Several Downtown popular destinations celebrated an anniversary this year.
Through the past decade the revitalization of Hamilton’s downtown has created an unmatched sense of pride in our town. It wasn’t long ago that you’d be more likely to see a tumbleweed roaming the streets than a Hamiltonian in the central business district. Now, every weekend neighbors and friends come downtown to spend their time away from work. While there are several people and businesses to attribute that monumental change to our city, some are celebrating milestones this year.
Riversedge
Back in 2012, the amphitheatre that sits on the northeast side of the Great Miami river wasn’t completed yet but the annual concert series already jumped off. Before Riversedge the venues were scattered across the city. From Bailey’s square, to the courthouse and even underneath the McDulin Parking Garage, the series of performances were rocking the town. After the first season, the amphitheatre was ready to roll. With the sunken stage overlooking the rolling hill, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. It’s signature guitar statue stands tall near the VIP section, adding another piece in The City of Sculpture’s roster.
Riversedge states that their purpose is simple; “Build community by bringing people together through the power of music.” A steep mission statement, but the concert venue has hit the bullseye. Once upon a time, when Hamiltonians considered their weekend plans they often left our town. Now, they check-in at Riversedge on Facebook to show their friends where they’re spending their Friday night.
The concert series is a non-profit fund that was established through the Hamilton community foundation. The concerts have mostly been free throughout the lifespan of the venue, though due to the COVID-19 pandemic they temporarily charged admission in 2020. Even at the height of the pandemic, the venue sold out the majority of their concerts.
Now, as the venue is winding down their 10th concert series, they’re looking to upgrade. With the prospect of Spooky Nook, and the inherited visitors that will come with the project, Riversedge wants to up their game. Adam Helms and other operators of the venue have proposed building a permanent gate around the amphitheatre, which would give an opportunity to stage some bigger guests and have more ticketed events. It will be awesome to see what Riversedge looks like in the next decade.
Municipal Brew Works
It is abundantly clear that our country is in the golden age of micro-breweries. Popping up all around the nation, and especially in the Cincinnati area, they’ve become the preferred destination for the millenials and boomers alike. Hamilton has their own favorite local hang out, Municipal Brew Works, which of course is located on the backside of the former city building. This past June they celebrated their 5th anniversary. Five years ago Municipal opened the first brewery in Hamilton in over 80 years, and each June they throw a bash to celebrate another year.
The City of Hamilton momentarily changed their name to honor Municipal Brew Works. For the weekend of the anniversary celebrated our town was called “Ham-Ale!-ton” a nice nod to our local brewery. The city has also changed their name to “Jamilton” when David Shaw of the Revivalists comes to play at Riversedge.
In just five years Municipal has become as ingrained into Hamilton as any decades old locally run restaurant or bar.
Operation Pumpkin
Our City of Hamilton doesn’t typically close the streets in their downtown area, but when we do, we do it right. Each fall, to celebrate the change in weather and other autumn affairs, Hamilton puts on Operation Pumpkin. A fall festival that intends to boost local businesses and bring our town together for a weekend. 2021 will mark the 10th year of Operation Pumpkin.
Operation Pumpkin has all the normal festivities; a pumpkin carving contest, candied apples, Oktoberfest beers, a pet parade, rides and music. It will take place the second weekend in October.
In 2020, Operation Pumpkin was stripped of many of their main stays because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival still went on, but because of the danger of large crowds the festival had to be scaled back considerably. Now, with things starting to move back to normalcy and Operation Pumpkin celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year is shaping to be one of the best yet.