AK Steel will celebrate 101 years in business in Middletown by throwing a Labor Day party.

        Last year, at the centennial, 40,000 people showed up to tour the plant and eat free food at an all-day event put on by AK.

        “This year, we're not giving tours or free food, but we expect a lot of people,” said company spokesman Alan McCoy.

        “Cruisin' With the Classics,” held near AK's headquarters at 703 Curtis Ave., will run 4-9 p.m. Sept. 3 and feature pop and classical music and custom cars.

        From 7-9 p.m., the Middletown Symphony will perform, followed by a fireworks display from Rozzi's. From 4 to 6 p.m., several 1960s singers will perform, including Mark Lindsay (formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders), Lou Christie (“Lightning Strikes”), Andy Kim (“How'd We Ever Get This Way?”), the Shangri-Las (“Leader of the Pack”) and Ron Dante, lead singer of the Archies (“Sugar, Sugar”).

        “The company is doing this as an appreciation to all the men and women who make steel for us and for the community,” Mr. McCoy said. “There aren't many places in this country that can say they've made steel for more than 100 years.”

        Mr. McCoy said last year's celebration had nothing to do with a lockout of 500 steelworkers at AK's plant in Mansfield, Ohio.

        “This is a different union in Middletown,” he said.

        Nevertheless, controversy did creep into Middletown over the lockout at the former Armco stainless-steel plant.

        Last spring, the United Steelworkers of America criticized AK with full-page ads in newspapers in Butler County and Mansfield, challenging the company's decision to lock out the workers.

        But Labor Day will be a time to relax and celebrate at an event that is free and open to the public. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Local groups will sell drinks. The Manchester Inn will sell sandwiches. Proceeds will go to local sports and booster organizations.

        Parking will be available at Taft Elementary off Verity Parkway and at other area schools and fields.

        HAMILTON — The works of three regional artists — Heidi Endres, Mary Mark and Chris Plummer — will be displayed at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts from Sept. 16 to Oct. 14.

        “Making Prints: Endres, Mark & Plummer” will be open to the public at no charge.

        Cathy Mayhugh, director of exhibitions, said the artists' work represents “three unique approaches to printmaking. Blocks and plates will be shown along with the prints pulled from them.”

        A reception for the artists will be held 6-8 p.m. Sept. 28, before the Mad Anthony Theatre Co. presents The Birthday Party, by Harold Pinter, at 8 p.m.

        LEBANON — Interested in volunteering? A free Volunteer Handbook will be mailed to you at no charge. It lists many service organizations in Warren County that need help. To order the handbook, call Warren County United Way's Volunteer Resource Center at 932-3987. Or visit the group's Web site at www.warrencountyunitedway.org for more information.

        Randy McNutt's column appears Saturdays. Contact him at 755-4158 or at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH 45069.

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