CHILLICOTHE — Downtown Chillicothe’s second annual Sand in the Streets event returns Saturday with a day of sand volleyball in front of the courthouse.
With 300 tons of sand and hundreds of patrons spending the day on the streets, this can be a fun event for attendees or a potential obstacle for those traveling downtown. Here’s your guide to enjoying or avoiding the event.
fun in the sun
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday in front of the Ross County Courthouse on North Paint Street between West Second Street and East Main.
Eight competitive teams and 24 recreational teams will begin play at 9 a.m. and spend the day battling it out on four courts. Visitors can come and watch the games and hang out with friends.
Tickets are $5 each and will be available the day of the event and can be purchased with cash, check, or Venmo. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event on the Downtown Chillicothe website with a credit card.
Visitors should plan to park on the street and walk to the event. The trolley will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a downtown loop, so visitors can also park at the Main Library or Yoctangee Park and take the trolley to the event.
The Fifty West Brewing Company will offer breakfast options in the morning and serve sandwiches and beer during the day. Mama G’s, Aunt Vee’s, Scoops Water Ice and High Five Cakes will also serve a variety of drinks throughout the day.
Nellie Dog owner Nikki Bridenbaugh will be selling merchandise and lemonade to raise money for a splashpad.
Tier seats are available, but bringing your own folding chairs is recommended. Personal tents are welcome but must be set up in the designated area on the courthouse side of the street. Visitors are also recommended to bring water, sand toys for children, and sunscreen. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
A sandpit area for children to play in the sand will be available between courts two and three. An Adena Health System medical tent will be located in front of the prison complex. Accurate Heating and Cooling will also have a cooling tent.
The evening will conclude with a beach party at 7 p.m. which will include a corn hole, beach balls, hula hoops, dancing and live music from Funky Brewster.
Proceeds from the event will go towards downtown Christmas lights, spring and summer downtown flowers and future downtown Chillicothe events.
The Chillicothe Outdoor Volleyball Association will make an announcement during the day and has also donated nets, balls and time for the event. Fifty West Brewing Company, Herrnstein Auto Group and Adena Health System are the main sponsors of the event.
Driving away from the sand
The Sand in the Street event will take place in front of the Ross County Courthouse on North Paint Street between West Second Street and East Main.
The street will be closed from Friday 6 a.m. to Sunday noon. Traffic can continue as normal on Sunday afternoon.
Like those attending the event, those wishing to visit a business on this block of North Paint should plan to park on the street and walk. Street parking is free on weekends.
Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting.
