PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WALKTOBER … The Bean Creek Valley History Center and local guests took a stroll surveying local bird wildlife around Harrison Lake.
VIEWING OPPORTUNITY … The natural waterfowl of Harrison Lake were on display Saturday morning.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Bean Creek Valley History Center once again invited visitors to step back in time during its 2nd annual Walktober Fayette, held across the first two weekends of October.
This year’s theme, “Walkin’ Thru History,” features nine unique walks exploring Fayette’s past through storytelling, demonstrations, and community gatherings.
Free will donations collected during the event will benefit the Bean Creek Valley History Center.
Participants were encouraged to bring a chair, dress for the weather, and enjoy a series of presentations highlighting everything from aviation and agriculture to war history and local legends.
The event opened Saturday, October 4, with “Come Fly With Me” at Harrison Lake State Park. A naturalist representative from Maumee Bay State Park led guests on a guided bird walk exploring migratory species common to northwest Ohio’s skies. The presentation blended natural history with practical tips for spotting birds in flight.
Later that afternoon, Susan Sly Burke presented, “My Lavender Lady Part 2” at her family’s farm, where visitors learned about cultivating and using lavender.
The day closed with Gene Eric Salecker’s recounting of “The Civil War Sultana Disaster,” a steamboat explosion that remains one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in the U.S. History.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the West Franklin Community Church will host “Worshiping at Master’s Corner’s – 175 Years Community Celebration.”