The Arts QUALITY OF LIFE
Health and Rehabilitation Board and the Lima City Parks Department. This summer marks the Council for Arts eighth year of partnering with the City Parks to put on the Summer Parks Program. Hundreds of children participate in this arts-rich program every year. Lima also has a top-notch performance hall – the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center and the adjoining Crouse Performance Hall. The Civic Center and Crouse Performance Hall are the largest of their kind in Allen County and surrounding area. Patrons of the Crouse Performance Hall are treated to a series of traveling Broadway shows; nationally known acts and places such as CATS, The Producers, Gypsy and Jerry Seinfeld have also been featured. The Lima Area Concert Band, the Lima Bean Chorus Barbershop Group and other local performers also delight audiences in Crouse Performance Hall throughout the year. One of the biggest acts to call Crouse Performance Hall home is the Lima Symphony Orchestra, performing everything from classical
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compositions to a festive Christmas concert. Founded in 1953, the Lima Symphony Orchestra continues to receive strong support from Lima and the surrounding area. They can often be found working with local schools with local schools, the Lima Public Library and performing each year at the City’s Star Spangled Spectacular. Another popular downtown art and music event is the annual Square Fair, held the first weekend in August. This event brings tens of thousands of people to the Lima Town Square for arts, crafts and music. The popular Toast to the City reception opens Square Fair each year.
Those looking for local theatrical performances need look no further than Amil Tellers’ Encore Theatre, a community theater which gives Lima area residents the chance to shine on the state. Both children’s theater and adult theatre are staples of each season. Lima provides the local playwright with the opportunity to see their work come to life through the PlayFair series held at the Civic Center each August. The Ohio State University at Lima, Bluffton University and Ohio Northern University also offer outstanding art displays as well as theater and musical performances throughout the year. These exhibitions commonly include the work of students and traveling artists. No matter what your taste or skill level, the Lima arts and entertainment district is sure to provide a fun experience for all ages.
www.LimaChamber.com