The Logan Hills Festival, in its 46th year, is a tradition rooted in history and family. What began as a small community effort in the late 1970s has grown into a decades-long tradition—one that not only preserves local history, but binds generations of families together. 

This weekend, the oldest volunteer cast in the state of Ohio will perform a Taloga, historic, outdoor drama entitled The Calling of Zane Town.  

Performances will be 3 p.m. Saturday, May 23; 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24; and 3 p.m. Monday, May 25. The roots of this production trace back to 1976, when a one-time play was staged as part of the American Bicentennial Celebration. The success of that event sparked an idea. 

Shortly after, township trustee Tim Armentrout approached the local Chamber of Commerce with a question: Could this become an annual tradition? 

A group of four couples was tasked with exploring the idea. Just a $500 loan was enough to launch the first official festival in 1980. 

The original chairman was Rick Rash, who was unable to continue that year due to injury. That opened the door for John and Kathleen Horton, who stepped in and stayed on to lead the production for the next 20 years (1980–2000). 

“We’re keeping the history of this area alive,” John Horton said. “Ninety percent of what we portray actually happened here or nearby.” 

Stemming from the Earl Sloan Days Festivals, hosted in the 1920s, the original productions were much different than today’s versions. Inspired by programs from that time, the original performances relied heavily on narration, with little spoken dialogue. 

But, over time, the production has evolved. In the 1920s, O.K. Reams wrote Summers Remembered. He helped adapt early versions into staged dramas that were performed silently, by the actors, with a narrator.

In the 1980s, Dr. Jason Robson went on to write three of the primary plays, including: Edge of the Wilderness, Seven Nations and The Calling of Zane Town. Curtis Ashley, a local connection, also authored The Middle Ground. Today, the productions performed during the festival rotate between these four plays. Each tells stories rooted in the region’s Native American and early settler history.  

The production has also moved locations over the years — from Marmon Valley Farm to Mad River Mountain, and now to Hall-Fawcett Memorial Park. The festival then expanded initially to a two-day event, so did its need for space and infrastructure. Now, the festival has extended to three days of vendors, various food options and many different performances. 

Even recent logistical improvements have happened, like finally installing permanent bleachers, which reflect the long-standing commitments behind the scenes. For years, organizers would have to borrow the bleachers from the ball fields after baseball games were over on Friday nights and return them on Monday after the festival was over.  

Like faithful volunteer Laura Middaugh, involved since 1991, put it, “I do whatever needs done — running errands, painting bleachers. It takes everybody.” 

Thankfully, new generations continue to step in. While the Hortons helped build the foundation, leadership has since passed to others—most notably to Jeremy Smith, with the support of his wife Denyail, who has served as chairman since 2000. Smith has been involved for over 30 years and grew up in the production. 

“My family was part of the first directors,” he said. “That’s how I got into it.” 

Today, he still performs, often in comedic roles, while also helping guide the festival’s future. 

Continuing that lifelong commitment are the many participants, whose involvement spans decades: 

“We're able to come out here to relive history. Not a lot of people do things like this. Obviously, people have heard of Tecumseh down in Chillicothe, but what we do is special. The stories that we tell are tied to this area - the Ohio Valley,” Mychal Cox said of the Taloga Outdoor Drama. 

“I absolutely love being a part of something special like this. If we didn’t do it… who else would?”  

Teresa Miller, who had been involved since 1996, is now serving as a first-time director. Miller, like many others, admits directing has been a challenge: 

“It’s a hot mess,” she joked. “I’d rather just act. It’s a lot of work. But we have a good time.” 

Consistently, the slovenly group claims to be a family, on and off the stage. That theme- family- was repeated by nearly every cast member. Though many participants are literally related — parents, children, and even grandchildren are sharing the stage. Others have become close over time. 

Denyail Smith described three generations participating together in her own family. 

She then talked about how young newcomers like Thomlyn Wehner from Wapakoneta and Jameson Mullins, a kindergartner from Benjamin Logan, are just beginning their journey. 

Even those who join from outside the community quickly find their place. 

As Jessie Mullins explained, “When you’ve been in it long enough, your kids start calling people aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa. We’re family now.” 

Yet, beyond the performances, the purpose remains deeply rooted in storytelling. The production participants consistently pointed out three things: preserving local history, educating audiences about the region’s past, and creating lasting connections among people. 

As Director Teresa Miller put it, “I’ve learned more about the history of this area doing these plays than I ever did in school.” 

And for many, there’s also a deeper meaning tied to the timing of the festival that is held over Memorial Day weekend. That is honoring those who have served and are serving.  

Mindy Bailey, playing Myeerah, shared, “This is important to me because of all the people around me; they are my family.  But, also doing this for the audience and everyone who comes to the festival.  I’m not only a part of history, but I’m also teaching people about the history of Zanesfield. Doing the festival on Memorial Day weekend, helps us to remember all who have served and all who are currently serving. I love Zanesfield and this area.”  

Looking Ahead: 

Each year brings new challenges, especially in recruitment. Some productions, like Edge of the Wilderness, require large casts of up to 60 people, making participation critical.   

The cast and crew would like to perform that play for next year’s festival. Watch their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheLoganHillsFestival/, for information about being involved in future productions.  

But if the past is any indication, the future is secure. Because while the costumes, scripts and locations may have evolved, one thing remains constant: This isn’t just a play. It’s a living history—and a family tradition—passed from one generation to the next. 

The Calling of Zane Town Cast List: 

Lead & Principal Roles 

Supporting Roles 

Multiple Role Performances 

Additional Roles 

Extras 

Settler Extras: 

Native Extras: