2020 Calendar of Events
By Catharine Hadley, Arts and Entertainment Editor, catharinehadley@gmail.com
The theme of this column is "trying new things." I'm happy to be starting this new project of writing the entertainment column for Leisure Living Magazine! I've done all I could to make the entertainment listing complete and varied, so there should be something for everyone. Although I've done my best to make sure all the information is accurate, please go online or call ahead to confirm your plans.
Any suggestions and details of your upcoming events can be sent to me at catharinehadley@gmail.com.
On Stage & In Concert
& Other Celebrations
Slipping Into Autumn
The slant of the shadows in the afternoons and a few brisk days tell us that autumn isn't just on its way - it's here. Summer wasn't what any of us might have envisioned, but we found new ways to enjoy ourselves. I anticipate we will do the same thing in the coming months.
This autumn we can enjoy all the things this area has to offer in what I think are the most beautiful months of the year, since there are so many fun outdoor activities.
At least through the end of October, Port Clinton will still have the "MOM" - the Meals on Madison - open. The northern half of the 100 block of Madison Street remains closed to traffic, and has picnic tables and an entertainment stage. That area is part of the designated outdoor refreshment area, which means patrons can carry and consume their adult beverages outside the bar where they purchased them, if those beverages are in special "MORA" cups.
I had a great time at the MOM over Labor Day weekend. We brought our own folding chairs and ordered takeout from Slater's Madison Street Pub. I felt safe and comfortable, which is more important than anything else these days.
There should be more area entertainment events in the coming months, but I would encourage everyone to check closer to the dates in case of cancellation.
Senior Discovery Days
Toledo Zoo and Aquarium has Senior Discovery Days on Wednesdays in September and October. People aged 60 and better get free parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot, free admission, free small coffee and mini-muffin, and more deals. One thing to note - the zoo is closed for deep-cleaning on Tuesdays. Check the website for the schedule of demonstrations and experiences during the day.
Wineries And Breweries
Autumn is a great season to enjoy local wineries and breweries. I asked my friends which ones they enjoy. People from Huron County mentioned Muffleheads Brewery in Wakeman and Sandy Ridge Vineyards and Mercantile in Norwalk. In Erie County, friends talked about Quarry Hill Winery in Berlin Heights, Firelands Winery in Sandusky, Crooked Tree Vineyard on Kelleys Island and Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermilion. In Ottawa County, I've noticed Catawba Island Brewery is often quite busy. One friend loves to go to Rocky Point Winery in Marblehead with a group of female friends, where they sit on the patio and laugh for the better part of an afternoon. Another friend who lives in Elmore recommends Wine Flight.
Twin Oast is one of many area venues where you can eat, drink, and enjoy the outdoors. The brewery and restaurant is hosting Oastoberfest on October 3. I love exploring new food ideas, and I think it's great that the Gideon Owen Wine Company (same owners) as well as others are championing the "farm to table" movement locally.
Autumn Festivities
The Put-in-Bay Wine Fest is scheduled from Oct. 2 through 4, and the Kelleys Island Oktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 3. The islands have a few big weekends in store this autumn. The Mad River Kelleys Island Bike Tour is Oct. 10, and the Put-in-Bay Octoberfest is Oct. 10-11.
Oct. 17 is the Family Halloween Weekend on Kelleys Island. The following weekend both islands will host Halloween festivities.
Kelleys Island is holding owl banding from Oct. 14 through Nov. 23. The Owl Fest is scheduled for Nov. 6 through 8.
If you are a fan of birding but don't feel like leaving the house, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory will come to you - sort of. Black Swamp Bird Observatory's "Birds at Home, A Virtual Learning Series" features a variety of speakers on several dates through December. The sessions are free for Black Swamp Bird Observatory members, and $5 for non-members. Visit the website for information at https://www.bsbo.org/.
Think Christmas Shopping
A way to make the future easier is to use local fundraisers to do at least some Christmas shopping. The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council is holding the fall fundraiser in October, and it's all online. The theme this year is "Palettes and "Prohibition: A Night at the Speakeasy." Area artists provide the artwork. The bidding can be done easily online or with a cell phone. Bidding opens Oct. 8, and finishes the evening of Oct. 15 with a live online event.
The Vermilion Arts Guild Show titled "Nature's Bounty" runs through Nov. 1. The gallery is at 685 Main Street. That group's website is also an amazing way to see local artists' work.
Every year, I ask readers to make an effort to do their Christmas shopping close to home. This year I'm not only doing that, I am also asking you to do it early. The earlier you spend your money at local businesses, the earlier the business owners and their employees get the chance to have a good holiday season themselves. Remember, gift cards are everyone's friend when it comes to shopping!
Finally, I am going to start now making this Christmas as cheerful as I can. I would love to hear ideas from you, the readers, especially when it comes to decorating. Please email me at catharinehadley@gmail.com with your ideas. I will put at least some of them in my column for the holiday issue.
Victory Gardens
Program Expanding
A tremendous response to the just launched Victory Gardens campaign has resulted in an immediate expansion of the program. The program took off immediately and demand was so high for seed packets, four more counties were added. For more information go to the Ohio Victory Gardens website.
Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism. Although there's no food shortage now, Ohio Department of Agriculture and OSU Extension are reviving the effort and once again encouraging people to plant seeds, realize the fruits of their labor, and share with others if inspired.
2,600 seed packets were originally distributed through six OSU Extension Offices: Clark, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, and Washington counties. The Victory Gardens Program will continue and expand with a larger seed distribution across the state in the spring. It also offers a full website with details on seed distribution, advice, and resources on every aspect of planting and harvesting produce.
updated 09.14.20 CAE
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