Party on the bay, win cruise tickets and celebrate Christmas in July this weekend.
1.) Funcoast Sizzling Summer Cruise Giveaway at The Gulf Inn 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 Gulf Inn, where you can enjoy drinks and tons of great prizes – 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 25 WHERE: The Gulf Inn, 1390 US Highway 20 E., Norwalk COST: Free INFO: Funcoast.com or editor@funcoast.com 2.) Christmas in July at Put-in-Bay Why you should go: Ohio Magazine voted Put-in-Bay as the “Best Place for Christmas in July” — do you really need any more reason than that? Christmas-themed food and beverage specials will be featured throughout the island, and almost the entire downtown Put-in-Bay area is decorated for Christmas. Oh, and did we mention the awesome live entertainment? The Christmas parade will be held at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and fireworks will be Saturday at dark. WHEN: July 27-29 WHERE: Various locations, downtown Put-in-Bay COST: Free INFO: putinbaychristmasinjuly.com 3.) Huron Playhouse presents “Carousel” Why you should go: The Huron Playhouse wraps up its 2012 season with one of the best musicals of the 20th century — Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” Such now-classic songs as “If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “Soliloquy” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” attest to the longevity and power of the musical score. A large cast of actors, singers and dancers will grace our stage to lead audiences to enter the world of “Carousel.” WHEN: 8 p.m. July 24-28 WHERE: Huron Playhouse at McCormick School, 325 Ohio St., Huron COST: $17/adult, $16/students and seniors, $13/children 12 and under, $15/person (groups of 15 or more; payment due one week in advance) INFO: 419-433-4744 4.) FaithFest ‘12 Why you should go: Come and enjoy this family-friendly event, which features headliner Phil Stacey from American Idol Season 6. Also performing is Safekept from the Columbus area, Remembering Venice, Lazzara (formerly known as Jaylee), Jimbo Rocko, M n M Ministries, Adam and Brittany Steimetz, Sandusky Naz Praise Band, Kathleen Freeh, Mustard Seed from the Toledo area, Exodus, Menacestaz II Society and Get in the Ark. there will be a full concession stand with hot dogs, chips, candy, pizza, nachos, pop, water and other goodies. There will also be merchandise tables available for some/all performers, along with other area business tables. WHEN: 12-8 p.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. WHERE: Sandusky Community Church of Nazarene, 1617 Milan Road, Sandusky COST: $5/advance tickets, $7/at the door INFO: 419-625-0804 5.) Sandusky Bay Barge Party Why you should go: Yes, it’s happening — the final Barge Party of the year takes place this Saturday! Get your booze, hop on the boat and head out to the sandbar for a day of fun in the sun. Enjoy the infamous bikini contest at 3:30 p.m., live music and more. WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 28 WHERE: Sandusky Bay Sandbar COST: Free; donations suggested. INFO: sanduskybaybargeparty.com
