“The biggest and best party in the area.”

That’s the way Springfield City Commissioner Karen Duncan describes CultureFest, which takes place on Saturday.

And it’s part of the local festival season, which is now in full swing.

Culturefest 2012 will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on the City Hall Plaza in downtown Springfield,

Organizers say the free event, now in its 16th year, is a celebration of Springfield’s diverse culture and heritage. There will be musical, dance and interactive performers, living history presentations, merchandise, education displays, a children’s activity tent, and of course, lots of great food.

The Buck Creek Bash takes place that same day, celebrating Springfield’s premier adventure sporting corridor.

Competitors will begin at 2 p.m. at the Clarence J. Brown Reservoir and paddle their way down the creek, finishing at the Springfield Museum of Art. Spectators can follow their progress along the adjacent bike path, then join in the post-race festivities, which will include local food and beer.

The next weekend, New Carlisle is the scene of the 9th Annual Heritage of Flight Festival. That event starts Friday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. with a classic cruise-in that typically features more than 750 vehicles.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, there’s entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the unique Parade of Planes and Community Parade at 11 a.m. The festival continues through Sunday with more entertainment, food, rides, and contests.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, Pitchin plays host to its annual Apple Butter Festival, from 10 a.m until 6 p.m.

They make the apple butter on-site over an open fire in that southern Clark County County village.

You’ll also find food and crafts, enjoy live music and be able to purchase a baked good and jar of delicious apple butter to take with you.

On Oct. 13 and 14, the Enon community Historical Society holds its annual Apple Butter Festival, which features the production of that delight in six large copper kettles on-site. There’s also juried arts, crafts and gifts, entertainment, the Society’s Research Center, 1840 log house and Adena Mound, plus a wide array of food.

Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are very fortunate to live in a community that values its history, culture and traditions, and keeping those values alive through festivals like these and throughout the year. It takes the hard work and dedication of people who make the commitment — sometimes the year ‘round — and that do the things necessary to make these positive events a reality. A big thank you to all those who are involved in that effort.

We always welcome your input about this column, including suggestions on something you would like us to include or to check on. Call 328-0381 or e-mail Darryl.Bauer@cmgohio.com.