Judge: Ohio Renaissance Festival cannot detach from Harveysburg [Video]

HARVEYSBURG, Ohio — A Warren County judge has ruled the Ohio Renaissance Festival cannot detach from the village of Harveysburg.

Common Pleas Judge Donald E. Oda III ruled March 26 Brimstone & Fire LLC, the owner of the medieval festival, did not meet all of the necessary elements for detaching from the village as required by state law.

Oda said of the four elements required, Brimstone & Fire failed to prove it was taxed for municipal purposes in substantial excess of the benefits received from the village; and found detachment of the property would have a substantial negative impact on the best interest and good government of the village.

Brimstone & Fire filed a petition Dec. 30, 2022 in Warren County Common Pleas Court to detach from Harveysburg and make it part of neighboring Massie Twp. Harveysburg opposed the civil claim and said it could provide better services. They also …