49th Annual Moonshine Festival

NEW STRAITSVILLE, Ohio – A small town celebrating its big history.

New Straitsville in Perry County is celebrating the 49th annual Moonshine Festival. New Straitsville was once the Moonshine capital of the world, and they dedicated a festival to celebrate the history and making of moonshine in the area. The five day event, which runs every May, has multiple entertainment such as pageants and music. Also featuring carnival rides, a car show, and lots of refreshments for the community to enjoy.

“In 1970, the village had a centennial celebration. And it went over real big and since the village was known as the Moonshine capital of the World, we decided to have a moonshine festival over Memorial Day weekend every year” said Festival Chairman, Ken Burgess.

People were able to get in touch with their history by viewing how old fashion moonshine was once brewed and demonstrate the process to festival goers. Burgess said it’s important for the residents and visitors to recognize the history in the town.

“Just the heritage of the festival or of the village. Let people know what made this town special at one time,” he said.

Next year is the 50th anniversary of the festival, and Burgess said they plan on making it an even bigger celebration.