robin Lacy and DeZydeco. Rescue pets available for adoption. Car show registration 10 a.m.-noon and $10 fee. Show noon-4 p.m. with 16 trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Rain or shine.

Ault Park Independence Day Celebration

Ault Park - 3600 Observatory Ave. - Mount Lookout

July 4 : 11 a.m. Morning program: children's bike, scooter, stroller and wagon parade and contest. Registration at 10:30 a.m.

Bike/scooter parade at noon for ages 12 and under. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. Helmets required, nominal fee to enter. Food and drink available at 6 p.m. Music by Blue Stone Ivory at 8 p.m. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Benefits American Red Cross - Nashville Flood Relief.

Campbell County YMCA Firecracker 5K

Tower Park - 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave. - Ft. Thomas

July 4 : 8:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

Medals presented to top finishers in each age division, with trophies for top three male and female runners. Includes parade at 10:30 a.m.; starts at Highlands High School, continues on Fort Thomas Avenue and ends at Tower Park. Benefits Campbell County YMCA.

Fort Mitchell Fourth of July Parade

Diocesan Catholic Children's Home - 75 Orphanage Road - Fort Mitchell

July 4 : 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Parade starts at children's home on Orphanage Road and ends at Beechwood School. All ages.

Fourth of July Parade

Pierce Township Park - 961 Locust Corner Road - Pierce Township

July 4 : 10 a.m.

Parade route runs through Pierce Township along hike-bike path. Children invited to decorate bicycles.

Hamilton Fourth of July Parade

Butler County Fairgrounds- 1715 Fairgrove Ave. - Hamilton

July 4 : 10 a.m. Fireworks display along the Great Miami River at 10 p.m.

Theme: It's a Grand Old Flag. Line-up at Butler County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. and ends at Front and Ludlow streets in Downtown Hamilton. Patriotic ceremony with music, color and pageantry following parade at historic Butler County Court House.

Norwood's Hometown Fourth of July Celebration

Shea Stadium- 2603 Harris Ave. - Norwood

July 4 : 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. DJ Statmann of B105.1 FM radio will broadcast with special giveaways and games to play. Music by All Dance Sound.

Food, booths, giveaways, animal guests from Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, clowns, dragon bouncer and face painting. No smoking, alcohol or pets permitted. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Park Hills Fourth of July Festival

St. Joseph Heights - 1601 Dixie Highway - Park Hills

July 4 : 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Silent auction, bingo, raffles, magic show, face painting and SunRock Farm petting. Music by the Lee Roessler Band. Games for children and adults. Food, ice cream, ice balls, beer and soft drinks available. Benefits Notre Dame Urban Education Center.

Stricker's Grove 4th of July

Stricker's Grove- 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road - Ross Township

July 4 : 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Ride tickets available for purchase; ride-all-day armband, $14.

Greendale Fourth of July Celebration

Greendale Park- Nowlin Ave. - Greendale

July 4 : 9 a.m.

5K Run/Walk begins 9 a.m., registration at 7:30 a.m. Fishing derby 9 a.m. Bike parade begins 3 p.m. Entertainment at Greendale Cabin 5-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

This blog is part of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky".  If you know of some cool places you'd like to see us highlight, drop us a line and tell us to check it out.

It's that time of year again...warm weather, ice cream, carnivals, good food and wonderful entertainment.  Church festival time.  It's the perfect spot to take the family, go out on a date, or catch up with friends.  There's a little something for everyone.  Most festivals include rides, games, food and a raffle.

Festivals taking place the weekend of June 17,18 & 19th include the St. Joseph Academy Pigfest, St. Augustine Church and St. Henry Church.  St. Joseph Academy Pigfest includes plenty of pulled pork and chicken dinners courtesy of Brooks Meats.  On Friday the 17th, the Troy Brooks Band will play country selections and on Saturday the 18th, the Code Nine Bank will crank it up with various classic rock songs.  Elk Creek Winery will have a booth along with Snappy Tomato Pizza. John Deere Tractor will feature a tractor display.  There will also be a country store that features various items to bid on.  Pigfest is located at St. Joesph Academy in Walton, Kentucky on the school grounds on 48 Needmore St.  Hours are 5-11 pm on June 17 and 4pm - midnight on June 18.  The public is invited and parking is available at Walton Verona High School and across the street at Krogers.  Shuttles will be carrying people to the festival since parking space is limited.  St. Henry Church in Elsmere, Kentucky has their summer festival from June 17-19 and it includes an assortment of rides, games and food.  There is also a gambling booth, a silent auction, raffle and a food area that features local restaurants.  Admission is free but you must pay for rides and games.  The festival runs from 6-11pm on Friday the 17th, 5-11pm on Saturday the 18th and from 4-10pm on Sunday the 19th.  St. Henry is located at 3813 Dixie Hwy. The St. Augustine Festival is located in Covington, Kentucky and includes a raffle, booths, games, a kiddie-land, a silent auction, food, snacks and more.  The festival will run Friday June 17th from 5 - 11pm and Friday night is a Fish Fry from 5-8pm.  Saturday the 18th the festival runs from 5-11pm with a spaghetti and meatball dinner from 5-8pm.  St. Augustine is located at 1839 Euclid Ave. 

The following is a list of Northern Kentucky Festivals and their dates in the area:

This church festival community features article is part of our new ongoing series entitled "365 Things to Do in Northern Kentucky" by The Mike Parker Team of HUFF Realty. 

To help clarify confusion and shed light on optimal homeowner options, real estate finance expert Marian Anthony, answers five questions distressed homeowners often have:

1. Should I intentionally default on my home mortgage?
You’ve probably heard of people "intentionally" or "strategically" defaulting on their mortgage, willing to take the hit to their credit in favor of freeing up cash flow in the short-term. Rather than defaulting, however, homeowners should talk with their real estate professional about the potential for a short sale. A short sale could lead toward the debt showing as "settled" on your credit. Walking away and allowing the bank to foreclose still allows the second lender to render a judgment -- and possibly garnish your wages. You may also have to file for bankruptcy to recover from the credit nightmare.

2. As a borrower, what are some ways I can gain leverage with my lender?
One way to gain leverage with a lender is to establish a "substitute mortgage" -- a security pledge that is offered to the seller's lender with a third party for a lesser amount of the current payment. Over time, this will result in a significant amount of collected funds that can be used as negotiating leverage to release the borrower from the debt, or dictate terms for a favorable loan modification.

3. Why have loan modifications and foreclosures become the predominant answer for so many in distressed property situations?
The reason why loan modifications and foreclosures have become the answer for so many is because many real estate professionals erroneously consider the short sale process to be too complex. It is essential to work with a real estate professional who is equipped with the right forms and contact information, and who knows how to orchestrate a short sale transaction.

4. Why is a short sale strategy more advantageous than a foreclosure?
The reduced payoff in a short sale can release you from the debt obligation. This often allows you to re-establish your credit faster and re-enter the market much wiser. A foreclosure can ruin a homeowner's credit and take much longer to recover from.

5. I’ve heard borrowers in default need a 'General Public Disclosure?' Why?
Many people are not aware of the alternatives available to them when facing foreclosure. Knowing your options, as detailed on a General Public Disclosure document, can make all the difference in establishing a deal that's in the homeowners' best interest.

Remember that every distressed homeowner's situation is unique; therefore, it is essential to contact a real estate professional -- and often an attorney -- to determine the best possible solution for you. I am happy to assist, so please feel free to contact me, and please pass this important information on to others in need.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am committed to keeping my community informed on market statistics that will affect their real estate investment decisions. NAR's "2011 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey" -- covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2010 -- revealed that foreclosure or trustee sales accounted for 17% of investment purchases and 11% of vacation-home sales in 2010, compared with 5% of primary purchases. In other words, second-home buyers purchased more distressed homes at discount than did buyers of primary residences.

Also worth noting, all-cash purchases have become prevalent in the second-home market in recent years; 59% of investment buyers paid cash in 2010, as did 36% of vacation-home buyers.

These statistics clearly indicate that there are buyers out there taking advantage of today's market opportunities to buy second homes, either as once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities or to make a long-desired lifestyle change. According to the survey, the median vacation-home price was $150,000 in 2010, down 11.2% from $169,000 in 2009, while the median investment-home price was $94,000, which is 10.5% below the $105,000 median in 2009.

As NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains, "The fall in home prices has opened opportunities for more families to enter the second-home market. Even if purchases are delayed due to economic circumstances, the underlying long-term demand -- the desire for purchasing second homes -- remains because people in their 30s and 40s will reach the prime age for buying and will drive the second-home market in coming decades as conditions permit."

The NAR survey reveals that lifestyle factors continue to be the primary motivation for vacation-home buyers while the desire for rental income drives investment purchases. Vacation homes were more likely to be located in a rural area while investment homes were more likely to be in a suburban location.

Whether looking to buy or sell a vacation home or investment property, today's market may be the optimal time to do so. If you'd like a closer look at second-home opportunities in our area, please contact me. Be sure to forward these informative statistics to others who may be interested as well.