Pollinator Festival & 5K

May 9, 2026 | 9 a.m.

Miami Whitewater Forest | Harbor

The Pollinator 5K is a timed, family-friendly walk/run along Miami Whitewater Forest's scenic, paved trails. Race participants receive a custom medal, t-shirt, vendor coupons and Great Parks swag. More than $2,000 in Tri-State Running Company gift cards will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group.

REGISTER FOR POLLINATOR 5K

Race Packet Pickup:

• May 4-7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center
• May 9 | 7:30 a.m. near starting line

Bats, butterflies and bees, oh my! Through fun activities, educational programs and community tables, create special memories and gain a better understanding of how vital pollinators are to our daily lives.

• Blinque’s Butterfly Garden
• Coffee Tasting with La Terza Coffee
• Crafts
• Face Painting
• Ohio Bat Lab
• Pollinator Storytime with Marigold (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.)
• Queen City Pollinator Project
• S.B. Tree Service

Stage Schedule

9:45 a.m. - Pollinator 5K Award Winners Announced

10:15 a.m. - DJ Big Juicy Ham

10:30 a.m. - Coffee & Pollinators with David Gaines of La Terza Coffee

11 a.m. - Mama Said String Band

Noon - Live Cooking Tutorial with Chef James Trent of Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts

12:45 p.m. - Mama Said String Band

1:45 p.m. - DJ Big Juicy Ham

Mama Said String Band – A Louisville, Kentucky-based four-piece bringing their own brand of bluegrass with a focus on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation. Named “Bluegrass Artist of the Year” at the 2025 Lexington Music Awards, the band features honest songwriting that any listener can relate to.

Busy bees are always in need of some energy. Fuel up with food and beverage options available for purchase throughout the Harbor.

• Hearth Brewing
• Loaded Goat Cafe
• Miami Whitewater Forest Snack Bar
• Revel Urban Winery
• Street Pops

• Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts - unique and exquisite pre-packed pollinator-themed desserts including cake pops, tarts and more
• ActivateAngel - floral art keepsakes, clay figurines and more
• Great Parks’ Shaker Trace Nursery – native plant starters
• Great Parks Shop - apparel, novelties, toys, craft sodas, butterfly wings and more
• Handmade with Love by Haizel Marie - hand-painted bird feeders/houses, jewelry, friendship bracelets and more
• Hedgegrow - hand-printed goods drawn from nature)
• MawDust - one-of-a-kind pieces made from natural materials including wood, pressed flowers and clay
• Osmia Bee Co.
• Prestige 3D Prints
• Sunburst Ridge Farms
• Tri-State Running Company - running gear for all ages

Great Parks welcomes inquiries to participate in or sponsor our programs and events.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected] or call 513-728-4517.

Businesses interested in selling products must complete the Vendor Application Form.

For organizations interested in hosting an information or activity booth, complete the Exhibitor Application Form.

Restaurants and food trucks interested in selling food, complete the Food Vendor Application Form.