10 things to do this weekend

Who says that summer is over? The kids may be back in school, but the weekend events continue with a colossal barbeque, some classic theatre, an all-out triathlon and enough historical events to make you feel like you’re Marty McFly.

Historical Weekend at Put-in-Bay – One of their biggest, most anticipated events of the season, Put-in-Bay’s Historical Weekend promises a full agenda of fun for families and history buffs alike. With an authentic Civil war military encampment, the Toledo Symphony, an ice cream social, a grand parade and enough demonstrated cannon fire to sink a ship, this is an ideal opportunity to visit the island and whet your appetite for history.

Northcoast BBQ Rib Burn-Off – Offering a wide range of activities, this massive barbeque has something for all tastes, whether you’re into live music, race cars, children’s activities or, of course, some mouth-watering ribs. Come prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two (or three) because these ribs are guaranteed to be delicious. Also, there will be cute animals available for adoption, which is more than enough reason to go.

The Uninvited – Workshop Player’s Theatre-in-the-Round is presenting “The Uninvited,” a chilling tale about a house that may or may not have an unwelcome, otherworldly visitor. The basis of the popular film version, the play is fantastically written and is being performed by a group of veteran actors who will not disappoint.

Caryl Crane Children’s Theater – Caryl Crane welcomes new artistic director Brian Marshall into its program with the play “Hood,” a comedic retelling of Robin Hood’s story. Presented at McBride Auditorium at BGSU Firelands, the show is a bit unusual (think Monty Python but family-friendly) but intensely fun and definitely worth seeing by kids and adults alike.

Butterfly Festival – Out of all of the hundreds of events each year on the islands, there is truly nothing quite like the Kellys Butterfly Festival. Tagging demonstrations, a bake sale, a quilt raffle, and other activities for nature-loving children populate this event, which has proven itself to be a favorite among families.

Bay Days – Over at the Sandusky Maritime Museum and Meigs Street Pier, there will be a cavalcade of boat-y things to do: boat rides, model boat building and even boat repairing demonstrations. Capt’n Willie’s Silly Pirate Show is a crowd pleaser and kid-approved favorite, so bring the whole crew out for this celebration of the sea.

Pioneer Days – Since not everyone can own a time-traveling DeLorean (bummer), Lyme Village is hosting its annual Pioneer Days, which gives visitors the impression that it is actually the 1700s and 1800s. Over 150 reenactors will be on hand, giving demonstrations of all kinds and interacting with guests to paint a vivid picture of the difficult but interesting lifestyles of the past.

11th Annual Woodcarver Show – It takes a tremendous amount of talent to take a hunk of wood and carve it into something as lifelike as a carousel figure, and that’s exactly what this exhibition is offering.  All sorts of detailed woodcarving will be created and sold, and, if you enter the raffle, you even have the chance of winning your own wooden carousel animal. It’s really a fascinating process, so be sure to check it out.

Rev3 Triathlon: Full & Half Ironman – This is among the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard of in my entire life: 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking and 26.2 miles running. The true athletes who have been training for this event are unspeakably fit, so whether you’re participating, volunteering or watching with your mouth agape at their sheer athletic prowess, you don’t want to miss this.

Friends of Erie MetroParks-Go Take a Hike Kick-Off – Erie MetroParks wants you to get outside and get active this weekend during its Go Take a Hike, during which you can hike two trails, listen to music, snack on some free food. Also, there is a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with hiking that you can’t obtain from sitting at home watching reruns of “Golden Girls.” Just saying.