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The Paw Paw Festival is moving to Nelsonville after challenges negotiating a venue agreement
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — After 25 years at Lake Snowden, the Ohio Paw Paw Festival will see a new venue this summer at Snow Fork Events Center in Nelsonville.
Athens County commissioner and festival founder Chris Chmiel said the decision was the result of difficulties coming to an agreement with Hocking College, which owns the Lake Snowden property.
“Instead of not having an event, we decided we should try and move it,” he said. “Luckily Snowfork Event Center is there and we’re going to give it a shot.”
He believes the larger venue could provide new opportunities for the festival. Last year, nearly 10,000 people came out to attend.
Chmiel said the venue cost played into the decision, but he did not clarify further.
Traffic safety has been an issue at the Lake Snowden venue in the past. In 2022, a multi-vehicle accident ended with a medical evacuation via helicopter.
Chmiel said this was not the driving factor in the venue change, but that he does expect the new venue choice to provide increased safety because it is farther from high-speed traffic.
There are still many details to be determined as the festival navigates the change. Chmiel asked for patience from the public as they move forward.
This year’s festival is scheduled for Sept. 18-20. More information can be found at the festival website.