Over the years, I’ve had the chance to travel across the country as a consultant, working in cities big and small, and experiencing how communities create places people love to live, eat, and gather. Everywhere I went, I picked up ideas and inspiration—from vibrant street fairs to walkable downtowns buzzing with local shops and music. But no matter where I traveled, I always felt the pull to come back home to the Westside. There’s a deep calling to bring the best of what I’ve seen across the USA back to Cheviot, the place I call home—to help build something here that combines our proud history with a bold, connected future.
This weekend, the Hive Market is heading to the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival—one of the biggest street fairs in Ohio. If you’ve ever been, you know it’s more than just sauerkraut, the streets are packed with people shopping local, eating great food, listening to live music, and simply enjoying being together. It’s the kind of event that makes a whole town come alive.
Standing in multiple events like this over the craft fair season, it’s hard not to think: why not us?
Cheviot has always been proud of its roots—working folks who built a strong, close-knit community (still here today) and like a lot of places on the Westside, things are shifting here. Housing is hot, new families are moving in, and we’re becoming more diverse. That’s not a loss of identity—it’s an opportunity. A chance to bring back something Cheviot does really well: creating walkable communities and events that keep energy, people, and dollars right here at home.
Cheviot's first Harvest Home Fair was way back in 1855. That means for more than 150 years, our city has known the power of gathering together to celebrate, eat, and connect. History is clear—Cheviot has organized amazing events and continues to invest in the community (we should all keep our fingers crossed the Westwood Cheviot Trolley Streetcar comes back!)
- They give small businesses and artists a stage to share their work.
- They create pride of place—a reason to stay, invest, and invite friends to visit.
- They remind us that fun, food, and music are just as important to a city’s life as bricks and mortar. Life is meant to connected and celebrated together!
- I’m grateful for the chance to be part of Waynesville’s festival—it’s an honor to set up alongside so many talented makers and to serve our Hive Craft Cocktails to folks from all over. But I can’t help dreaming of a day when people are saying, “Let’s head to Cheviot this weekend for the festival!” I know I’m not the only one who wants that, and I am committed to building it.
Because when we gather, celebrate, and support local, we’re not just throwing a party—we’re building the kind of community people want to live in, raise a family in, and be proud to call home.
📢 A quick note on store hours:
Friday, October 10th: Open 10 AM – 2 PM
Saturday, October 11th and 12th: Closed
- We’ll be in Waynesville all weekend—come see us at Booth #50 to shop Hive Craft Cocktails, meet local makers, and experience the kind of energy we dream of bringing back to Cheviot!
Cheers! Melissa