10 things to do this weekend

As the dog days of summer drone onward and the days grow hotter still, some of the top local events crop up, including the more fairs and festivals, historical celebrations and the biggest raffle of the year. There may not be as many events as earlier in the summer, but it’s not about quantity; it’s about quality, and the shindigs this weekend are topnotch.

Return of US Brig Niagara to Celebrate Commodore Perry's Birthday – 225 years ago this week, Oliver Hazard Perry (of Perry's Monument fame) was born in Rhode Island. In his honor, the US Brig Niagara will be at Put-in-Bay all weekend offering tours and 5-hour sails on the massive, historical ship. Kids and adults, especially those interested in Lake Erie’s history, will get a kick out of all this event has to offer.

Jim Siemer Lake Erie Watercolors Exhibit – Originally from Columbus, Jim Siemer was inspired by the magnificence of Lake Erie to begin painting water colors. Twenty years later, Siemer is a seasoned professional, and his artwork thoroughly captures the elegance of the Ohio coast. His exhibit this weekend is definitely worth checking out.

Hidden Treasures of the Hayes Museum – Fremont’s Hayes Museum delved deep into its vaults to produce some first-rate, rarely seen gems from its archive of artifacts. The museum has an extensive collection to begin with, so you can be sure that the curiosities they promise are, indeed, treasures.

Huron County Fair – Fair season continues this weekend in Huron County, which offers a wide variety of family friendly entertainment, including free live shows, a demolition derby and assorted, traditional animal contests. Norwalk has great fairgrounds, and if nothing else, the food will be spectacular.

Big Splash Raffle – It’s one of the area’s biggest, most anticipated parties: the infamous Big Splash Raffle.  Friday is the kick-off celebration, which features a 50/50 drawing, live music and tons of food. Saturday is the big drawing, and even though raffle tickets are pricey, the ridiculously cool prizes make it worth the risk.

Crafter’s Day – Grace Lutheran Church is hosting this family friendly celebration of creativity. Bring your kids, a craft project, a potluck dish and a good attitude and make something truly remarkable while establishing a sense of community.

Lake Erie Waterfowlers’ Festival – Out at Magee Marsh, the classic Waterfowlers’ Festival promises all-things fowl, which, in this case, is a good thing. Retriever trials, duck calling, a decoy contest and food are just some of the items on the docket, which is just ducky.

Kelleys Island Daze – At this annual blowout, the Island Brewery has plans to make this one of the best parties of the summer. Besides an extensive poster display, the bash will also have free food, a live band, raffles and (of course) drink specials.

I5's 3rd Annual Golf Scramble – Held yearly at Thunderbird Hills Golf Course, the scramble is casually competitive, but with all of the prizes that are being offered, it is unlikely that any of the participants will be too disappointed. The entrance fee covers not only the golf, but also lunch, beer and a swanky steak dinner. What could be better?

Fremont's Got Talent: Final Competition – Does Fremont have talent? Find out this weekend at Birchard Park during the final round of this ferocious competition. Featuring a little bit of everything, this showcase displays some of the best local talent, and if that’s not enough to entice you, actor Robert Knepper of “Prison Break” is the emcee.