Butler County residents: Gatherings show future is bright in Hamilton, Middletown

Butler County’s major cities celebrated the Labor Day weekend this month with multiple events, and residents of Hamilton, Middletown and Monroe said they were also in a festive and positive mood about their communities.

Butler County’s largest OktoberFest, the 54th annual Hamilton OktoberFest annually draws large crowds hungry for German food, polka music, beer and fun.

And in Middletown, Ignite, a second annual community event hosted Sunday night by Berachah Church, expected to attract several thousand people.

For many the OktoberFest, run by the Liberty Home German Society just west of Hamilton, was the latest public showcasing of the city’s growing popularity.

The county seat has seen a renaissance in recent years with a revitalized downtown and riverfront including the much-anticipated regional attraction of the $144 million Spooky Nook at Champion Mill expected to draw more than one million visitors in its first year in 2021.

“The state of Hamilton is good, they are on the upswing,” said Tim Florek, a Hamilton resident since 1987 who was enjoying the OktoberFest celebration Saturday.

Florek said he especially appreciated the city’s makeover not coming at the expense of tearing down much of the community’s historic buildings.

“Revitalization of downtown and the use of old buildings, not tearing them down and starting with fresh ones. There’s a lot of character in this town and it’s lovely to see them bringing it back,” he said. “With the addition of Spooky Nook, it’s going to really put the spotlight on Hamilton, coupled with the amphitheater and the river’s (Great Miami) beauty, it’s a great little town to reside in.”

Kristina Stoddart is among the many young residents who moved to Hamilton attracted by its new attractions and renewed energy.

“The new restaurants opening like in the new Marcum Apartment buildings, and the park down there with the concerts and the new brew works,” said Stoddart. “It’s definitely some place younger people like myself have been going to and enjoying a lot.”

Even before Ignite was lit Sunday night, there was much activity outside Berachah Church. Several of the nearby pickleball courts were crowded with players participating in the 24-hour marathon sponsored by the Middletown Pickleball Association.

Gayle Lear, vice president of the MPA, said she and her husband moved to Monroe from Cincinnati in 2005. She said Monroe is “growing like mad,” but she wishes the downtown offered more retail within walking distance similar to Union Centre or Lebanon.

But she enjoys sitting on her patio listening to the high school marching band and mooing cows.

“It’s close enough and far enough away,” she said.

Middletown native Donnie Osborne said he’s “all in” when it comes to supporting the city. Osborne, who lives in Miamisburg with his wife, Sarah, is moving back to Middletown where they own The Jug and Shaddock’s Pizza.

“Really excited,” Osborne, 44, said when asked about Middletown’s future. “A lot of potential growth.”

Pastor Lamar Ferrell has lived in Middletown for 23 years and both of his children, Luke and Elley, have attended Middletown schools. Ferrell said he’s impressed by city leaders, City Manager Doug Adkins and School Superintendent Marlon Styles.

“With the right vision and right leadership this city will continue to make encouraging moves,” Ferrell said.

MORE: Who’s running for Middletown mayor, city council seats in November?

He’s also encouraged by six candidates running for the two open seats on City Council. That means, Ferrell said, that “people want to see change.”

When asked what he’d like to see improved in the city, he pointed toward the city’s deteriorating infrastructure and roads.

“You can not build on a foundation that’s faulty,” he said.

He likened Middletown, an All American City in the 1950s, to a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

“I don’t want to be anyplace else,” he said. “We love it. This is home.”

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