NEW RICHMOND - The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration - a celebration of the famous duo's expedition to discover America - will be held Sept. 27-30 in this Clermont County village.

The Discovery Expedition, made up of about 50 re-enactors from St. Charles, Mo., will arrive in New Richmond on Sept. 26 for the Heritage Festival.

Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and company passed through the Cincinnati area from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, stopping to buy supplies and collect archaeological samples at the Big Bone Lick prehistoric site in Boone County.

The modern group will follow Lewis and Clark's trail from Monticello, Va., and end up at the mouth of the Columbia River in 2006.

At an encampment in New Richmond, the Discovery Expedition will join with members of the Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee, school groups, artisans, performers and regional crafters. Grassy Run, one of the county's most active historical societies, will provide an authentic 1790-1815 encampment. Period items and skills will be displayed.

Students from school districts along the Ohio River will be invited to participate in programs and activities.

The Shawnee Remnant Band will explain its view of the expedition and provide educational displays and demonstrations.

Guest speakers will include Fred Shaw (Neeake), Shawnee historian and storyteller, and Steve Free, a Shawnee and Appalachian folk singer who will perform "Down in Ohio" with his music group.

The song is one of five nominated for Ohio's official bicentennial song.

Also appearing: James Alexander, author of Follow the River and Sign Talker, and Dark Rain Thom, a member of the National Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Council and the Council of Tribal Leaders.

A map-brochure, "The Bicentennial Commemoration for the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery 2003-2006," is available at no charge from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "The brochure has been so well-received that we're reprinting it," said Charles Parrish, a spokesman.

It details the original participants, their equipment, routes and other pertinent information. To obtain a copy, send an e-mail request to Charles.e.parrish@lrl02.usace.army.mil.

HAMILTON - The Hamilton Rotary Club will present Rotary Rentals, an auction of talents and services as a fund-raiser for the YMCA Teen Center.

It will be held at 6 p.m. June 4 at Hughes Center at Camp Campbell Gard.

The event will feature live music, a catered dinner, and live and silent auctions.

Information: Paul E. Thoms, 863-8873. E-mail: PEThoms@aol.com.

HAMILTON - Billed as the only Mozart festival in the Midwest, the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra's 7th annual Mozart Festival will be held April 25-27.

"What started as a dream has grown into a three-day, over-the-top celebration of one of music's greatest geniuses," said conductor Paul Stanbery.

It starts April 25 with an art show, concert and reception from 6-9 p.m. at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue. Admission is free.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 26, visitors will take a bus tour of the City of Sculpture (including a box lunch, $15 per person). At 5 p.m., a free chamber concert will be performed at the Presbyterian Church, 23 Front Street, and a Feast and Frolic Dinner with Mozart and Elvis will be held from 6-10 p.m. at the Hamiltonian, 1 Riverfront Plaza. Admission, $35 per person.

On April 27, the Mozart Grand Finale Concert will start at 4 p.m. at St. Julie Billiart Church, 224 Dayton St. Mozart's The Magic Flute will be presented free. No reservations are required.

Information: 895-5151.

BATAVIA - Karlen Topping will discuss her walk across the Appalachian Trail from 12:30-3 p.m. today at Clermont College. The talk is sponsored by Clermont County Hikers and Walkers and the Clermont College Women's Center.

Topping walked the trail last year - about 2,186 miles.

"There were a lot of hazards," said Lillian Benson of the Hikers and Walkers. "She will talk about her experiences and show a film."

The talk is free and open to the public, but only 70 seats are available. If you want to attend, e-mail Benson this morning at lillianb@fuse.net, or call her at 753-0607.

LOVELAND - The Loveland Historical Society Museum's yard sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8-9. The museum is at 201 Riverside Dr.

The gift shop will also be open that day.

Information: 683-5692.

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - Great Oaks Trail in Winton Woods is less than a mile long, but it has plenty of spring wildflowers. At 9 a.m. April 19, a park naturalist will lead visitors on a walk of the trail to appreciate the spring's bounty and search for special wildlife.

Hikers can meet at the trailhead.

Information: 521-PARK.

Randy McNutt's community columns appear on Saturday and cover Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties. Send items to him at the Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.