Elmore is probably one of the quirkiest towns on the map. Not only do we drop a giant bratwurst on New Year’s Eve every 5 years, but we also have a Casket Race on the Saturday before Halloween every October. The event is hosted in Depot Park. The Tombstone Derby’s main event is the motorized casket race which is the last activity to happen, but we also offer a mock-kid drag race on the bike path, a full-sized drag racing contest on the streets before the Derby, a parade, EHS food, kid-friendly haunted house in the Log Cabin, and the Chamber of Commerce provides “Trails for Treats for Tots.” People are encouraged to come in costumes, especially the drivers of the caskets and the children. Below are pictures from past events.
To learn more about the event or register your casket call Lowell Krumnow at (419) 260-1282.
Grub & Suds is a motorcycle event that has been held in the Elmore community since 1996. The event takes place on the Saturday after Labor Day every year. The beer tent opens at 10 AM and the event ends at 8 PM. Events include a Poker Run in the morning, motorcycle show all day, motorcycle themed games from 3-5, two live bands (first from 11-3, second from 5-8) playing classic rock ‘n’ roll music. We encourage vendors to come, contact Rick Claar (419) 377-0700 or click here for an online PDF. Shirts and Beer Mugs are offered every year for purchase and your company could be featured on it! Click here, for an online PDF. For more general information call Lowell Krumnow at (419) 260-1282.
The origin of the Grub and Suds event came to be in our sleepy little town thanks to our most famous ghost story. The tale has many different versions of it floating about because at first it was told by only word of mouth. But back in WWI a young man was drafted, as many were at the time. He was from Elmore, Ohio, and had to leave his young lady love behind. He fought the good war whilst dreaming of going back home to his fiance who was waiting patiently for his return. His fiance lived in the outskirts of Elmore on a back country road between Elmore and Oak Harbor.
Once he got home, he hopped on his motorcycle and raced to surprise his fiance at her country home. Little to his surprise, she was not waiting patiently for his return. His best friend (who did not go to war) happened to be at his lovers house. It is unclear on whether they were in the throws of young love, but why else would a young man hop onto his bike with a hazy, angry mind and race away without wanting to hear a real explanation from the woman he loves?
It is unclear if it was storming when he drove off, or if it had recently rained, but the road was assumed to be slick and possibly flooded in areas. The motorcyclist lost control of his bike, crashed, and lost his head. It is thought that there was a sharp wired fence near by that took his head away from him. The young man’s life was cut too short, and to this day, it is said if you visit that curved bridge on March 21st, the anniversary of his death, and the area becomes icy cold, and if you turn off your car and flash your lights three times and honk your horn three times, a phantom lone headlight crosses the bridge and disappears into the night. And that is the story of the Headless Motorcyclist, also known as The Elmore Rider.
PORTAGE RIVER FESTIVAL IS THE FOURTH SUNDAY EVERY JUNE.
In June of 2014, Elmore, Ohio will be celebrating its 35th Portage River Festival! It is one of the longest standing community homecomings in the surrounding area, thanks to a large part of the town’s recently departed Mayor, Lowell Krumnow, who has been helping with the festival in its infancy. The Festival was once held in Well Park behind the school, but is now located in Depot Park on Ottawa Street. The events offered at each festival may vary, but in the past few years we have had the Portage River Bicycle Tour, Portage River 5K run/walk, cupcake baking contest, Redneck Lawnmower Pulling Contest, Craft Shows, Flea Market, Live Entertainment, Model Railroad Club, Root Beer Floats, Car Show, food vendors, Elmore Historical Society home-cooked food, and animal patty bingo. The biking and running activities begin between 7 and 10, and the main events at Depot Park begin at 10 and end at 6. EHS begins serving lunch at 11 AM. Listed below are people to contact for specific event information.
FLEA MARKET, CRAFT SHOW, AND FOOD VENDORS: Rick Claar (419) 377-0700 OR click here for an online PDF file to send in the mail
CUPCAKE BAKING CONTEST: Renee (419) 574-1559
CHARLIE SCHNEIDER MEMORIAL CAR SHOW: (419) 862-2978
Our town events do a great job of bringing people from not only Elmore, but the surrounding area together. This is why we ask you to walk or bike to the events if capable. If not we have 3 parking lots available near Depot park and ask you to park in these areas. Also, we have many vital elders in our community who may not be able to walk as far as our younger residents. We ask for the better equipped to park in the parking lots at Ory Park and across the street at the American Legion parking lot. That way more parking will be available in Depot Park and our elders will not have to walk as far.
Free Town Parking is available at the following lots:
Depot Lot- in front of the Barn and Depot
Ory Lot- Parking at Ory Park across from the Post Office
American Legion Lot- Parking in between the American Legion and Coaches Corner, across from Ory Park.
There are about seven different roads that can get you into Elmore, there are two entrances from main roads while the others are country roads. Route 51 runs through Elmore and there is turnpike exit 81 that is less than a mile away from I80/I90. Click on the map to be taken to Google Maps. For directions on how to get to Elmore from another place click on “Get Directions” on the Google Maps page in the left top hand corner.
The Barn was established in the Elmore community in 1997 and is located in Depot Park at 353 Ottawa St. It is used for many of the town events like the Grubs & Suds, the Portage River Festival, Texas Hold ‘Em, the Sausage Drop, and the Tombstone Derby. To rent please call Renee Thomas at (419)-574-1559. The barn is a ground level building with no stairs, it has air conditioning, heat, chairs & tables to fit a capacity of 120, fully operational kitchen, and indoor bathrooms. Renters are responsible for their own decorations and clean up, NO HELIUM BALLOONS ALLOWED . Graduation season is the Barn’s busiest time, so book early. Catering can be provided by the EHS, ask Renee about your options.
Prices:
W/o catering: $200.00
W/ catering over $400.00 Barn costs: $25-$50.00
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Community Center/Masonic Temple
The Community Center was once known as the Masonic Temple and has been a part of the town since at least 1910. It is located at the corner of Clinton and Toledo St. (410 Clinton St). It has been maintained by the town and has been available to rent since the (1990s). To rent please call the BOPA office at (419) 862-3454 between 8:30-3:30 Monday-Friday. Parking is available at the left side of the building (Clinton St.), along with a wheel chair accessible door at the Toledo St. entrance. Building includes fooseball,2 billiard tables, air-hockey, three flat screen TVs, a refrigerator and freezer, oven, microwave, tables, chairs, and heating.
Prices
Residents: $50.00 Rental and $50.00 (return) Deposit
Nonresidents: $90.00 Rental
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1840’s Log Cabin and Depot
Two of our most historic areas are available for private tours or photo shoots for free. Many people enjoy having them available while renting the Barn out. To get the keys contact Jim Krumnow (419) 260-5545 or Renee Thomas (419)-574-1559. People must be respectful of the Log Cabin and the Depot and treat them with delicate hands.
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Shelter House
The Shelter House is located in Well Park which is behind the Woodmore High School and in front of the Elmore Retirement Village. It is free to reserve and donations are accepted. You must call in advance to reserve at the BOPA office- (419) 862-3454 between 8:30-3:30 Monday-Friday. In-door bathrooms, concession stand area, and picnic tables are provided.
Every Tuesday, curbside. Unlimited trash is the 2nd Saturday of every month at Riverbend Park located on East Rice St from 9 AM-3 PM. May through October unlimited trash is on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.
Mail
Contact the post office for home delivery or box rental at (419) 862-3272.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-11 AM & 12:30-4:30 PM. Saturday 9:30-Noon
Taxes
Address: 344 Rice St. Elmore Oh., rear of Town Hall building.
Phone Number: (419) 862-3362
To make an apt. call between 8 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday.
Income tax is 1.75%. Quarterly estimates are required. They may be paid by mail, at the Fiscal Officer’s office or in the night deposit Located outside the Police Departments entrance.
Materion/Brush can be deposited at the Waste-water Plant/Riverbend Park, 751 Rice St. or may be placed in the boulevard and the village will pick up. (Materion/Brush limits 1 dump truck load per residence per month-any excess will be charged $15.00 perload.)
Garage Sales
Limited to 1 per month. Must be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM only. Call the BOPA office ahead of time to inform them of the dates.
Christmas trees
Curb side pick up
Shelter House and Community Center
Reservations are made at the Municipal (BOPA) building on Rice St. Call (419) 862-3454.
Free to reserve, must call in advance though. Donations are accepted.
Utilities
Utilities at Municipal (BOPA) Building, 340 Clinton St. Phone: (419) 862-3454
The Board of Public Affairs meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4 PM.
HOURS of BOPA Clerk’s office: Mon-Fri 9 AM- 3:30 PM
Utility bills may be paid at the Municipal Building, Huntington bank, mail, electronic transfer or the night deposit box at the front door of the Municipal Building.
Vote
Voter Registration at Harris Elmore Public Library. Or click on the below picture.
Board of Public Affairs: Elmore Municipal Light and Water
Address: 340 Clinton St. Elmore, OH. 43416
Hours: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday-Friday
Phone: (419)862-3454 Fax:(419) 862-2961 Email: elmoreutil@amplex.net
ELECTRIC- is provided within the corporation limits by the Elmore Municipal Electric. The village receives its power wholesale via 69KV line and distributes at 7200 and 2400 volt primary system. Rates remain 1/3 less than local investor owned utility. The village serves over 900 customers via 14.29 miles of line.
WATER- is supplied by four wells within the capacity of 400,000 gallons per day. Two storage towers provide 225,000 gallons holding capacity. The village water system usage averages 125,000 gallons per day. The village water is softened.
SEWER– Sewage is processed through a primary and secondary sewage treatment plant.
The Board of Trustees of Public Affairs is responsible for the management and operation of village owned electric distribution, water distribution, water-waste treatment, and the distribution system.
The Board believes in diversification in electronic contracts thanks to its membership in the American Municipal Power-Ohio. There is a variety of contracts; including renewable power from wind power, hydro-power, and landfill gas.
Board Members: Gary Rhiel, Alvin Roepke, and Tom Willhardt.
For being a small town there are a ton of parks to visit in the village. While many of them are full of swings and playgrounds we also pay tribute to our past. The following are nature related areas in Elmore in alphabetical order and what the areas have to offer.
Depot Park– Depot Park is right down (Ottawa) street from Walter Ory Park. The North Coast Inland Bike Trail passes by it. The majority of the town events are held at this park. The Portage River Festival, Tombstone Derby, and Grubs and Suds are held here annually because of the convenient location and the Barn being a resource of the Elmore Historical Society. Parking available.
North Coast Inland Trail– This bike trial is attempting to connecting Pennsylvania and Indiana. It is a great public resource that is currently 28 miles long that begins in Bellevue, continues through Clyde, Fremont, and Linsdey, and then ends in Elmore. It is open year long for walkers, runners, bikers, skaters, and strollers. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. It was opened in October of 2008.
Veteran Park– Is by far our smallest park, but it is dedicated to all of our veterans who have served for our country and community. It offers a bench, 3 flags, and a memorial post.
Riverbend Park
Schedel Gardens- Opened to the public in 1991, Schedel Gardens works on preserving the history that was built by the Schedel’s of their beautiful botanical gardens. They are usually open Tuesday-Friday from 10-4, admission for adults is $10. For more hours and admission information click here.
Sugar Creek Golf Course– Was established in Elmore, Ohio in 1963 and offers an 18 hole course.
Walter Ory Park – On the corner of Rice and Ottawa St resides a beautiful park with a playground, benches, basketball court, restrooms, grills, shelter, and a portion of North Coast Inland Trail.Parking available.
Well Park – Located behind the Woodmore High School, Well Park provides 3 baseball diamonds, a basketball court, a soccer field, playground, shelter house and benches. A tennis court is available beside the school within walking distance behind the schools parking lot. Parking available. The towns fireworks usually take place here.
Witty Park – Located at the main entrance of Elmore, Witty Park is on the bank of Portage River. It offers a gazebo, picnic tables and BBQ pit on each side of the road.
Village of Elmore, Ohio 