Arts and Entertainment

The Gateway Arts Council, devoted to promoting participation in and appreciation of arts in Shelby County, sponsors a wide range of activities. Local theater productions, professional musicians and performers, visual art exhibits, and student Arts in Public Education programs are sponsored by the Council. The Council stages many of their productions at the Cameo Theater on the corner of West and South Streets in Sidney.

In addition, Shelby County children may experience the arts through involvement with the Muse Machine, which brings groups such as the Dayton Philharmonic and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company to participating schools. The Sidney Dance Company, a local performing troupe, also offers students the opportunity to view as well as perform in dance productions. Of course, the high schools' drama club productions and marching bands make high school memorable.

Adults get their moment in the spotlight by performing with the Sock & Buskin Community Theatre, an amateur theater group, and the All American City Chapter of Sweet Adelines. For adults wanting a more ambitious theatrical experience, the River Glen Ensemble combines regional professional and amateur singers and actors in semi-professional operatic productions.

Shelby County is fortunate to have concert bands, which perform free to the public in the summer at the Shelby County Courtsquare and at Tawawa Park. Big band music, patriotic tunes and classical pieces are featured.

In addition to the annual Shelby County Fair, a recently developed event, Applefest, is celebrated every year in Sidney with music, games, rides, food and more!