SIDNEY — The annual Forestry Field Day, hosted by the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District, will once again provide free family forest fun.

This year’s event will be co-hosted by the Sidney/Shelby County Bicentennial Committee in celebration of Shelby County’s 200th birthday. Forestry Field Day will be held at the Ditmer Family Farm located at 9804 Houston Road, Sidney, on Sunday, Oct. 27. The farm is home to the oldest brick house in the county (The Wilson-Lenox House), and a section of the Miami and Erie Canal. The canal traveled over Turtle Creek by way of a double-barrel bridge. Parts of the canal path and bridge are still evident on the Ditmer farm.

The event times have been expanded to noon to 4 p.m. to fit in all the extra activities planned. These activities include, but are not limited to, Wilson-Lenox House tours, Miami and Erie Canal history provided by a MECCA representative, hay rides provided by Antique Power Association, the Shelby County traveling museum, guided woodland tours from an Ohio Department of Natural Resources forester, several different crafts for kids, portable sawmill in operation, visit from Smokey Bear at 2 p.m., live music and complimentary hot dogs and apples while supplies last.

This could possibly be your last chance to see inside the Wilson-Lenox House. The Ditmer family does not plan on opening it up to the public again in the foreseeable future. Take advantage of this great opportunity and come celebrate Shelby County’s 200th birthday!

For more information, contact the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District at 937-492-6520 ext. 3.