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September 2010 Newsletter

September 3rd, 2010

Welcome to our new e-newsletter

Harvest Time for Lake & Ashtabula Counties

People eating on the shores of Lake ErieA Lake County Covered BridgeBoth grapes and Perch will be harvested in Ashtabula and Lake Counties this month. As the largest winery district in Ohio, Ashtabula and Lake County wineries will be very busy harvesting grapes for wine production. This summer’s warm weather has resulted in a bountiful crop. Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy the peak activity of the wineries at harvest time.

Perch will be netted and ready to be fried at the Lake County PerchFest™, Ohio’s largest Lake Erie yellow perch fish fry, September 10-12, at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. What a tasty way to welcome fall!

September 2010 CONTENTS

Harvest Time for Lake & Ashtabula Counties

Lake County PerchFest™ Frying Over a Ton of Perch
September 10-12, 2010

Madison’s September Tidbits

The Willoughby Ghost Walk
Now in its 3rd season!

Life-Size Balloon Farm at Farmpark

New Tastes Brought to Lake County by New Winery

Get the Real Story of Ohio Clambakes!

Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show

Mentor’s Boutique Inn

Oktoberfest and Train Show at Railroad Museum

Family Friendly Perry Fall Festival

Treasures of Lawnfield: The Museum Collect at James A. Garfield NHS—A 30th Anniversary Celebration

Kites on the Lawn – Debonne Vineyards

Woofstock

Lake County Published in International Magazine

Chagrin River Rendezvous

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We are giving advance notice to all travelers that fall foliage is spectacular in both counties. Lake County will feature a fall foliage tour with 15,000 acres of public access to a blended canvas of trees and leaves. Lake County’s foliage season lasts longer than most, but that doesn’t mean you should wait!

Ashtabula’s major event this September is the Grape Jamboree, September 25 and 26, in Geneva. The Grape Jamboree celebrates 47 years of the concord grape, the backbone of the startup and growth of this region as a major grape producer.

Lake and Ashtabula Counties are blessed with major fruit farms producing large amounts of fresh fruit, especially apple varieties not seen in other locations. Travel Route 2 to Route 20 of Lake and Ashtabula to discover fresh fruit along with a pleasant scenic ride. Stop for lunch or visit our wineries along the way.

Other events this fall include the Village Peddler Festival at Lake Metroparks Farmpark September 17 and 18 – an unique event drawing crafters and visitors from the region.

The Lake County Captains, are in the playoffs in September. The Captains are a Cleveland Indians Class A baseball team playing in a $27 million state of the art stadium, “Classic Park”. Congratulations! Check www.captainsbaseball.com for ticket and schedule information.

Charter fishing will also be in full force for perch in Lake and Ashtabula this fall. The jumbos are here, in the deeper, cooler waters of Lake Erie’s Central Basin. Call 800-368-LAKE or 1-800-3-DROP-IN for more information on fishing or any local events.

- Bob Ulas, Executive Director, Lake County Visitors Bureau.
Mark Winchell, Director, Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lake County PerchFest™ Frying Over a Ton of Perch
September 10-12, 2010

Facepainting at PerchFestA crowd of people at PerchFestA small boy and his catch at PerchFestLast September, 2,500 pounds of perch were sold at the Lake County PerchFest™. So this year the Lake County Visitors Bureau is preparing for more guests with additional fish fryers and additional food vendors.

Enjoying a perch dinner right on a Lake Erie beach is one of the charms of the Lake County PerchFest™, Ohio’s largest Lake Erie yellow perch fish fry at the 25 acre Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park.

Again this year, thanks in part to sponsor Dollar Bank, admission is Free. Free admission allows more visitors attend during challenging economic times to discover the east side of Lake Erie.

Fish fry vendor Chris Bennett uses only Lake Erie yellow perch, coated with a light seasoned breading, fried in canola oil. See the full menu here.

Numerous activities take place during the annual tradition. The Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday, noon – 7p.m. ($3.00 adult, $2.00 youth admission). The 28-foot Lake Erie research vessel, North River, will be on display for tours courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Fairport Harbor Fisheries Station. Live entertainment with new bands will play all weekend. And expanded youth activities like a chalk drawing contest are planned to accompany the popular youth fishing tank stocked with perch, bass, trout and bluegill involving parents and children.

Karaoke (with a $500 total purse), Corn Hole, a perch fishing tournament for youth and adults, Chinese auction and a Classic Car Show (Friday, September 10th) with music by the Samantha Fitzpatrick Band are also scheduled for the weekend.

For further information visit www.perchfest.net or call 800-368-LAKE.

Sponsored by Dollar Bank

Madison Bender

Madison Bender
Social Media Specialist

Madison's September Tidbits: Crafts, Cars and Dancing

The 29th Annual Village Peddler Festival

The Village Peddler Festival is an outdoor marketplace of crafts, food and music, held on Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio.

From what I am told craftsmen from all over Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan will travel to participate in the 29th annual event. Enjoy a stroll down shaded paths of this quaint festival visiting craftsmen and artisans selling American handmade arts and crafts in the styles of traditional, country, Americana, Victorian and primitive.

Crafts stands at the Village Peddler crafts festival.Not only will the air be filled with music but also the aroma of food cooking over open fires, sure to tantalize the appetite. An array of food vendors and a gourmet and harvest market will be on site to please your appetite.

Admission: $7 for adults (12-59), $6 for mature adults (60+) and $4 for children (2-11). Children younger than two are free. Groups and tours are welcome.

9th Annual Mentor Cruise-In

Join the Great Lakes Mall, City of Mentor and local sponsors for the 9th Annual Mentor Cruise In at its new location – Great Lakes Mall. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2–8 p.m. (Rain Date: September 12). The Cruise In features cars and trucks 1985 and older.

The event includes food, music, trophies for category winners, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and more! Registration for cars begins at 11 a.m. This event is absolutely free for spectators; so go and see a great assortment of class cars. For more information call (440) 255-8932.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio/24-Hour Dance Marathon

I learned something new about our area recently, Willoughby is home to a ballroom dance studio – Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Since the spark of interest in social dance recently, I thank popular TV shows, there is a great demand for local opportunities to do what the stars do on TV each week.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studio there are many options for anyone interested including singles or couples (no partner necessary!), private and group lessons, wedding choreography, and social and competition dancing. The programs encompass all styles of ballroom dance both American and international.

Coming up in October, Fred Astaire Dance Studio will host the 24-Hour Dance Marathon – but fundraising starts now to benefit Dancing Classrooms of Northeast Ohio. For more information on this event or the Fred Astaire Dance Studio please call 440-516-7837 or visit the studio online.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio

The Willoughby Ghost Walk
Now in its 3rd season!

Ghost WalkWhen it gets to this time of year people start getting ready for spooky tales and frights. Well, the Willoughby Ghost Walk will definitely give you goosebumps! It is a thrilling tour through the Haunted Historic district of Downtown Willoughby, Ohio.

Take an after dark stroll through a downtown full of haunted tales. Explore the shadow-filled streets as you listen to chilling stories of grave robbers, unexplained happenings and haunted houses that will have you checking over your shoulder and asking “what was that noise?” Visit the cemetery and hear stories of intrigue, sadness and ghostly sightings.

The Willoughby Ghost Walk covers approximately 12 blocks and takes almost 2 hours. Tours operate Friday evenings May-August beginning at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings September-October beginning at 8 p.m. Reservations for the Ghost Walk can be made by calling 440-710-4140 or visiting our Web site. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Life-Size Balloon Farm at Farmpark

Balloon ArtOctober 2 – 17, during regular park hours, guests not only can enjoy the regular Farmpark exhibits, but Switfy’s Farm Balloon Art.

Swifty’s Farm, the nation’s largest indoor balloon art sculpture will be displayed at Lake Metroparks Farmpark as a life-size farm-themed walk-through display made entirely of balloons!

Featured this year are a barn, farm animals, pickup truck, chicken coop, garden, orchard, pond, bi-plane, water tower and an outhouse. This awesome display by Master Balloon Artists takes five days (220 man-hours) to create the displays made up of more than 20,000 balloons!

For more information, call (440) 256-2122 or 800-366-3276 or visit the Web site.

The exhibit is included with regular Farmpark admission.

Admission
Ages 2-11, $4
Ages 60+, $5
Ages 12-59, $6
Children younger than two, Free
Farmpark members, Free

New Tastes Brought to Lake County by New Winery

Wine GlassesLake County Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome Bene Vino, a new boutique winery, to Lake County! Located in Perry, Ohio in a converted warehouse on Main Street, the winery focuses on wines not commonly found in this region.

Bene Vino’s owner and winemaker, Benny Bucci, said, “All the wines are made on the premises” and the winery produces nearly “3,000 gallons per year.” The hopes are to expand production in the future.

Bucci is hoping to release four to five Chilean wines in the next few weeks and Californian wines this fall. Bene Vino’s also uses regional fruit to produce wines popular in Northeast Ohio.

Bene Vino’s does not yet have a food license so visitors are encouraged to bring picnics and snacks to enjoy at the winery. Local restaurant menus are also available and orders can be delivered right to your table!

Every weekend, live musical entertainment is on site. Jazz, blues and acoustic performers hit the stage every Friday and Saturday from 7-11 p.m.

The winery is open every Wednesday and Thursday, 3-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon-11 p.m. Buses and groups are welcome. For more information please call the winery at 216-973-2711.

Get the Real Story of Ohio Clambakes!

This September 26 (1-5 p.m.; serving from 1-3 p.m.) enjoy a traditional clambake in the Western Reserve style. While you are there, get the real story on Clambakes in Ohio, explore the museum and historic village and enjoy musical entertainment. Reservations are needed to attend – call 440-639-2945.

Tickets: $28 members; $33 non-members

More information can be found here.

Menu

Ohio’s best clam chowder donated by Hellriegel’s Inn of Painesville, 1 dz. tender long neck clams, corn, sweet potatoes, succulent BBQ chicken, coleslaw, rolls & butter

Kids meals of hot dog & pizza available.

Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show

Families at the Fall Fest Antique Tractor ShowTractors, corn maze and fall food favorites are part of Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show September 25-26 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

This is a festival of harvest, food and fun for the entire family, features crafters, antique tractors and engines, harvest activities and demonstrations, 3-acre corn maze, a hay maze for the little ones and live music.

Admission

• Ages 2-11, $4

• Ages 60+, $5

• Ages 12-59, $6

• Children younger than 2, Free

• Farmpark members, Free

Festival Attractions

• Apple butter & cider making & tasting

• Live music

• 3-acre corn maze

• Kids’ hay maze

• Grain threshing

• Antique Tractor Show

• Parade of Power

• Fresh harvest soup

• Name that tool

• Historical encampment

• Craft show

• Pony rides ($3)

• All of Farmpark’s daily attractions

• Food and more!

Call 800-366-FARM for more information or visit the Farmpark Web site.

Mentor’s Boutique Inn

Mentor is home to Lawnfield Inn & Suites; imagine part B&B part modern hotel and Lawnfield is what you get. This locally owned and operated inn has a homey feeling. Take the front porch rocking chairs, the fireplaces or the warmly decorated lobby and parlor. Lawnfield Inn & Suites offers comfort and quality to all guests at an affordable rate and is more than just a local hotel.

Lawnfield is a 50 room boutique inn, located in the historic district in Mentor, Ohio. Originally built in 1861, all the rooms are large, comfortable and have the latest amenities for your comfort. Suite information can be found here.

Lawnfield is the perfect getaway accommodation for your next special occasion. Stop by and ask them what they can do for wedding parties, school reunions, family gatherings, and business meeting. Take a virtual tour now!

An ad for the Freddy Cole and his All-Star Quartet at LawnfieldThis month, Lawnfield has a fantastic entertainment opportunity for guests and the local community as well. Vocalist and pianist extraordinaire, Freddy Cole (Nat’s Brother), with his All-Star Quartet will be bringing jazzy melodies to Lawnfield Inn & Suites Friday September 3 at 8 p.m. Cole will be performing music from his new High Note CD “The Dreamer in Me”. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased by calling 440-205-7378.

More information about Lawnfield Inn & Suites

Oktoberfest and Train Show at Railroad Museum

The Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum LogoMentor, Ohio is home to the best model railroad museum you could imagine. The Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum may be tucked behind some industrial buildings off of State Route 2, but the museum is well on its way to filling its massive convention and museum located on Justin Way.

This September 25 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and September 26 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) visit the museum for its Oktoberfest Fall Open House and Train Show. Admission to the museum is always free, and the train show is a separate $7 special event admission fee. Come out and enjoy an afternoon at the largest model railroad museum of its kind with 25 different scales on display and 11 different operating layouts- even stop by the train show at the convention hall attached to the museum.

The live music of the “Erie Heights Brass Ensemble” will play from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. Children can get their faces painted for free from noon-3 p.m. on Sunday. Food and soda will be available in the museum Café catered by Mama Roberto’s. More information can be found on their Web site or by calling 440-251-0350.

Family Friendly Perry Fall Festival

On September 11 and 12 (Noon-8 p.m. Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday) the Perry Fall Festival will take over Perry Village Park and transform it into a quaint hometown festival. As fall comes around don’t miss one of your last opportunities for a Lake County festival filled with vendors, games, food and entertainment, all weekend long; even a Chinese auction with the drawing taking place Sunday at 4 p.m. The festival is free, so bring the family down! Call 440-259-5140 for additional information.

Treasures of Lawnfield: The Museum Collection at James A. Garfield NHSA 30th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m. the James A. Garfield National Historic Site will host the last of four 30th Anniversary events celebrating the site’s preservation efforts led by the National Park Service.

Visit Lawnfield in Mentor, Ohio to get a close-up view of restored objects and spaces in the Garfield Home, led by the curators who performed much of the work. This final 30th anniversary program will trace the restoration of several key family artifacts in the Garfield Home. See before, during and after images of the work done to return these objects to their original appearance.

Eighty percent of the artifacts on display at James A. Garfield NHS are original to the Garfield family and this collection is one of the country’s most complete collections of presidential artifacts. Free of charge. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 440-255-8722.

Kites on the Lawn – Debonne Vineyards

The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites will be at Debonné Vineyards September 25, to showcase some of their highly sophisticated kites. The event takes place 1-5 p.m. weather permitting.

Woofstock

Sunday, September 19, take the family and the family dog to Holden Arboretum for the 2010 Woofstock Furry Walk-A-Thon and Family Festival. Individuals and families are encouraged to run or walk with their dogs for fun and for the cause. The Walk-A-Thon will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by canine games, an agility course, a kids’ activity area, festive live music and a chance for participants to visit many related vendor booths. Bring your favorite canine and join the fun at this popular event. More information can be found by calling 440-946-4400 or visiting Holden Arboretum online.

Lake County Published in International Magazine

Freelance writer Stacey Wittig’s article about Northeast Ohio wineries has been republished in TravelWorld International Magazine.

The article was originally written for a contest for The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The writer who submits the best story about the yearly conference’s host city wins a grand prize provided by the CVB.

In 2009, the host city was Cleveland, Ohio.

Originally published in Lake Erie Lifestyle Magazine, TravelWorld International Magazine has now reprinted the winning article – Take the Guys on This Girls’ Getaway.

Read why Lake County is a fascinating and ideal location no matter what getaway you’re planning!

Chagrin River Rendezvous

History comes alive any time the RamRod Busters make an appearance in Lake County. September 4-5 (Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) the Chagrin River Rendezvous will demonstrate many aspects of 18th and 19th century American life and culture.

The event takes place at Daniels Park in Willoughby, Ohio and will feature an American history rendezvous open encampment 1775-1865 and live firing range.

The encampment is free, but there is a charge for the firing range. Call 440-951-4813 for more information.

HARVEST TIME FOR LAKE & ASHTABULA COUNTIES

 

10 Activities at PerchFest Kids Can’t Miss (Plus a Few More!)

September 2nd, 2010

Outback Ray - PerchFest 2009

There is more than one thing for kids and families to enjoy at next weekend’s Lake County PerchFest here is the short list:

1. Youth Fishing Tank
Bluegill, Trout, Bass and Perch fill the tank and kids, for a small fee, can learn the basics of fishing in a controlled environment.
Saturday and Sunday

2. The Great Brad
A Magic Show that will catch the attention of the young and young at heart.
Saturday: Noon, 2 & 4
Sunday: 1:15 & 3

3. Mr. Joe, Juggler/Puppets:
Saturday: 1, 3 & 5
Sunday: 4 & 6

4. Mr. Tricky
Sunday: 5:00 pm

5. Glitter Tattoos
Sunday, Sept. 12th 5pm to 6pm

6. Outback Ray’s Animal Show
Saturday 6-7p.m.
Sunday 12-1p.m.

7. Lake Metroparks Bird of Prey – Raptor Presentation!
Saturday 2p.m.-5p.m.

8. Sidewalk Chalk Coloring Contest
Saturday 10a.m.–4p.m.

9. Dunk Tank
Sat and Sunday noon to 6p.m. Proceeds go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation


10. Children’s Games – Jumping Bean Inflatables, Bounce House and Slide

11. Youth Tournament Fishing on Lake Erie
Saturday & Sunday come out to Fairport Harbor for a great weekend of fishing and competition!

PRIZES:
1st Prize $100 Gander Mountain Gift Certificate plus $25 Marc’s Gift Certificate
2nd Prize $75 Gander Mountain Gift Certificate plus $25 Marc’s Gift Certificate
3rd Prize $50 Gander Mountain Gift Certificate plus $25 Marc’s Gift Certificate

Fish Measuring Hours: Saturday & Sunday 2-5p.m.
Contest judging courtesy of Chagrin River Salmon Assoc.

Measuring Station Location:
Fairport Harbor Port Authority
5 Water Street, Fairport Harbor

Youth Entry Fee
$1.00

12. The Beach will be open during PerchFest – last weekend of the Summer!

13. Don’t forget to take the kids to the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse – Tours will be open all weekend.

All of this and more is provided in part by our sponsors – Thank You!

 

AMERICAN HERITAGE DINNER THEATRE

August 31st, 2010

Cast of Showtime on the Showboat or Shakespeare Sinks the Ship!

“Showtime on the Showboat or Shakespeare Sinks the Ship!” …say that five times fast! If you can’t, don’t worry, just be sure to catch this hilarious classic melodrama at the Lake County History Center with a vaudeville touch – singing, dancing and mind reading!

Based on actual Lake County history, the play takes place aboard the “City of Erie”, a Lake Erie cruise boat that carried vacationing Clevelanders from the city to Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The plot centers on the nefarious group of characters and the plight of Captain Lucy and her efforts to keep the boat and create a successful show by the time the boat reaches Fairport.

This is the 5th year for the American Heritage Dinner Theatre. This is the biggest bargain in Lake County, $20 includes dinner and the show. The remain show dates are Saturday, September 11; Wednesday, September 15; and Saturday, September 18. So call today for reservations before tickets are gone!

Contact Kathie Purmal 440-639-2945 (exec.director@lakehistory.org) for ticket and show information.

www.LakeHistory.org

 

What Shape is Your Wine Glass?

August 26th, 2010

An example of a decanter design by Riedel Crystal America

If you missed Lake County’s Vintage Ohio the beginning of August then you really missed out. But before the event the Ohio Wine Producers Association held an event for local guests featuring Maximilian Riedel. The News-Herald covers the whole event in detail in an article by Janet Podolak, but I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite parts to share with all you wine enthusiasts.

Riedel is the CEO of the family business, New Jersey-based Riedel Crystal America. While in Lake County he showed guests how “using the finest tools will capture the full potential of” wines.
I didn’t have a clue what was meant by this…you put it in a glass, swirl, sniff, enjoy, right? Not so much.

Riedel has designed and produced many glasses to compliment popular wines that allow tasters to get the true taste and value of the wine. Podolak reports that the shape of a glass is responsible for the flow of the wine and where it touches the tongue’s various taste zones.
We all know this deep down, but how often do you think about the way you eat and drink and how it affects the flavor of what you’re eating?

Riedel also suggested to guests to never use a colored glass and to fill a glass to the one-fourth mark, no matter the size to enjoy the smells appropriately. Guests went through a series of taste tests proving Riedel’s glass shape theory. The full story shares his complete process and I highly suggest reading it.

More information about Riedel Crystal’s glasses please visit the company’s Web site. Wine clubs can also book a tasting by contacting 888-4-Riedel.

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Fall Weekend Getaway Season is Coming Fast

August 24th, 2010

Summer vacation season may be just about over, but that only means fall weekend getaway season is just starting. There are probably more than a few things you don’t know about Lake County Ohio and why it is an amazing destination, and that’s okay, I have plenty of information to share!

Lake County is a great destination or stop along the way for tour buses or groups. Wine trail stops, Captains Baseball, historic landmarks and museums, golf and more can pack a travel itinerary. The Visitors Bureau is more than happy to help tour bus organizations build a custom trip or aid groups in learning more about what a visit to Lake County could offer vacationers of all ages.

Shopaholics can always find their next favorite shop in Lake County. Art galleries, antique shops, and during the warmer seasons, farmer’s markets and garden centers galore! Mentor, Ohio is one of the largest shopping districts in Ohio…guess I know where my holiday shopping will be happening! And where there is shopping there are always restaurants. Lake County has not only variety, but quality in dining including many local wineries.

There are many outdoor activities to choose from. Parks, beaches, charter fishing, and the list goes on. On of the most unique experiences on Lake Erie will allow visitors to paddle their way around Northeast Ohio by canoe or kayak. Choose your course and how many people you are taking with you and get ready for an adventure with the Grand River Canoe Livery. Find more information here or call (800) ME-CANOE.

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse - Fairport Harbor, Ohio

These are just a few things that make Lake County a fun and affordable getaway destination. There are numerous events happening every week that make this an exciting place to visit.

If you would like a weekend away from the kids, a fun girls weekend, a family vacation or even a location for your next business gathering, find out more on our Web site: www.lakevisit.com. Sign up for our e-newsletter while you’re there and stay up to date with all the new happenings in the area then start planning your Lake Erie East Coastal Getaway!

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Three Weeks and Counting

August 19th, 2010

We are only three weeks away from Ohio’s largest yellow perch fish fry – The Lake County PerchFest September 10-12. The schedule keeps growing and vendors are still being added to the line-up. This promises to be quite a festival thanks in part to the support of sponsor Dollar Bank.

Here is what we have lined up…

  • Junior Diabetes Research Foundation classic Car Show

Friday 09/10 from 5-9 p.m.
Top three cars will receive Best of Show Prizes

  • JazzTrio Band

Sunday 09/13 from noon-2 p.m.
This band has been together for 5 years, all three members are currently enrolled in college at Tri-C and Baldwin Wallace and are graduates from St. Edwards High School.
Ray Schmimdt/Jazz Studies Major Tri-C (Bass)
Joe Fasko/Recording Arts Technologies Major, Tri-C (Drums)
Bryan Reichart/Classical Music Studies Major, Baldwin Wallace (Guitar)

  • Corn Hole Tournament

Entry fee of $10
Saturday 09/11 from noon-11 p.m. at the Entertainment Tent
Prizes will be awarded following the Karaoke Contest Sunday evening
Sign up:
At the main entertainment tent:
Friday 09/10 from 5-8 p.m. or Saturday 09/11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Karaoke Contest

Sunday 09/12 from 3-7 p.m.
$600 Total Purse ($300 first, $200 second, $100 third)
FIRST 30 ENTRIES ONLY!
Sign-up:
At the main tent Saturday 09/11 from 1-4 p.m. or Sunday 09/12 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
**Entrants must be 18 or older
Please note: If 30 entrees have not been reached on Saturday then sign-up’s will also be available Sunday noon-1:30 p.m.

Attractions in Fairport Harbor open to the public during PerchFest:

Fairport Marine Museum & Lighthouse Tours
Saturday & Sunday noon–7 p.m.
$3.00 adult, $2.00 youth admission

The 28 foot Lake Erie research vessel, North River, will be on display for tours courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resource Fairport Harbor Fisheries Station.

There is so much more, but I can’t fit it all here at once! Please check back for more updates. Until then if you need more information check out the PerchFest online, on Facebook or call 800-368-LAKE.

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Foursquare what?

August 16th, 2010

So I have started a new endeavor here at the Visitors Bureau – Foursquare. What is Foursquare? Here is a short explanation I hope gets you involved with this fun and interesting social media tool.

Foursquare is what is called a location-based social network. It allows users to add friends, share locations and tips about those locations,  make to do lists and  share updates - similar to Twitter. This is how it works: I use my T-Mobile, Android equip phone (which I still love!) and the built in GPS to find where I am. So when I am in the office the GPS and the Foursquare app to gather information on nearby locations. From there I can choose the Lake County Visitors Bureau and “Check-In”.

It is a game – when I check in to a location I earn points for it. You’ll get more points when you visit different places and explore your area. If you are loyal to certain places, like I am to the Lake County Visitors Bureau, you become Mayor! It sounds odd right? Being mayor is a pretty good deal though, you can earn coupons, specials and bragging rights from some your favorite locations once you become mayor. You also earn badges – like I have earned the “Newbie Badge” and the “Local Badge”. It’s a nice way of seeing how well you are playing the game.

So why is this important? Well it is quite a way to get people involved in their community and talking to each other in a fun way. When I’m stuck in construction on Route 2 – darn right I tell people in my Foursquare circle and on Twitter with one click – it is awful out there some afternoons! This is just a quick overview and here is great video from Foursquare that will help describe the process.

After you create an account add the LCVB as a friend and start checking-in!

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Clay, Metal, Photography and more at Art in the Park

August 13th, 2010

Painesville Art in the Park August 21, 11-5p.m.

I have a “Must See” event for next weekend in Lake County Ohio…

The 9th Annual Art in the Park will take place Saturday, August 21, at beautiful, historic Veteran’s Park in Downtown Painesville from 11a.m. – 5p.m.

Art in the Park features local and regional artists whose works represent many media formats:  Clay, drawings, fiber/textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood creations.

For the day, Veteran’s Park will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery with live and continuous multi-cultural music, as well as food and refreshments from local restaurants for visitors’ enjoyment.

Children will enjoy the Painting Contest, an interactive experience designed for children and families to explore the fun of art.

See all the latest news about the show on Facebook or visit Downtown Painesville’s Web site for more information about Art in the Park.

The City of Painesville Art in the Park is a juried fine art event that is free and open to the public. All the media at Art in the Park are original works and include arts and crafts of the highest quality.

As always, let me know about the events in the area you think everyone should know about that I haven’t covered. I am always looking for local small/family businesses and odd events in Lake County to share with readers.

Thanks!

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Fair Fries, Vendors and Rides…That Means it’s Fair Time!

August 11th, 2010

Everyone has their favorite thing about their county fair. Perhaps the fair fries, drenched in vinegar and so hot they burn your finger tips? But there is a lot more to a county fair than the food. Take Lake County Ohio’s County Fair, for instance. Opening August 17 and running through August 22, there is a jammed pack schedule that no one should miss.

Starting the fair off in a grand way is the traditional Opening Day Parade. Beginning at 6 p.m. in Downtown Painesville and winding its way to a finish at the Fairgrounds – this is the way a fair should be kicked off!

You may be saying that one fair is just like the next; well, I challenge you to say that about Lake County’s. Motosports are ‘bigger and badder,’ no festival could compare! And Tuesday’s Truck pull will blow your mind. No fair around has Super Semis. These bad boys carry a powerplant, over-the-road engine and multiple turbochargers are allowed with maximum of three pressure stages being fed by diesel fuel only. That translates into this: They are tough, and they are powerful and they are big! Don’t miss them.

New to the Fair this year are the Northeast Ohio Dukes – Hazzard County Stunt Show Saturday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. Watch these dare devils duke it out at their only Northeast Ohio appearance this summer.

On opening day admission is free until 3 p.m. and rides open at 2 p.m. this day only. The Red Cross is holding a blood drive to receive free admission to the fair either Saturday or Sunday.

Wednesday, August 18 is Veterans Day. All Veterans are free all day with identification.

Thursday, August 19 bring the kids and grandkids to the fair for Kid’s Day. Anyone under age 18 will be admitted FREE all day.

Friday, August 20 seniors age 60 and older are FREE until 3 p.m. and can enjoy free seniors activities, games and prizes at the World Music Stage beginning at noon. A free seniors lunch will be served at the World Music Stage at noon on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday and Sunday offer an array of activities for the young and the young at heart. Saturday watch the Jackpot Horse Show, or harness horse racing and don’t forget the Northeast Ohio Dukes at 7:30. Sunday at 7 p.m. get to the Grandstand for the Lake County Demo Derby.

Super Semis!

Whether it is live music, the various vendors stretched down the midway, the livestock shows or the games and rides – no one can deny their inner child of the fair…or the fair fries! Visit the Lake County Fair’s Web site for a complete schedule of events and hours and admission costs.

Check out the Lake County Fair on Facebook!

*A reprint from the August 2010 Lake Erie Coastal Gazette

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Off the Beaten Path: Kirtland Temple

August 9th, 2010
Kirtland Temple, site of the Kirtland endowmen...
Image via Wikipedia

As I continue learning things about my new home I can’t help but be curious about the places I pass by on occasion. The Kirtland Temple is one of those places. Here’s the scoop…

Constructed in the 1830s, this was the first temple built by Joseph Smith and his followers. From 1831 to 1838, Kirtland, Ohio, was a bustling community and headquarters of an energetic new religious movement. With great determination and sacrifice, Joseph Smith and his followers constructed a “House of the Lord,” that would act as the center of community life as a place of worship, education and leadership. Although the majority of the Latter Day Saints left Kirtland in 1838, a small number in the community remained behind preserving and maintaining the temple.

Distinctive design features include tiers of elaborately carved pulpits on both ends of large meeting rooms. The temple served as the center of community life for two thousand Latter Day Saints by 1838. Within a year, all but one hundred were gone. A 12,000 square foot Visitor Center uses interactive museum exhibits and video to introduce their story and solve the mystery of their sudden departure.

Today, the historic house of worship is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and has been recognized by The Architects Society of Ohio and The Ohio Historical Society.

The temple is open to all visitors throughout the year (see schedule below). As you plan your trip to Kirtland, consider setting aside time to explore the museum located inside the Kirtland Temple Visitor Center. The museum exhibits a number of artifacts related to the early Kirtland Saints. A few of those items include a piece of original temple stucco, Elizabeth Cowdery’s 1837 Book of Mormon and the 1837 Whitney Store daybook. You may also want to consider time to explore museum store, temple gardens and Kirtland’s historic cemetery located next to the temple.

Specialty tours are offered for visitors. A behind the scenes tour, cemetery tour and historic district tour are available. Get a glimpse of the Kirtland Temple from the basement pillars to the bell tower, hear about the ideas of the early pioneers’ carefully created city plans for Kirtland and learn about the stories of the 19th century Latter Day Saints buried in the cemetery next to the temple. These tours help fundraising efforts used in the preservation of the temple.

Kirtland Temple and Visitor Center Hours:

May-October: Monday-Saturday 9-5p.m., Sundays 1-5p.m.

November-December, March–April: Wednesday-Saturday 10-4p.m., Sundays 1-4p.m. closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

January and February:  Open weekends only.

Admission: $3.00 preservation fee. Tour is free for children age 2 in arms and younger.

Kirtland Temple Visitor Center

7809 Joseph St., Kirtland 44094

(440) 256-1830

Information obtained via the Kirtland Temple Visitor Center Web site.

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