Whether you’re looking for a trip to the fair or an island getaway, there’s plenty going on this weekend – so much, in fact, that we’re giving you six top events.
1.) Funcoast Sizzling Summer Cruise Giveaway at the Office Bar
Why you should go: We’re giving away tickets to our annual Sizzling Summer Cruise, and you’re invited! Come hang out with us at the Office Bar, where you can enjoy drinks and tons of great prizes at one of the best bars in Norwalk – and of course, a chance to win tickets to Funcoast’s official end-of-summer cruise in September! Come out, relax and have fun with us.
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 19
WHERE: Office Bar, 11 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk
COST: Free
INFO: Funcoast.com or editor@funcoast.com
2.) Islandfest 2012 at Kelleys Island
Why you should go: Fireworks, food, beer, live entertainment and much more – that’s what you can expect at this year’s Islandfest, which will be celebrating Kelleys Island’s 125th birthday Friday through Sunday.
WHEN: July 20-22
WHERE: Various locations, Kelleys Island
COST: Free
INFO: kelleysislandchamber.com
3.) Ottawa County Fair
Why you should go: Enjoy all that the Ottawa County Fair has to offer, including a King and Queen crowning, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, demolition derby, tractor pulls, rides, games, food and lots more.
WHEN: July 16-22
WHERE: Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7880 W. State Route 163, Oak Harbor
COST: $7/general admission with parking (ages 9 and up), free for Junior Fair Exhibitors (with valid pass). $25/General Fair Pass (ages 18 and up), $20/Youth Fair Pass (ages 9-17).
INFO: 419-898-1971, ottawacountyfair.org or ocfair@amplex.net
4.) Liberty Aviation Museum Grand Opening
Why you should go: Come out for the grand opening of the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton. All weekend, you can enjoy special events such as movies on the big screen in the main hangar, the newly restored vintage 1950s “Tin Goose Diner” and much more. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting is 10 a.m. on Friday. On Saturday at 6 p.m., there will be a big band dance. View the new Ford Tri-Motor museum displays and restoration area. There will the a newly restored WWII B-25 bomber, “Georgie’s Gal,” on display, as well as Yankee Air Museum’s B-17 bomber and C-47 transport.
WHEN: July 20-22
WHERE: Liberty Aviation Museum, 3515 E. State St., Port Clinton
COST: Free
INFO: libertyaviationmuseum.org
5.) Castalia Cold Creek Festival
Why you should go: The Castalia Cold Creek Celebration has been a tradition within the community and a fun event for visitors and friends to experience the small town charm of Midwest living. This local festival features games, food, musical entertainment, a softball tournament, a Queen’s contest, a Grand Parade, a car show and much more.
WHEN: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday, July 20; 8-12 a.m. Saturday, July 21; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 22
WHERE: Downtown Castalia
COST: Free
INFO: http://www.facebook.com/coldcreekfestival
6.) Lakeside Plein Air Art Festival & Wooden Boat Show
Why you should go: Enjoy this collaborative effort that blends the craftsmanship of the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society and the artistic expression of the Plein Air Art Festival for one of Lakeside, Ohio’s most unique weekends of the Chautauqua season. On Friday and Saturday, artists will be painting throughout Lakeside, and the Open Air Gallery will be open from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hoover Auditorium. On Sunday, the Wooden Boat Show will be held from 12-5 p.m., and a Plein Air Paintout (artists will be painting in higher traffic areas of Lakeside) is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. From 1-3 p.m., children can also pain on the pavilion lawn for just $2 (supplies included). To finish off the festival, check out the Wet Paint Sale from 3-5 p.m.
WHEN: July 20-22
WHERE: Lakeside, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside
COST: Lakeside entry fees vary
INFO: 419-798-4461
