"This city located between Dayton and Cincinnati is a close-knit community with all the amenities of a full-service city rich in natural and human resources. Diversity in leisure activities keeps many Middletown residents close to home. The city has 346 acres of parkland. Of that, 297 acres are developed, featuring public golf courses, swimming pools, soccer and baseball complexes, basketball and tennis courts, picnic shelters, a fitness trail system and a scenic overlook. A community center provides indoor activities. Adding to the recreational options will be a 5-mile bike path along the Great Miami River. With Middletown's access from major highways along with its sports facilities, the city is popular for several youth sports tournaments. Middletown Sportsmen's Club, one of the largest in the Midwest, attracts major sport shooting matches throughout the year. The most unusual is Guns of August. About 500 shooters come to town complete with guns, cowboy and cowgirl costumes and a few horses. To compete, each shooter must be in costume and use authentic, historic firearms. Cultural events are also strong in Middletown as the city has its own Middletown Symphony Orchestra and the Middletown Arts Center. Sorg Opera Company, Rising Phoenix Theatre Company and Middletown Lyric Theatre are also well-established performance groups. A major draw to the city is Middfest International, which is held the first weekend in October. Middfest features a different culture each year. Individual countries are usually featured, but in honor of its silver anniversary, Middfest will feature the indigenous people of the world. Food, art, music, dance, history, religion and other elements of the featured cultures are included in the events."