By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DEERFIELD TWP. - This year's Deerfield Day takes on extra meaning, as the largest event in the township's yearlong bicentennial celebration.

Several thousand people are expected at the annual celebration, which this year is part of a series of events to celebrate 200 years of growth and progress. Today's event runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Landen-Deerfield Park.

DEERFIELD DAY

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today Where: Landen-Deerfield Park, U.S. 22/Ohio 3 Parking: Shuttles will run from J.F. Burns Elementary and Columbia Elementary, located on Columbia Road Information: (513) 683-5805, Ext. 250

"This is sort of the highlight of the year," said Vickie Larcomb, an area resident for 10 years who is helping organize the event.

"We've had an event every month to celebrate the bicentennial, but this is the one to cap it all off."

Two changes are expected to help draw more people to the sixth annual festival.

First, the event was moved from its traditional spot on Sunday afternoons to all day Saturday.

Additionally, the township is including a free lawn concert this year. Country singer-songwriter Steve Wariner takes the stage at 7 p.m.

Previous years' crowds have reached between 4,000 and 5,000 people.

"I think we can double that this year," Larcomb said.

The Bicentennial Bell will be rung in the township for the first time at 6 p.m. The day also will include zoo animals, pony rides, and Rozzi fireworks after the concert.

"It started small, and has grown from there," Larcomb said. "This year we're going for a full day. ... It's a gift to the community for the bicentennial."

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com