For nearly two decades, the lonely days of winter have seemingly come to an end at the Village Pump, which every spring holds its "Early Bird Party." This year's soiree takes place from noon to late afternoon on April 12 at the popular Kelleys Island bar.

"We've been having this party for at least 15 years if not 20, and we do it as a little kickoff to the season to try to get everybody back to where we were at the end of last summer," said Village Pump owner Gary Finger. "I think everybody wants to shake their winter blues, so this is a time where everybody has like a reunion and sees how friends fared over the winter.

"And for a little bit, they can feel like it's the middle of summer."

Despite Mother Nature's stubbornness this spring, there are a few signs the warmer weather is on its way. Finger, who owns the Village Pump with his wife Jackie, is optimistic.

"Some years we have beautiful weather and other years it's not so good, that's why we don't plan it until mid-April due to the ferry boats," Finger said. "And they just started to run, so that's a sure sign of spring for us.

"And if the weather is good, we'll usually have a couple hundred people, but not many by boat. Although, there's a chance the weather will cooperate and there's a chance some people can come over by private boat. Actually, last night we had our first boaters come over from Marblehead for dinner."

Open to the public, the "Early Bird Party" festivities include music from DJ Dean, games, prizes, free Budweiser goodies and complimentary food.

"Really, it's a lot of local visitors that come in the summer as boaters perhaps, but also people who come to open up their homes up here," Finger said.

"They know their other friends will be up there and they won't be the only ones. So it's sort of a time we all like to have a family reunion and then some new friends usually come along with some of the regulars."

He added, "It's just nice to blow off some steam and try to get away from that winter."

Considering this is a pre-summer celebration, does that mean shorts and flip-flops are mandatory?

"No, not required," Finger laughed, "but some people will, depending on the weather."

 

KELLEYS ISLAND FERRY SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY APRIL 12:

— Leaves Marblehead every hour, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

— Leaves Kelleys every hour, 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

RATES ARE ONE WAY:

Adults (12-older) $8

Seniors $6

Age 5-11 $5

Age 4-under free

DIRECTIONS TO THE FERRY DOCK:

Exit Rt. 2 at 269 North
Take 269 N. to Route 163
Turn Right (East) onto 163

Take 163 E into Marblehead. The ferry dock is located
at 510 West Main St. (across from the Police
Department, and Fire Station.)