UTOPIA - On a rainy afternoon on the Ohio in Clermont County, the only noise comes from tires shooshing down the highway.

Cars pass by on U.S. 52, as they have done for decades, but most of the drivers don't know what they have missed just a few hundred feet away - Utopia.

The unincorporated community of about 47 people is just a speck on the riverbank and an unusual piece of the county's past.

Although the ghost town has never lived up to its name's lofty promise, it has an official distinction now: the Ohio Bicentennial in 2003.

The Ohio Bicentennial Commission recently selected Utopia as one of 53 significant Ohio people, places and events to receive historical markers in the 14th and final round of the 5-year-old Longaberger Legacy Initiative. The project pays for a part of the cost of erecting markers across the state.

Richard Crawford, a local historian, submitted the request for the bronze marker. He said the utopian community was known locally as the Clermont Phalanx. Utopia received the support of Horace Greeley, the New York City newspaperman.

"Utopia was founded in 1844 by followers of French philosopher Charles Fourier," Mr. Crawford said. "He believed in all work and profits to be shared equally. Some local residents joined and the community survived for two years when it was dissolved due to a lack of financial success and `social incapability.'

"John O. Wattles, leader of a society of spiritualists, purchased the land and brought his followers. Wattles had his followers build a two-story brick house on the shore of the Ohio River. A flash flood on Dec. 13, 1847, killed most of Wattles' people. Most of the few survivors left the area. Thus, the idea of a heaven on earth, or a utopia, died."

FAIRFIELD - The last phase of Fairfield Veterans Park will be completed in time for a Memorial Day dedication on May 26.

Bricks purchased by the public will be installed between April 1 and Memorial Day in the Butler County city.

People may participate in the commemorative walkway brick project by buying a brick - $30 for one, $50 for two. Deadline for buying them is March 21.

The bricks can be personalized with individual, family or corporate names, or the name of a loved one who serves or has served in the U.S. military. But you do not have to be a veteran to have a brick in the park.

Information: Angie Johns, 867-5383. Make checks payable to Fairfield Veterans Memorial Park. Mail them to Ms. Johns, 5350 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield OH 45014.

DEERFIELD TWP. - The township presents "Holidays In Deerfield" at the Snyder House in Cottell Park from 1-5 p.m. today in Warren County.

The house, at 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road, will be decked with Christmas trees and lights. Admission: one canned food item or a voluntary monetary donation that will be given to local charities.

"Holidays In Deerfield" grows larger each year. This year's event will feature pianist Jarrod Adamson, sleigh rides, the Kings Vocal Jazz Ensemble and A Cappella Choir, the West Chester Woodwind Trio, the Kings Mills Elementary School Chorus, singer Dorothy Rice Jones and, of course, Santa Claus.

WILLIAMSBURG - Harmony Hill Association has published a historical calendar for 2003, featuring 14 rare scenes of Williamsburg shot in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

"All the pictures are from private collections and most have never before been published," said Izella Cadwallader of Harmony Hill.

The calendar also includes many important historical facts and dates of interest to Clermont County residents.

The cost is $10. Calendars may be purchased at Bank One and the National Bank and Trust on Main Street in Williamsburg.

If you want to purchase directly from the association by mail, call 724-7824 or 724-7790.

LOVELAND - "Christmas In Loveland" will be celebrated from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 21.

Hope Baptist Church will present a live Nativity scene. There will also be music, Santa and open shops in Olde Loveland. Free carriage rides will be offered across the bridge to and from the Loveland Historical Museum.

Streets will be lined with luminarias and the Loveland Stage Co. will present a melodrama, "Keep the Home Fires Burning," in the newly renovated Crist Theater.

Visitors may park for free at the museum, at Park and Riverside drives.

It will be decorated in the Victorian style and host Richard Shaver's train display, a Christmas Remembered exhibit, children's activities led by the Girl Scouts, and caroling. Information: 683-5692.

Randy McNutt's community column appears on Saturday. Contact him at the Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester OH 45069. Telephone: 755-4148. Fax: 755-4150.