Good morning, Lancaster.

The Lancaster Festival will run from July 24 to Aug.

2 at multiple venues in downtown Lancaster and will ban all beverages in the Ohio University Lancaster venue due to insurance requirements — new drink points will offer waters for $1 and sodas for $3. The festival will feature a grand finale on Aug. 2 with Grammy Award-winning Colbie Caillat and Dawes performing, with a full schedule to be announced soon.

As severe weather approaches, Lancaster residents are asked to protect their houses by adding roof straps, strengthening garage doors, using storm shutters, and securing loose outdoor items.

Homeowners should also trim trees and check insurance coverage—experts say these steps can help lower storm damage.

The Fairfield County Engineer's Office announced that Clearcreek Road SW and Church Road NE will be closed from March 31 through April 18 for culvert replacement, weather permitting—closures affect segments between Revenge Road SW and McDonald Road SW and between West Rushville Road NE and Tent Road NE. The county advises drivers to plan alternate routes during the project.

Cargill Kitchen Solutions of Lake Odessa recalled 212,268 pounds of Egg Beaters and Bob Evans Better'n Eggs liquid egg products that may contain a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite, USDA FSIS said—these 32-ounce cartons, with use-by dates from Aug.

9 to Mar. 7, were distributed in Ohio, Texas, and several other states. Consumers who purchased the products are advised not to consume them and to dispose of or return the items, and no adverse reactions have been reported.

More than 200,000 Disney-branded children's jewelry making kits sold at retailers such as Target and Joann have been recalled after tests found an uncured resin that can irritate skin, eyes and breathing—customers should stop using the kits and contact LaRose Industries for a refund. The kits were sold from January 2023 through September 2024.

A photo gallery features several local restaurants outside downtown Lancaster, including Pink Cricket, Castaways, Cherry Street Pub, Todd's Mountain View Restaurant, The Mediterranean and Wang's Chinese Garden.

The feature shows readers different dining choices away from the city center.

Lancaster fans can vote for the Eagle-Gazette Softball Preseason Player of the Year as the high school softball season begins.

The poll runs from Monday at 6 a.m. until Friday at 5 p.m.—the winner will be revealed after it closes.

The Bloom-Carroll baseball team won a five-inning, 12-1 game against Hamilton Township on Monday despite chilly weather with a wind chill in the mid-30s.

The team improved to 3-0 overall and scored key runs early while executing smart bunts and timely hits — signs of strong play in tough conditions.

Chocolate Walk

4-7 p.m. — Destination Downtown Lancaster — Ticketed event — Indulge in a delightful variety of chocolate treats from local businesses while exploring the downtown area.

Spring at the Round Barn 2025

4-8 p.m. & 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Fairfield County Agricultural — $5-$10 — Celebrate spring with 150+ vendors, delicious food trucks, and live music at the historic Round Barn.

Downtown Clean Up Day

8 AM – 12 PM — Destination Downtown Lancaster — Free entry — Volunteer to beautify downtown Lancaster in celebration of Earth Day.