SpringfieldNewsSun.com

URBANA — Fish and shrimp lovers now have two days to enjoy their favorite fares at their freshest during the expanding Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival.

In its sixth year, the festival will feature local farm-raised shrimp, live music, games and more, said organizer Dave Smith.

Admission is free to the event at Freshwater Farms, 2624 N. U.S. Route 68, which will be open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16.

The festival averages

5,000-7,000 attendees, Smith said, and people come from all over the state.

Smith said part of the festival's lure is that people can see where their food comes from.

"This shrimp is raised in Ohio without chemicals, antibiotics," Smith added.

The festival even earned a blurb in American Profile magazine, a publication that highlights Midwest happenings, Smith said.

The event is unusual because it offers local fish farmers and nonprofit organizations a free booth, he said.

As patrons shop for the freshest, tastiest fish, they will be serenaded by bluegrass and folk music and Saturday will feature a Christian rock concert.

"People can eat, relax and enjoy music," Smith said, adding the festival is "certainly one of the biggest (events) people are doing with freshwater shrimp."

For more information, visit www.fwfarms.com.

Contact this writer at 937-328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.