2008 Ottawa County Calendar of Events
On-going Events
Open Air Ministry
Catawba/Port Clinton
“Come as You Are - Worship in Your Car”
MonAmi Restaurant & Historic Winery
Open Air Worship 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Sundays
May 25 - September 21
Marblehead Lighthouse Tour Schedule
Marblehead
Come tour the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes!!
Tours May 27- August 29 Monday through Friday 1 p.m.- 4:45 p.m.
Additional tours 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. are held on the following Saturdays:
May 10
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
Riverfront Live!
Port Clinton
N Madison St/Stensen Memorial Plaza, Port Clinton, OH 43452, 419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday
June 6th- August 30th
Free, live outdoor music every Friday and Saturday June through August!
Bird Walks
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Oak Harbor
The Bird Walks will be taking place at 8:30 am on Saturdays April 19th until May 24. Visit www.friendsofmageemarsh.org for more information.
January
February
FEBRUARY 9
Firelands Winery Annual Wine & Chocolate Open House,
Sandusky
917 Bardshar Road
419-625-5474
Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Fine Wines, exquisite chocolates, and scrumptious desserts. Find the perfect Valentines Day gift in our gift shop.
FEBRUARY 28- MARCH 16
Playmakers Civic Theater presents “The King and I”
Port Clinton
419-734-1490, www.playmakers.portclinton.com
Performances: Thurs-Sat: 8 pm, Sundays: 2 pm
Royalty and romance in an exotic land of many years past. Stunning costumes and memorable melodies create a spectacular palette of sight and sound.
March
MARCH 14
Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce Foundation Reverse Raffle
Port Clinton
Camp Perry Clubhouse 1000 Lawrence Rd
419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
6 p.m.-?
Jackpot is 1/3 of the ticket sales, which could be up to $10,000! Additional prizes, sideboard raffle, bingo, and more. Only 300 tickets sold for raffle, so come early!
MARCH 14-16
Great Lakes Home and Flower Show
Kalahari Resort, Sandusky
MARCH 15
Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Easter Candy Hunt
Oak Harbor
178 W. Water St.
419-898-0479
2 p.m.
MARCH 17
St. Patrick's Day at the Bay
Put-in-Bay
Come celebrate St. Patrick's day in Island style!
April
APRIL 11-13
Lake Erie Wing Watch
BGSU Firelands College, Huron
Join area naturalists, guest speaker Bill Thompson III – editor of Bird Watcher’s Digest and fellow bird watchers for a weekend of natural wonders. Exhibits, workshops and nature hikes focus on bird watching hints and habitats. www.lakeeriewingwatch.com
APRIL 20
Red Horse Rocks Ottawa County
200th Red Horse Squadron
Free for area Teens ages 14-19 Leadership Ottawa County class of 2008 in partnership with the 200th RED HORSE Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard is hosting an action packed leadership orientation day for area teens, ages 14-19 from 1pm-8pm at the 200th RED HORSE Squadron, Port Clinton. Free event for teens. The day consists of a Job, College and Community Fair. Ottawa County Pizza Challenge- local pizza vendors will offer a free tasting of their specialty pizzas; teens vote " Best Pizza of Ottawa County". Also included in the day will be Leadership seminars and educational briefings, job opportunities for teens, college booths, a Guitar Hero Competition and end the day with, " Battle of the Bands" competition. Registration at time of admission for free entrance into the event, door prizes, prizes for Guitar Hero Winners along with Cash prizes awarded to top 3 three winners of the Battle of the Bands. Currently we have 6 bands in competition. Please see our website for more information: http://www.myspace.com/redhorserocksottawacounty
APRIL 26
Welcome Back Fish Fry
Kelleys Island
APRIL 26 & 27
13th Annual Buckeye Regional & 11th Annual Ohio State Chili Cook-Offs
Downtown Port Clinton
Food, kid's games, entertainment, and more.
Event opens at 11 a.m. each day.
APRIL 29
Blessing of the Fleet
Put-in-Bay
The 22nd annual gathering of boats and aircraft servicing the island to be blessed for the new season. Even held at Jet Express dock downtown. Coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and donuts will be served on the dock beginning at 11 a.m.
May
MAY 3
Walk MS
Sandusky
Erie Co. Senior Center
1-800-FIGHT MS
Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., lunch following walk
Join the National MS Society for a 1,2, or 5 mile walk in Sandusky and help create a world free of MS.
MAY 3-4
Free Fishing Days
State Wide
All Ohio residents fish free both days!
MAY 8
Jet Express Point Pelee Birdwatching Trip
Port Clinton
1-800-245-1538
MAY 8-18
Playmakers Civic Theater presents, “The Senator Wore Pantyhose”
Port Clinton
419-734-1490, www.playmakers.portclinton.com
Performances: Thurs-Sat: 8 pm, Sundays: 2 pm
A zany, farcical presidential campaign certain to keep you laughing all evening. Crazy? Yes! But it may make more sense than the political advertising we’ll be exposed to next spring!
May 10
Lakeside Daisy Day Festival
Marblehead
James Park
Lakeside Daisy Day celebrates the blooming of the endangered Lakeside Daisy at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources preserve located in Marblehead. This is the only place in the United States in which it grows naturally! Festival hours are 8am - 6pm. There will be a pancake breakfast, kids’ activities, a Daisy 5K Run, LaFarge Quarry Tours, plant sale and many other activities. Visit www.lakesidedaisy.com for more information.
MAY 10
International Migratory Bird Day
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Oak Harbor
Come out and enjoy wagon rides, songbird banding, see live birds of prey and spectacular bird watching opportunities. Food will be available. Local conservation organization displays and an optic tent will be set up. A fun day for the whole family! Call 419-898-0960 or visit www.friendsofmageemarsh.org for more information.
MAY 11
Family Fishing Fun Day
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Bring Mom and a picnic lunch out to the pond on Mother’s Day for a fun day of fishing in East Harbor’s stocked pond. Bait provided. This activity is for the kids to fish. Adults are permitted to fish after the kid’s program.
MAY 11-17
Nest with the Birds
Kelleys Island
MAY 17
Queen Victoria Day and Island Garage Sale
Put-in-Bay
Queen Victoria's Birthday celebration marks the kick-off to the summer season. Join us for the 6th annual Victoria Weekend "Put-in-Bay Poker Run" held from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. and the "Downtown Scavenger Hunt" from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. An Island Garage Sale will also be held from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Map with locations for sales will be distributed on the day of the event.
MAY 22-26
Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival
Port Clinton
Water Works Park, Perry St.
419-734-4386, www.walleyefestival.com
Thurs: 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sun: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Mon: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The 28th Annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival gets underway with an array of free live concerts, kids fishing derby, parade, educational programs, and activities, carnival rides, and more than 130 vendors from around the nation. Never in short supply, delicious food and beverages will be enjoyed by all. This is the perfect summer kick-off!
MAY 23-24
Memorial Day Weekend
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
7:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.
Join us for some family activities and a dance to kick off the camping season. The dance is scheduled for Saturday in front of the Nature Center.
MAY 26
Memorial Day
Put-in-Bay
11 a.m.
Memorial Day Service at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.
June
JUNE6-8
South Bazss Island Kayak Rendezvous
Put-in-Bay
The 4th annual rendezvous features eco-tourism on the Erie Islands. This year's event will be held from June 6-8 at South Bass Island State Park. All kayakers are invited to make reservations with the State Park to camp and paddle for the weekend. More than 75 kayakers are expected to join in for a weekend of group dinners, paddling instruction by certified instructors, group touring and socializing. For more information visit: www.southbassrendezvous.com
JUNE 7
2nd Annual East Harbor Friends 5K Fun Run/Walk
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Sponsored by The Friends of East Harbor State Park in conjunction with the Firelands Area Runners.
JUNE 7
Experience the Thrill of Flight!
Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport
9 a.m. to Noon
419-341-1503
The EAA Young Eagles program has provided more than 1 million young people between the ages of 8 and 17 the experience of flight, and we think you're an ideal candidate. The flight is FREE, safe and flown by a licensed and experienced volunteer pilot whose life has been enhance by aviation.
www.youngeagles.org
JUNE 8
5K & 10K Run
Kelleys Island
JUNE 5-8
14th Annual Phlocking of the Phaithful
Put-in-Bay
Jimmy Buffett where are you? Featuring several singer/songwriters whose music can be compared to that of Jimmy Buffett. Island headquarters is Mr. Ed's Bar at the Commodore Resort. Must be registered in advance.
www.phlocking.com
JUNE 13-15
Civil War Encampment
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Reenactments of the life and times during the Civil War including engagements between Confederate and Union troops.
JUNE 14
Auction-O-Rama
Put-in-Bay
419-285-2804
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum has hundreds of items for sale to the highest bidder at their 2008 "Auction-O-Rama" to be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall. The auction is open to the public.
JUNE 14
5th Annual Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade
Put-in-Bay
Benefit for Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. $10 entry fee per pooch. Prizes for cutest, smallest, largest, most talented, individual best dressed, group best dressed, dog and owner look-a-like and most unique. Registration begins at 1 p.m. at the DeRivera Park Gazebo.
JUNE 14
"Island Open" Volleyball Tournament at Middle Bass
Middle Bass Island
the 8th annual "Island Open" volley ball tournament will be held at St. Hazard's on Middle Bass Island. The Miller Ferry services Middle Bass from the mainland the the Sonny S transports passengers betwee Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass.
JUNE 14
Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Art and Craft Show
Port Clinton
Downtown Port Clinton
419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Approximately 80 vendors, covering two city blocks, selling handcrafted items.
JUNE 21
Lakeside Chautauqua Season Opening Night
JUNE 21
5th Annual Browns Backers Rib Cook-off
Put-in-Bay
11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Meet former players from the Cleveland Browns along with The Bone Lady, Big Dawg, Mobile Dawg, and Brownie the Elf. Great food and live band, as well as door prizes. The event will be held at Skyway on Put-in-Bay.
JUNE 22
Portage River Festival
Elmore
Depot Park, 353 Ottawa St.
419-260-1282
10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Good entertainment, fun-filled events, bands, re-enactments, and a giant car show help Elmore celebrate 157 years of history!
JUNE 25
Lakeside Garden Tour
JUNE 28-29
2008 Bike MS Reeves Northrup Memorial Bike to the Bay
This is the premier cycling event in the Northwest Ohio region taking riders along some of the most scenic back roads in northwest Ohio. For more information call the National MS Society's Northwestern Ohio Chapter at (419) 897-9533.
July
JULY 1 - July 6
Ford Tri-Motor Rides
Erie Ottawa Regional Airport
www.flytheford.org
A unique opportunity to experience one of the world's first mass produced airliners. Tickets are $50 a seat and rides will be given daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JULY 4-6
Fourth of July Festivities
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Join us for a beach party and dance on Friday evening, then enjoy a great view from our beach of the fireworks occurring in neighboring communities. On Saturday, a car show will be a highlight of the day.
JULY 4
Lakeside Parade and Fireworks
JULY 4
Fourth of July!
Put-in-Bay
2008's July 4th celebration begins with a Naturalization Ceremony at the Perry Victory Visitor Center at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be over the downtown harbor.
JULY 4
Port Clinton Area 4th of July Celebration
Port Clinton
Adams St Park/Water Works Park
Start the celebration off right with a parade beginning at 3 p. m. and the Community Concert Band at 4 p. m. both at Adams St. Park. The concert and parade is also accompanied by an Ice Cream Social (3:30 p. m. - 5:30 p. m.), an All Ages DJ Dance and Skate Party (3:30 p. m. - 10:30 p. m.) as well as the Lions Club Fish Trailer (3:30 p. m. - 10:30 p. m.). Finish the day off right with Firekworks beginning at dusk at Water Works Park.
JULY 5
Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration
Oak Harbor
419-898-0479
JULY 6-AUGUST 2
National Rifle & Pistol Trophy Matches,
Camp Perry, Port Clinton
419-635-2141
Competitors from all around the world come here to compete in National Pistol and Rifle Matches. The CMP also has events that locals come to, these are just fun matches that you don’t have to be the best.
JULY 7-20
Playmakers Civic Theater presents, “On Golden Pond”
Port Clinton
419-734-1490, www.playmakers.portclinton.com
Performances: Thurs-Sat: 8 pm, Sundays: 2 pm
This warm, sensitive drama will touch your heart as Ethel and Norman Thayer reminisce about their previous summers spent together on Golden Pond. Reality, however, has a way of intruding on memories. But today’s realities become tomorrow’s treasures. A touching story indeed.
JULY 8-12
Ohio Chautauqua 2008 Inventors and Innovators,
Port Clinton
Various locations throughout Port Clinton
419-734-0815, www.ohiohumanities.org/chaut
Hosted by the Port Clinton Cinema and Theatre Society (PC CATS), scholars/presenters will explore the lives/legacies of those who helped shape our modern world. Youth/Family Day workshops at Ida Rupp Public Library, with evening program at various locations. Evening program include music at 6 p.m., and a performance at 7 p.m. Please call or visit our website for venues.
JULY 9
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Annual Home Tour
Put-in-Bay
419-285-2804
JULY 11-12
Put-in-Bay Cup
JULY 12
Lakeside Wooden Boat Show and “Plein Air” Paintout
JULY 12
Music at “The Keepers House”: North Coast Concert Band, Marblehead
419-798-5832
“The North Coast Concert Band” and Tralie Henson with “Strings of Glory”. Also, perch and bratwurst dinners complete with homemade ice cream and desserts provided by the Port Clinton Rotary.
JULY 13
Port Clinton Women's Club Arts and Craft Show
Lakeview Park, Port Clinton
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JULY 13-17
I-LYA Junior Sail Regatta
Put-in-Bay
JULY 14-20
Ottawa County Fair
Ottawa County Fair Grounds
JULY 19
BUGFEST!
Bird Center at Magee Marsh
Oak Harbor
From 12-4 pm at the Magee Marsh Bird Center, 13229 W. State Rt. 2., Oak Harbor. Learn about the fascinating world of insects. Five stations will be set up to allow you to explore and discover. Wade into the pond or try an edible bug. Earn your degree in Bugology! Call 419-898-0960 X 31 or visit www.friendsofmageemarsh.org for more details.
JULY 20
Raccoon Run
JULY 24
Lakeside Women’s Club Tour of Homes
JULY 24-26
Lakeside Annual Craft Show
Lakeside
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JULY 25-26
Christmas in July
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
A movie on Friday gets the weekend started, take part in a campsite decorating contest with prizes for best decorated sites (electric and non- electric), come see Santa and the Grinch, and enjoy a dance on Saturday night!
JULY 25-27
Christmas in July
Put-in-Bay
Island businesses decorate for the holiday season. Food and beverage specials in a Christmas Theme. Very popular weekend to visit the islands. Lots of live entertainment and nearly the entire downtown is decorated in the Christmas Spirit.
JULY 25-27
Islandfest
Kelleys Island
JULY 27-30
Deepwater Sail Regatta
Put-in-Bay
JULY 30-31
Power Boat Regatta
Put-in-Bay
JULY 31
Lakeside Symphony Orchestra Opening Night
August
AUGUST 1-3
I-LYA Senior Sailing Races
Put-in-Bay
AUGUST 1-2
New Year’s Eve
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
What comes after Christmas? Bring in the New Year, including a DROP on Friday night!
AUGUST 2
Lakeside Symphony Orchestra with Pointe of Departure Ballet
AUGUST 2
Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Jerry Lippus Memorial Classic Car and Truck Show
Port Clinton
Madison St
419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Over 120 vehicles line the streets of downtown Port Clinton as proud owners display their classic cars and trucks. Food, music, and fun!
AUGUST 2-3
Arts in the Park
Lakeview Park, Port Clinton
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
This is the 52nd year for the show. This annual event showcases fine art and original, handcrafted work from over 150 vendors.
AUGUST 3
Ice Cream Social with Genoa American Legion Band
AUGUST 4-5
Kelly Miller Circus
Kelleys Island
AUGUST 6-20
Lakeside Photography Show
AUGUST 7
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society North Bass Island Tour
North Bass Island
Travel to North Bass Island for an historical tour of the smallest of the Lake Erie Bass Islands. Includes ferry passage and lunch on North Bass.
419-285-2804
AUGUST 8-11
Light Up Lakeside Weekend
AUGUST 11
Lakeside Symphony Candlelight Showcase
AUGUST 16
Conservation Day
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Celebrate Lake Erie with fun and educational “hands on” activities to improve our environment. Events include kid’s crafts, face painting, displays and free giveaways!
AUGUST 16
6th Annual Middle Bass Island Volleyball Tournament
Middle Bass Island
Volleyball players will descend on Middle Bass Island a second time this season to battle for a tournament title in the 6th annual Middle Bass Island Volleyball Tournament. Play is at St. Hazard's Beach Resort.
AUGUST 16-17
Lakeside Gladiolus Show
AUGUST 17
Holy Assumption Halupki Festival
Marblehead
Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, 114 E. Main St.
11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.
The 52nd Annual Halupki Festival features a halupki (stuffed cabbage roll) and ham dinner as well as international a-la-carte offerings including perohi, halushki, bratwurst, European style baked goods, live polka music, dancing, and children’s activities.
AUGUST 23
Lions Perch Festival
Marblehead
James Park
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Drawings and prizes all day, $2008 cash grand prize, Lake Erie perch, desserts by local churches, craft vendors, entertainment, parade, and children’s games.
AUGUST 23
Lakeside Antique Show
AUGUST 23
Put-in-Bay Volleyball Classic
Put-in-Bay
For more than 25 years, volleyball players have competed in this day-long tournament held at McCann Field on Toledo Ave. near downtown. More than 1,500 players will compete in several divisions.
AUGUST 29-30
Labor Day Weekend Activities
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
As the camping season winds down, join us for various fall activities and a dance on Saturday night.
AUGUST 29
Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Oak Harbor
178 W. Water St.
419-898-0479, www.oakharborohio.net
AUGUST 30
Lakeside Barbershop Quartet Festival
AUGUST 30-31
Perch, Peach, Polka, and Pierogi Festival
Port Clinton
Madison St.
Sat: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.
This gala event will feature live polka music, the Rotary Perch wagon, all different types of pierogis, peach treats, a community bake sale, and a Small Fry Carnival for the kids. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. Free polka lessons will get you out on the dance floor. Try your luck at sliding pierogis into 8-foot tall Babushka Betty’s mouth! The Pierogi eating contest is sure to get you cheering. A cornhole tournament will also be held.
AUGUST 31
Lakeside Chautauqua Season Closing Ceremony and Fireworks
September
SEPTEMBER 6
Butterfly Festival
Kelleys Island Historical Society
419-746-2258
SEPTEMBER 6
Grub & Suds Motorcycle Event
Elmore
Depot Park, 353 Ottawa St.
10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Live bands, a poker run, bike games and contests, plus lots of beer and food combined with over 1,000 motorcycles, make this a fun-filled, must attend event!
SEPTEMBER 6-7
Historical Weekend
Put-in-Bay
Activities and events at the Perry Memorial. Grand Parade on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. includes local high school bands and island antique and classic cars. War of 1812 military encampment with musket and cannon firing demonstrations will be held near the monument. Saturday evening will be topped off with a performance by the Toledo Symphony at 6:30 p.m. Bring a cushion or a chair.
SEPTEMBER 6
Arts in the Park
Put-in-Bay
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Area and regional artists, photographers, potters, painters, silversmiths, fabric artists and more will display and sell their work. The event will be held at DeRivera Park.
SEPTEMBER 7
The Great Lake Escape
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
In sponsorship with Fat Rabbit Racing - This event is a triathlon with a 1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run, (Olympic distance) For info go to www.fatrabbitracing.com
SEPTEMBER 8
Stone Lab 11th Annual Open House
Put-in-Bay/Gibraltar Island
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
419-285-1800
The Friends of Stone Lab will host the 11th annual one-day open house for the public. Free transportation will be provided from The Ohio State University Research Building to Gibraltar Island. This free event includes tours of the South Bass Island Lighthouse, Stone Lab, and the Aquatic Resource Center.
SEPTEMBER 13
New Year's Eve at the Bay
Put-in-Bay
Join local establishments this evening for holiday festivities and Monte Carlo street games downtown from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 13
Treasure Island Day
Kelleys Island
SEPTEMBER 15
Dive! Put-in-Bay Harbor Clean up
Put-in-Bay
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join us for the 16th annual clean-up of Put-in-Bay's downtown harbor. More than 70 divers and an anticipated 300 land support volunteers will help in this project.
SEPTEMBER 20
Trash Attack
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Come and help clean two miles of the beach at East Harbor State Park. Event will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Meet at the camp store at 10 a.m. for registration, directions, and bags. This event is part of the 2008 International Coastal Cleanup.
SEPTEMBER 20
5th Annual Miller Boat Line 5K at the Bay
Put-in-Bay
Join more than 400 runners in a challenging race around the island. Proceeds benefit Mother of Sorrows Church. Race start and registration at Boathouse Bar & Grille, downtown Put-in-Bay
5K begins at 9:30 AM
1 Mile Family Fun Walk begins at 9:15 AM
$18 pre register, $25 late register, family discount available, visit www.hermescleveland.com
SEPTEMBER 20
Autumn Sidewalk Sale
Put-in-Bay
Island merchants participate in an Autumn Sidewalk Sale, the big end of the season sale on Put-in-Bay. End of the season bargains and fall and Christmas merchandise. Great time to shop for Christmas gifts and seasonal items!
SEPTEMBER 20
Feather and Foliage Bird Festival
Kelleys Island
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 21
North Coast Walk to Cure Diabetes
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
Join us at our South Beach parking lot for a worthy cause and take part in a walk that will benefit you as well as those with diabetes. Call Mary Brown, the Walk Chair at 419-732-2451 for information.
SEPTEMBER 26-28
Port Clinton Area Harvest Festival
Port Clinton
Madison St.
Fri: 5p.m.- 11 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m.- 11 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Hometown party by the people, for the people with arts, crafts, food court and more. The Festival is free and open to the public.
SEPTEMBER 27
Half-way to St. Patty's Day
Put-in-Bay
8th annual celebration of the half-way mark to St. Patrick's Day. Celebration centers around island businesses promoting Irish food and beverages. Join the fun and festivities and celebrate the Irish.
SEPTEMBER 27
"Come Back to the Bay" Homecoming Weekend
Put-in-Bay
Island businesses are extending an invitation for former employees to "come back to the Bay" this weekend for a Put-in-Bay homecoming. Check back as plans unfold for a South Bass Island wide homecoming.
SEPTEMBER 27
Elmore Autumn Festival
Elmore
This year's event will take place in Elmore's downtown district beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m. An outdoor Craft Show will also be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. This fun-filled day will include a motorcycle toy run around 2 p.m. and entertainment by various local bands and dance groups as well as games for the kids and food and beverage. St. Charles Mercy Health van will also be on hand conducting health screenings.
October
OCTOBER 3-4
Halloween Campout (WEEKEND #1)
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
This is fun for everyone! Have a ghoulish time with a bonfire, dance, scarecrow building contest, campsite decorating contest, a cookout, haunted house, haunted walk, kid’s crafts, games, hayrides and more!
OCTOBER 4
7th Annual Island Wine Festival
Put-in-Bay
419-285-2804
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Representatives from wineries across the US will be on hand for festival goers to sample more than 250 of their wines. Entry is $5 with samples ranging from $1-$10 and wines costing $10-$130 a bottle. Great silent auction items including vacation packages, large bottles of wine, ect.
OCTOBER 4-5
Fall Bay Regatta
Put-in-Bay
Come enjoy the fall weather and watch the annual fall sailing race. This race is now in its 28th season.
OCTOBER 10-11
Halloween Campout (WEEKEND #2)
East Harbor State Park
419-734-4424 ext. 2
This is fun for everyone! Have a ghoulish time with a bonfire, dance, scarecrow building contest, campsite decorating contest, a cookout, a seriously spooky haunted house, a wild Haunted Walk, kid’s crafts and games, hayrides and more!
OCTOBER 11
Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Lighthouse Festival & Lakeside Fall Festival
Lakeside
Wesley Lodge
10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
OCTOBER 11-12
Apple Festival
Oak Harbor
Downtown
OCTOBER 11-12
Annual Island Oktoberfest
Put-in-Bay
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
German-style festivities, lots of food, live entertainment for the entire family. Held under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park. Maxx Band plays polka and German music both days. German beer and wine and everything from sauerbraten to wiener schnitzel, to spaetzel and German chocolate cake!
OCTOBER 24
Halloween
Kelleys Island
OCTOBER 25
Tombstone Derby Motorized Casket Racing
Elmore
Depot Park, 353 Ottawa St.
4 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Live bands, a hearse and car show, magic show, and Halloween games and activities are all part of the fun which features motorized casket races!
OCTOBER 25
Halloween Spooktacular
Port Clinton
TBA 419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
For children up to and including grade 5. Costume parade, crafts, games, candy, and more!
OCTOBER 25
Halloween at the Bay
Put-in-Bay
Downtown taverns decorate with a theme for Halloween. Hundreds of people in costume. Some establishments have costume contests and give cash prizes. The island's last big weekend.
November
NOVEMBER 4
Bed & Breakfast Tour
Port Clinton
NOVERMBER 28-29
Holiday Bizarre
Kelleys Island
NOVEMBER 29
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Oak Harbor
419-898-0479
December
DECEMBER 7
Community Christmas Celebration
Port Clinton
Adams Street Park
419-734-5503, www.portclintonchamber.com
5:30 p.m.
Community singing, Santa, hot chocolate, and cookies, plus holiday fun!
DECEMBER 13
Firelands Winery Annual Holiday Open House
