Real Estate Information Archive

The Worlds Longest Yard Sale

Get ready bargain shoppers!!  It's that time of year again...time for the worlds longest yard sale.  And there's loads of deals to be had. 

The yard sale runs straight through Kentucky and our area.  It is 675 Miles long and begins in Hudson, Michigan and runs through US 127 and ends in Gadsden, Alabama.  For those of you looking locally, you can start in Covington, Kentucky and go through Florence, Kentucky, Union, Kentucky and into Gallatin County and then on into the heart of the Bluegrass.  There are also many great yard sales in the neighborhoods located just off US 127 where more deals await.  The intent of the sale was to give travelers a reason to take the scenic route and boost local economies in counties and towns bypassed by the interstate highway system.

The yard sale begins August 4 and runs through August 7.  Let us know if you get any good deals.  The best deal we came across was an almost new oven/stove for 20$.  There was nothing wrong with it, the owner got a new flat top and needed to unload it.  Don't forget to haggle over prices...everything is negotiable!   And don't forget the bottled water!  Happy Shopping!

 

This blog is part of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  Check out our previous posts or "like" us on Facebook for loads more community information.

GRANT COUNTY FAIR

The smell of funnel cakes is in the air, you hear the screams of happy children as they ride the rides and you hear the men cheering on for their favorite tractor or demolition derby car and you know its fair time!!  Then on to the horses, the pigs, the cows, the vegetable and of course the pageants!!!

The Grant County Fair located in Grant County, Kentucky on US 25, at Grant Park, kicks off its 2011 Fair on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 7:00pm with the Youth Talent Competition, Dead Weight Tractor Pull, Mud Run and Horse Show.  Gates open at 5:00pm and admission that night is $5.00 at the gate.  The rest of the weeks schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 30 (No Rides - Admission at the Gate $5.00)
9:30 am 4-H/FFA Poultry Show
10:00am Baby Show (Amphitheater)
2:00pm Toddler Show (Amphitheater)
5:00pm 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show
5:00pm Walking Horse Show (Horse Ring)
7:00pm Battle of the Bluegrass Pulling Series (Main Track)

Monday, August 1. 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
6:00pm 4-H Cloverbuds Livestock Show
7:00pm Grand County Only Horse Show
7:00pm ORVTPA Truck and Tractor Pull (Main Track)
7:30pm Cornhole Tournament
8:00pm Miss Grand County Fair Pageant (Amphitheater)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
5:00pm 4-H/FFA/open Market Goat Show
1:00pm 4-H/FFA Tractor Driving Contest
7:00pm Open Youth & GC 4-H Contest Horse Show
7:00pm NKTPA Truck & Tractor Pull (Main Track)
7:30pm Cornhole Tournament
8:00pm Miss Teen Pageant (Amphitheater)

Wednesday, August 3, 20011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
10:00am 4-H/FFA/Open Swine Show (enter at 8:30am)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA/open Dairy Goat Show
6:00pm Motocross Race (Motocross Track)
7:00pm Truck & Tractor Pull (Truck & Tractor Pull Track)
7:00pm Horseshoe Contest
8:00pm Little Miss Junior Pageant (Amphitheater)
8:30pm Miss Pre Teen Pageant (Amphitheater)

Thursday, August 4, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
10:30am 4-H/FFA & open Dairy Show (enter at 9:30am)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA & Open Sheet Show (enter at 6:00pm)
6:00pm Family & Children's Fun Night
7:00pm Garden Tractor Pull (Track 2)
7:00pm Hudnall Small Truck Pull (Main Track)
7:00pm Performance by Shelly's Gymnastics (Amph.)
7:00pm Horseshoe Contest
7:30pm Corn Hole Tournament Championship

Friday, August 5, 2011 (Rides open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
4:00pm 4-H/FFA Beef Show (enter at 3:00pm)
6:00pm Open Beef Show (enter at 4:00pm)
7:00pm NKTTA Truck Tuggers Tu O War (Track 2)
7:00pm Blue Grass Horse Pull (Horse Ring)
7:00pm Truck Drag Racing (Truck & Tractor Pull Track)
7:00pm Horseshoe Championship
8:00pm Little Miss & Mister Pageant (Amphitheater)

Saturday, August 6, 2011 (Rides Open at 6pm) Admission is $8.00
9-11am Remove All Exhibits & Pick Up Premium Checks
8:00am Mile Race (Grant County High School Track)
10:00am 4-H Cat Show (enter at 9:30am)
10:00am Miniature Horse Show
1:30pm 4-H/FFA Show of Showmen
4:30pm Open Pet Show (enter at 4:00pm)
5:00pm Remote Control Truck Pull (Horse Racing)
7:00pm 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions (Buyer's Meal 5:30pm)
7:00pm Demo Derby (Demo Derby Track)
7:00pm ATV Dirt Drag (Main Track)
8:00pm Arm Wrestling (weigh-in 7:30pm)
8:00pm Live Music by Quentin Flagg (Amphitheater)

You can buy discounted fair tickets at Dry Ridge Toyota in the parts department for $6.00 each.  This is an exclusive offer that is only being offered at Dry Ridge Toyota.  The ticket includes access to unlimited rides, shows and events.  Free parking and shuttle service is also available from the Grant County Middle School.

Have fun and see you at the fair!!!!

Interested in more fun things to do in Northern Kentucky?  Check out our "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky" Blog.  Follow us on Facebook for more interesting happenings in Northern Kentucky.  All courtesy of The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  A great resource for homes available in Grant County.

Looking for Immediate Possession?  4 Bedrooms?  A Fenced backyard?  A Pool Community?  Super convenient location?  Cul-De-Sac Street?  Well look no further.  You've just found 9044 Crimson Oak Dr.   The best priced home in Northern Kentucky!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This fantastic 4 bedroom home is loaded with amenities including 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, a large wood deck, a finished lower level that makes for a wonderful spot to entertain, a formal dining room, a living room, a two car garage, a family room with fireplace, a large master suite with an adjoining luxurious bath and a walk-in closet.  It is conveniently located in Florence, Kentucky. 

 

 

 

 

9044 Crimson Oak Dr. is located in the Plantation Pointe subdivision and sits in the Boone County Public School System.  It is near area restaurants, places of worship, area attractions, a mile from the bus-line, the Boone County Public Library and much more.  Other amenities include gas heat, central air, cable TV ready, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, smoke alarms, a garage door opener, a security system, a home warranty, multi panel doors and cathedral ceilings. 

This home is priced to sell at $179,900.  This this is too good to be true?  It's not, contact The Mike Parker Team today and see for yourself.  This home will also be held open on Sunday, July 31, 2011 from 1:00 - 3:00pm. 

 

FLORENCE AQUATIC CENTER

When the mercury rises above 90 and the heat index is into the 100's it's time to cool off and take a trip to the Florence Aquatic Center located in Florence, Kentucky.  It's a perfect way to spend the day with the family so grab the kids and the sunscreen!!

This incredible facility includes a lazy river where floating and relaxing are the norm, a competition pool, a zero depth area, perfect for the little ones, sunbathing areas, slides of all shapes and sizes, two spray grounds, funbrellas and a concession area.  There is a charge for daily admission to the facility and Florence residence receive a discount.  Swim lessons, aquacize, diving and scuba lessons are also offered for an additional charge.

The Florence Aquatic Center is located off Burlington Pike on Ewing Dr. at the Florence Government Center.  It is open until August 21, 2011 from 11:00am to 7:00pm.  Go out and make a splash!  You'll be glad you did.

Do you have something fun to do in Northern Kentucky?  Contact us and let us know.  This blog "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky," is written by The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  Visit us on Facebook and Twitter for more exciting Northern Kentucky Information.

Kentucky Speedway Sprint Cup Race

Calling all race fans....the Sprint Cup has FINALLY arrived in Northern Kentucky!!!  Race fans began their decent to the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky on Tuesday and are still pouring in.  The long awaited arrival of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race has sent fans into a frenzy of excitement. 

Campers are lining up by the hundreds and there hasn't been a buzz in this area for decades.  The Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup race will begin at 7:30pm on Saturday night on July 9, 2011 and consists of 267 laps.

Drivers have been sighted this past week all over the tri-state making appearances.  Tony Stewart was at the Florence Home Depot welcoming fans.  This surely is an exciting time for Northern Kentucky.

Below is a time frame of all upcoming events:

Thursday 7-7-11

10-11 a.m.: Trucks final practice

11:05 a.m.-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup testing

3:05 p.m.: Trucks qualifying (two laps, all positions)

4-6 p.m.: Sprint Cup testing

6:10-7:25 p.m.: Nationwide practice

7:35 p.m.: Trucks driver introductions

8 p.m.: UHNO 225 Trucks race (150 laps, 225 miles)

Friday  7-8-11

9-11 a.m.: Nationwide final practice

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup practice

1:30-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup final practice

3:35 p.m.: Nationwide qualifying

5:10 p.m.: Sprint Cup qualifying

7 p.m.: Nationwide driver introductions

7:30 p.m.: Feed the Children 300 Nationwide race (200 laps, 300 miles)

Saturday  7-9-11

7 p.m.: Sprint Cup driver introductions

7:30 p.m.: Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup race (267 laps, 400.5 miles)

Download this map courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer to see all of the improvements as well as areas of the Kentucky Speedway.  We think it will help get you around as well as teach you something new.

Get ready ......Gentleman Start Your Engines.......

This blog is part of our ongoing series, "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  View homes located near the speedway in Gallatin County, Kentucky or contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty for more information.

FIREWORKS

Are you ready for a little Red, White and BOOM?  We compiled a list of all of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area fireworks for the upcoming 4th of July weekend.  Hopefully you can find one near you and check it out.  Don't forget to take lots of pictures and bring a lawn chair!!  Have a safe and happy Holiday Weekend!!

Northside Rock 'n' Roll Carnival

Hoffner Park- 4104 Hamilton Avenue - Northside

July 1 : 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. Scheduled to appear: Moonshine Drive, Magnolia Mountain, the Dukes, Team Void, Masters of the Obvious, Two Headed Dog and Man Halen.

Includes beer garden, local food and music.

Newport Motorcycle Rally

Festival Park Newport - Riverboat Row - Newport

July 1 : 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Music, food, games, motorcycle show, contests and prizes.

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Memorial Park - 2001 Jack Woods Parkway - Independence

July 1 : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Music by the Mike Heile Band at 7 p.m.

 

City of Madeira Independence Day Festivities

Sellman Park - 6700 Marvin Ave. - Madeira

July 1 : 8 p.m. Music by Stagger Lee.

Madeira Middle School. Food booths and entertainment. Madeira Mile at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

City of Madeira's Independence Day Parade

Madeira High School- 7465 Loannes Drive - Madeira

July 1 : 7 p.m.

Parade leaves high school and proceeds south on Miami Avenue to St. Gertrude's Church. Concessions available.

Union Celebrates America Parade and Fireworks

Union Community Building - 10087 Old Union Road - Union

July 1 : 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Parade on US 42 from Union Kroger to Ryle High School starting at 6 p.m. Music at Community Building begins 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at dark. Food and drinks available. Bounce attractions for children. Bring seating.

Fort Thomas Independence Day Celebration

Tower Park - 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave. - Ft. Thomas

July 2 : 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Classic car show 3-7:30 p.m., followed by classic car parade at 7:45 p.m. Games, inflatables, food, beverages and beer booth 3-10:30 p.m. Music by Hot Wax Band 8-10 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Aurora Firecracker Festival

City of Aurora - Aurora

July 2 : 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Music by Bob Hudson and the Country Kings 4:30-7 p.m. and Steve Pratt and the Oakley Avenue Band 7:30-10 p.m.

Due to Lesko Park construction, festival held at river end of Fourth Street at Ind. 56. WWII veterans recognition, music and fireworks.

Fourth of July Weekend Fireworks Extravaganza

Kings Island - 6300 Kings Island Drive - Mason

July 2 : 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m.

More than 80 rides, shows and attractions, including the Beast and Diamonback roller coasters, Boomerang Bay and Planet Snoopy. Dinosaurs Alive! with park admission: $5.

City of Independence Fourth of July Parade

Summit View Middle School - 5002 Madison Pike - Independence

July 2 : 3 p.m.

Parade starts at middle school, travels south on Madison Pike and ends at Memorial Park.

Pioneer Days Festival

Greenhills Village Commons- Winton and Farragut roads - Greenhills

July 2 : 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Games, food, and drink booths. Entertainment throughout the day.

Pioneer Days Parade

Winton Woods Middle School - 147 Farragut Road - Cincinnati

July 2 : 11 a.m.

Parade starts and ends at Winton Woods Middle School, and includes police, fire, and military vehicles, marching bands, floats, Shriners minicars and more. Winton Road at Andover and Sharon will be blocked to traffic briefly as parade passes.

Coney Island Balloon Glow

Coney Island - 6201 Kellogg Ave. - Cincinnati

July 3 : 8 p.m. Park opens at 10 a.m. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. Balloon Glow begins at 8 p.m.

Music, entertainment and as many as 15 glowing air balloons. Rozzi' Famous Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Belleview Baptist Church's Independence Day Parade and Patriotic Service

Belleview Baptist Church - 6658 fifth St. - Burlington

July 3 : 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Participants gather in parking lot 10-10:30 a.m. Boone County Honor Guard will lead parade to the Veteran's Memorial at Belleview Cemetery for service. Hot dogs, drinks and snacks served under church shelter at noon.

Koorsen’s Fourth of July Bash

Fountain Square - Fifth and Vine streets - Cincinnati

July 3 : 9:30 p.m.

Follows Toyota Movie Night featuring "Iron Man 2." Music by DJ. Free fireworks display at 10 p.m. Concessions available. Bring seating. All ages.

Fairfield Red, White and Kaboom

Village Green Park - Fairfield- 301 Wessel Drive - Fairfield

July 3 : 6:30 p.m.

Fairfield Idol finals. Music by Stagger Lee at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Rozzi’s fireworks show with soundtrack broadcast by ClassX Radio 88.9 FM 10 p.m. Music at Harbin Park by My Sister Sarah at 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration

July 3 : 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Lunch stand available and offering homemade cakes, pies, homemade ice cream, sandwiches, salads and drinks.

Features old-fashioned cakewalks, traditional woodworking, kid’s games, contests, activities and more. Music by National Trail Steel Drum Band 1 p.m., Glass Halo 2 p.m. and Eaton Community Band 3:30 p.m.

Florence Fourth of July Celebration

Florence Government Center - 8100 Ewing Blvd. - Florence

July 3 : 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Rides and games, demonstrations, food booths, kidzone and music. Car Cruise at 4 p.m. Patriotic Salute at 6 p.m. Music by Deron Bell and the D-Street Band at 7 p.m. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Moscow Independence Day Celebration

Village of Moscow - Village of Moscow - Moscow

July 3 : 1 p.m.

Music by DJ at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks show at dark. Bring picnic, no food vendors available. Parade at 1 p.m., line-up at 12:30 p.m. at Rivervalley Community Center.

Independence Day Parade

Downtown Lebanon - Mulberry, Main and Broadways streets - Lebanon

July 3 : 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Broadway Street. Floats, antique cars, school bands and more. Free parking.

Harrison Fourth of July Celebration

Harrison Community Center - 300 George St. - Harrison

July 3 : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Music, entertainment, children's games, balloon rides for $5 and fireworks at dusk.

Harrison Fourth of July Parade

Harrison Community Center - 300 George St. - Harrison

July 3 : 2 p.m.

Parade starts at center, travels down Broadway, turns on State Street, right on Harrison Avenue and back to Broadway. All ages.

Green Township Independence Day Concert and Fireworks

Kuliga Park - 6717 Bridgetown Road - Cincinnati

July 3 : 7 p.m. Music by Pete Wagner Band and Ooh La La & the Greasers at 7 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Concessions available. Shuttle bus services available starting at 5:30 p.m. No alcohol or pets.

City of St. Bernard Independence Day Festival

Ross Park - Corner of Ross and Tower Ave. - St. Bernard

July 3 : 4 p.m.

Music by DJ Bill Helton and After Midnight, games, rides, food and beverages. Bring blankets. No coolers or glass bottles. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks show at 10 p.m. Rain date: July 4.

Northside Fourth of July Parade

Northside - Hamilton Avenue - Cincinnati

July 4 : 12 p.m.

Starts at northern boundary of Northside and travels south on Hamilton Avenue to Hoffner Park, where celebration continues with Independence Day Festival. Benefits the Northside Business District Recycling Program.

All American Birthday Party & Fireworks

Sawyer Point - Pete Rose Way - Cincinnati

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Celebration of our community, our country’s birthday, and in recognition of our active and veteran military service men and women. Music, food, family activities and fireworks.

Hamilton’s 4th Of July Celebration

Butler County Courthouse - 101 High St. - Hamilton

July 4 : 10 a.m. Music by the Jack Carr Band 6 p.m. and the Wright Patterson Air Force Band of Flight's "Systems Go" 7:30 p.m.

Booths, food vendors and entertainment. Visit Butler County Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument, pioneer encampment re-enactment around Monument Cabin and more from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking in the McDulin Garage at Third and Market streets for July 2-4.

Red, White and Boom!

Riverbend Music Center - 6295 Kellogg Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 8 p.m.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra; John Morris Russel, conductor. Daniel Narducci, baritone; Karen Slack, soprano; Prism Brass from the Air Force Band of Flight and Cincinnati Studio for Dance cloggers.

Liberty Township Fourth of July Parade

Lakota East High School- 6840 Lakota Lane - Liberty Township

July 4 : 10 a.m.

Parade features floats, Lakota East High School Varsity Baseball Team, marching band, fire trucks and more. Route will go from school, down Wyandot Road to Yankee Road and ends at Liberty Park behind Lakota Family YMCA. Wyandot and Yankee roads will temporarily close between 10-11 a.m.

Liberty Township 5K Run for Liberty

Lakota East High School- 6840 Lakota Lane - Liberty Township

July 4 : 8 a.m.

Registration 7 a.m. 3.1 mile course starting in Lakota East High School stadium, heading north around the Freshman building, then back south to head around the Liberty Commons Shopping Center before heading back to stadium. 5K walk begins 8:31 a.m. Water available on course. Fruit and water available at finish line.

Montgomery July Fourth Festival

Montgomery Park - 10101 Montgomery Road - Indian Hill

July 4 : 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Children's games, prizes, pony rides, bounce house and food and beer booths. All-Star baseball game.

Anderson Township Independence Day Parade

Anderson Township Government Center- 7954 Beechmont Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 11 a.m. Theme: "Hometown Pride."

More than 100 entries travel on Beechmont Avenue to Anderson Towne Center. Beechmont Avenue closes by 10:45 a.m.

Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular

Colerain Township Government Complex- 4200 Springdale Road - Groesbeck

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Free children's entertainment. Music by Naked Karate Girls at 6 p.m. Free shuttle service and parking.

Edgewood's Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

Presidents Park- 281 Dudley Road - Edgewood

July 4 : 9:30 a.m.

Parade route from K-Mart on Dixie Highway to Presidents Park. Red Idle concert at Freedom Park at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Food and drink available.

Red, White and Blue-berry Pancake Breakfast

North Presbyterian Church- 4222 Hamilton Ave. - Northside

July 4 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Benefits Churches Active in Northside Choice Food Pantry.

All American Picnic

Beach Waterpark - 2590 Water Park Drive - Mason

July 4 : 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Makahiki Picnic Grove.

Anderson Township Celebrating America's Birthday

Anderson Towne Center - 7500 Beechmont Ave. - Cincinnati

July 4 : 12:30 p.m.

Food, activities for children and music by Robin Lacy and DeZydeco. Rescue pets available for adoption. Car show registration 10 a.m.-noon and $10 fee. Show noon-4 p.m. with 16 trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Rain or shine.

Ault Park Independence Day Celebration

Ault Park - 3600 Observatory Ave. - Mount Lookout

July 4 : 11 a.m. Morning program: children's bike, scooter, stroller and wagon parade and contest. Registration at 10:30 a.m.

Bike/scooter parade at noon for ages 12 and under. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. Helmets required, nominal fee to enter. Food and drink available at 6 p.m. Music by Blue Stone Ivory at 8 p.m. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Benefits American Red Cross - Nashville Flood Relief.

Campbell County YMCA Firecracker 5K

Tower Park - 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave. - Ft. Thomas

July 4 : 8:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

Medals presented to top finishers in each age division, with trophies for top three male and female runners. Includes parade at 10:30 a.m.; starts at Highlands High School, continues on Fort Thomas Avenue and ends at Tower Park. Benefits Campbell County YMCA.

Fort Mitchell Fourth of July Parade

Diocesan Catholic Children's Home - 75 Orphanage Road - Fort Mitchell

July 4 : 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Parade starts at children's home on Orphanage Road and ends at Beechwood School. All ages.

Fourth of July Parade

Pierce Township Park - 961 Locust Corner Road - Pierce Township

July 4 : 10 a.m.

Parade route runs through Pierce Township along hike-bike path. Children invited to decorate bicycles.

Hamilton Fourth of July Parade

Butler County Fairgrounds- 1715 Fairgrove Ave. - Hamilton

July 4 : 10 a.m. Fireworks display along the Great Miami River at 10 p.m.

Theme: It's a Grand Old Flag. Line-up at Butler County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. and ends at Front and Ludlow streets in Downtown Hamilton. Patriotic ceremony with music, color and pageantry following parade at historic Butler County Court House.

Norwood's Hometown Fourth of July Celebration

Shea Stadium- 2603 Harris Ave. - Norwood

July 4 : 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. DJ Statmann of B105.1 FM radio will broadcast with special giveaways and games to play. Music by All Dance Sound.

Food, booths, giveaways, animal guests from Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, clowns, dragon bouncer and face painting. No smoking, alcohol or pets permitted. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Park Hills Fourth of July Festival

St. Joseph Heights - 1601 Dixie Highway - Park Hills

July 4 : 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Silent auction, bingo, raffles, magic show, face painting and SunRock Farm petting. Music by the Lee Roessler Band. Games for children and adults. Food, ice cream, ice balls, beer and soft drinks available. Benefits Notre Dame Urban Education Center.

Stricker's Grove 4th of July

Stricker's Grove- 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road - Ross Township

July 4 : 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Ride tickets available for purchase; ride-all-day armband, $14.

Greendale Fourth of July Celebration

Greendale Park- Nowlin Ave. - Greendale

July 4 : 9 a.m.

5K Run/Walk begins 9 a.m., registration at 7:30 a.m. Fishing derby 9 a.m. Bike parade begins 3 p.m. Entertainment at Greendale Cabin 5-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

 

This blog is part of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky".  If you know of some cool places you'd like to see us highlight, drop us a line and tell us to check it out.

CHURCH FESTIVALS

It's that time of year again...warm weather, ice cream, carnivals, good food and wonderful entertainment.  Church festival time.  It's the perfect spot to take the family, go out on a date, or catch up with friends.  There's a little something for everyone.  Most festivals include rides, games, food and a raffle.

 

Festivals taking place the weekend of June 17,18 & 19th include the St. Joseph Academy Pigfest, St. Augustine Church and St. Henry Church.  St. Joseph Academy Pigfest includes plenty of pulled pork and chicken dinners courtesy of Brooks Meats.  On Friday the 17th, the Troy Brooks Band will play country selections and on Saturday the 18th, the Code Nine Bank will crank it up with various classic rock songs.  Elk Creek Winery will have a booth along with Snappy Tomato Pizza. John Deere Tractor will feature a tractor display.  There will also be a country store that features various items to bid on.  Pigfest is located at St. Joesph Academy in Walton, Kentucky on the school grounds on 48 Needmore St.  Hours are 5-11 pm on June 17 and 4pm - midnight on June 18.  The public is invited and parking is available at Walton Verona High School and across the street at Krogers.  Shuttles will be carrying people to the festival since parking space is limited.  St. Henry Church in Elsmere, Kentucky has their summer festival from June 17-19 and it includes an assortment of rides, games and food.  There is also a gambling booth, a silent auction, raffle and a food area that features local restaurants.  Admission is free but you must pay for rides and games.  The festival runs from 6-11pm on Friday the 17th, 5-11pm on Saturday the 18th and from 4-10pm on Sunday the 19th.  St. Henry is located at 3813 Dixie Hwy. The St. Augustine Festival is located in Covington, Kentucky and includes a raffle, booths, games, a kiddie-land, a silent auction, food, snacks and more.  The festival will run Friday June 17th from 5 - 11pm and Friday night is a Fish Fry from 5-8pm.  Saturday the 18th the festival runs from 5-11pm with a spaghetti and meatball dinner from 5-8pm.  St. Augustine is located at 1839 Euclid Ave. 

The following is a list of Northern Kentucky Festivals and their dates in the area:

This church festival community features article is part of our new ongoing series entitled "365 Things to Do in Northern Kentucky" by The Mike Parker Team of HUFF Realty. 

In today's technology-centric world, the idea of hosting an open house to help find a buyer for your home may seem antiquated. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I have learned from experience that an open house -- when done correctly -- can go a long way toward getting your home sold quickly for an optimal price.

Why? Because while technology is integral to marketing your home, no video or virtual tour will ever compare to viewing a home in person. That's why it's essential to focus on the very tangible assets of your home during an open house -- the things that will connect with a potential buyer's senses. Work with your real estate agent to make sure you emphasize the following areas of your home so that open house visitors can connect in a very visceral way:

• Fragrance - Move beyond the played-out strategy of baking cookies in the oven and instead, seek to emphasize potential natural fragrances associated with your home. Have your open house while your magnolia tree, hyacinths, lilacs or rose bushes are in bloom. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed. Open windows to let in sea or lake breezes. Arrange some freshly cut pine branches from a tree in your yard decoratively in a vase. Make sure your hardwood floors are cleaned and polished. All of these are subtle, yet powerful, scents associated with the true meaning of home.
• Warmth - Nothing says home better than a room basking in sunlight. Make sure curtains are pulled aside and blinds raised to let natural sunlight bathe key rooms in the home. Take advantage of a home's wood stove or fireplace when appropriate.
• Touch - Open house visitors will open all sorts of doors, cabinets and drawers and come in contact with banisters and window frames. Make sure all metal substances, like brass door knobs, and wood finishes, such as your master staircase, are brilliantly polished, clean and smooth to the touch.
• Sound - Every home has certain sounds associated with it -- good and bad. Take advantage of any natural water nearby by keeping a strategic window or two open, or install indoor and/or outdoor fountains. Hang a bird feeder in close proximity to an open kitchen window. If you own a grandfather or cuckoo clock, make sure it's wound. Conversely, unplug any electronics that might make disturbing humming or beeping noises, and close any windows that let in displeasing street noise.
• Sight - While odds are most visitors have already seen your home online, nothing compares to this in-person visit. Inspect your house from all angles, starting at the front curb or driveway, all the way through to the basement, attic, and back door. Make sure your home looks its best from every angle -- even inside closets and cupboards. As you can imagine, less is more. Clean out the excess and arrange subtle vignettes that help visitors envision themselves living life in the various nooks and crannies of the home.

Thanks to technology, we can narrow down who is truly interested in our home prior to an open house. But make sure your open house grabs potential buyers on a deeper level than what they can experience online. For more ideas, please e-mail me, and feel free to pass these tips on to others who might be interested in selling their home.

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Come and see for yourself what a true stunner this beautiful cape cod is.  212 S Grand will be held open Sunday, Janurary 23, 2011 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm and will be hosted by Mike Parker.

Directions:  471 to South on Grand, home is located on the left going South

212 S Grand Ave Price: $150,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 0 212 S. Grand Ave. is a true stunner! This mint condition cape cod has been totally updated and is loaded with amenities. It features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, lush hardwood flooring, central air, gas heat, a wood burning brick fireplace, a... View this property >>

Earlier this week, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) implemented changes to the premium structures for an FHA-backed mortgage.

My membership in the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® requires that I remain committed to keeping my clients and consumers informed, so it's important that I let you know that these changes may make it more costly for home buyers to procure FHA loan products.

In the wake of the real estate decline and credit freeze of the past three years, FHA-insured loans soared as borrowers sought alternative avenues for securing affordable mortgages. The FHA loan is popular because its minimum down payment is 3.5%, whereas most conventional loans require a much higher down payment. Recently, however, housing experts have raised concerns about FHA's shrinking funds and its ability to handle increasing defaults, sparking the agency’s impending regulation changes.

According to CNNMoney.com, FHA reported that its reserve fund has dropped to 0.53% of its insurance guarantees, well below the 2% ratio mandated by Congress and the 3% ratio it had last fall. This fund covers losses on the mortgages the agency insures. FHA borrowers pay for the insurance that backs their loans in the form of an upfront premium and an annual premium.

The agency has seen a spike in delinquencies amid the mortgage meltdown. Some 14.36% of FHA loans were past due in the third quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. To compensate for its rapidly depleting reserve fund, the following changes will be implemented to FHA lending:

• Upfront mortgage insurance premiums will decrease from 2.25% to 1.00%.
• At the same time, the 0.55% annual premium will be increased to 0.85% for mortgages with loan-to-value ratios up to and including 95%, and to 0.90% for loan-to-value ratios above 95%.
• Borrowers will be required to have a credit score of at least 580 to qualify.

These changes in FHA lending may be paving the way for conventional financing with private mortgage insurance (MI) to make a comeback in lending for low down payment buyers. According to loan experts, both MI and FHA have their place, but borrowers should consult with their real estate professional and lender to determine what loan options are best for their particular situation.

For more information on FHA lending, please e-mail me, and please forward this email to others who might be unaware of how they may be impacted by these important changes.