In the mid 1960's someone had a dream.... Wasn't there something that could be done about combating the negative perception of the East Liverpool area? Wasn't there some way to point out to local residents, as well as tourists, the wealth of history that surrounds the area, a history of which East Liverpool area residents could be proud? Shouldn't someone highlight the local potteries around which the area communities were built? Couldn't the community do something to emphasize the area's beautiful scenery and fine traditions?

These questions were answered when an idea to promote the East Liverpool area and the pottery industry with a "Ceramic Festival" originated in the Tourist and Trade Committee of the East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce. However, the Committee learned that another of the local communities was trying to promote a "Pottery Show" and decided not to pursue a Festival at that time.

The idea never died out and when plans did not materialize for the neighboring community's "Pottery Show", the East Liverpool Merchant's Association went to the Chamber of Commerce and suggested reviving the proposal for a festival in East Liverpool. The Chamber took up the idea and began to move towards holding a Festival as a community project. The idea captured the imagination of the local citizenry and especially H. Jud English, head of the Tourist and Trade Promotion Committee for the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. English sought and gained support for the Festival from businesses, local government, and scores of volunteers.

With Mr. English acting as a driving force, the Tri-State Pottery Festival was officially born as a non-profit organization recognized by the state of Ohio on February 29, 1968. Mr. English served as the Festival's first elected President, and E. R. Chandler served as Secretary-Treasurer.

That first year the organization's goal was to put together a Festival that was entertaining, informative, and most importantly, enduring. The Tri-State Pottery Festival has been held in the streets of downtown East Liverpool the third week of June each year since.

Through the years many people, volunteers and events have come and gone and come back again. However, the dominant theme year after year after year is to bring local communities together from throughout the Tri-State area in a celebration of the industry from which these communities literally owe their origin.