About the Hobart Convention & Visitors Bureau
Founded in 1823, Hobart has always been a town that defies clear explanation. Positioned along the Ohio River and stitched together by ambition, routine, and a healthy amount of curiosity, Hobart became known for its improbable parades, complicated bylaws, and the unique ability to make bureaucracy feel like a community sport.
The Hobart Convention & Visitors Bureau (HCVB) was formed to highlight all of that - to welcome guests, encourage exploration, and maintain the proud local illusion that Hobart is a deliberate destination. With a modest annual budget and an even more modest staff, the Bureau operates as the village’s primary tourism and outreach office.
Who We Are
The Bureau is overseen by the Fiscal Council and operated by a small but enthusiastic team of civic professionals and unpaid interns. We coordinate events, maintain the official visitor information, and work alongside local partners such as PAL-TV Channel 6, the Hobart Herald, and the Historical Society to promote the town’s ongoing story.
- Interim Chair – Evie Trask: Appointed during a budget dispute in 2018. Still in office. Keeps things orderly through sheer persistence.
- Communications & Media Liaison – Josh King: Oversees digital outreach, website content, and the official civic narrative tone.
- Events Coordinator – Vacant: The position remains open after the Foghat incident. Applicants must be comfortable with parades and ambiguity.
- Hospitality Intern – GVU Program: Rotating student assistant responsible for brochure folding, guest logs, and keeping the copier alive.
What We Do
The HCVB’s purpose is simple: to promote Hobart as a place worth visiting, even if you already live here. From seasonal festivals to offbeat traditions, we ensure that every civic celebration happens more or less on schedule. Our work includes maintaining public-facing materials, coordinating tourism events, and producing brochures that look surprisingly professional given the circumstances.
Signature Events
Hobart’s calendar is filled with gatherings that blend civic pride and light confusion in equal measure. Whether you visit for the autumn glow of Fiscal Solstice or the full-scale enthusiasm of Possum Fest, you’ll quickly see why we call it “Ohio’s Second Most Ambitious Village.”
- Founding Day — March. Celebrating Hobart’s 1823 charter with tours, pancakes, and questionable reenactments.
- Pancake Inspection — April. Syrup optional, compliance required.
- Fiscal Solstice — October. The Fiscal Council’s annual ceremony of balance, featuring live arithmetic and free coffee.
- Possum Fest Parade — November. Floats, civic bands, and marsupials under review.
- Festival of Lights & Oddities — December. Hobart’s winter finale of lanterns, carols, and probably cocoa.
Partnerships
Tourism doesn’t happen in isolation. The Bureau works closely with several municipal and civic partners:
Our Ongoing Mission
The HCVB remains committed to promoting Hobart with honesty, humor, and occasional accuracy. Whether you’ve arrived intentionally or by accident, we’re glad you’re here.