The weather in Central Ohio is beginning to hint of Autumn – cool, crisp mornings, a slight change in the light that will become more golden as the season progresses, the aroma of falling leaves.  It’s a good time to take a drive, to gather up late fruits and vegetables to stock up for winter.

So gas up the car, load in the kids and head down to Albany for the 12^th Ohio Paw Paw Festival!  The Festival begins Friday evening on September 17 and runs through Sunday, September 19.

And just what is a Paw Paw?  Native to Ohio’s Hill Country, paw paw trees dot the hillsides, producing clusters of oblong fruits. Called the “poor man’s banana,” the fruit offers the flavors of banana, mango, and melon.  In 2008, it was designated Ohio’s official native fruit.

The Ohio Paw Paw Association partners with the Ohio Hill County Heritage Area to hold the annual festival at Lake Snowden, on the Appalachian Highway, just west of Athens.  As with the many food festivals in the state, this one features everything paw paw – art work, ice cream, chutneys, jelly — even microbrews!

Don’t expect a midway carnival – the Paw Paw Festival has an emphasis on sustainable agriculture and cuisine.  So do take advantage of several workshop offerings about growing paw paws or outlining the health benefits of the fruit.  Several cooking demonstrations are scheduled throughout the weekend.  A kids’ activity tent will help the youngsters enjoy the trip, too.

For more on the Festival, including a schedule of events and directions, go to www.ohiopawpawfest.com.