F E B R U A R Y    2008
 

4th Annual Put-in-Bay Days at Sloppy Joes in Key West. Scheduled to perform this year are Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, Pete and Wayne, Ray Fogg,  Bob Gatewood and Patrick Houston Dailey. Join us down at Sloppy Joe's for Put-in-Bay Day!

                     M A R C H      2008
 

Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are callin'. The Irish and the Irish-wannabes gather for a plate of stew, some Irish brew and a song or two.

Associate members and Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce members annual spring "networking" perch fry. Location TBA.

The 22nd annual gathering of boats & aircraft servicing the island to be blessed for the new season. (Held at Jet Express dock downtown). 11 am. Coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and donuts served on the dock.

Traditional Start of Season.

Some businesses, will not open daily until later this month.

17

Queen Victoria's Birthday celebration marks the kick-off of the summer season. Join us for the 6th Victoria Weekend "Put-in-Bay Poker Run" & the "Downtown Scavenger Hunt". Scavenger Hunt from 1 to 3 pm, Poker Run from 4 to 6 pm. Prizes are island mini-vacations for two people, including lodging, transportation, meals, attractions and souvenirs. Best kept secret on the island for fun and large prizes compared to the small entry fee.

Downtown Retail Merchants and island home owners join together for one big sale on Saturday. Bargains galore. Map with locations for garage sales will be distributed the day of the event. Sale day begins at 10 am and ends at 5 pm.

Memorial Day Service at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. 11 a.m.

Bikers participating in the 2008 Ohio Bike Week's North Coast Thunder Rally will get a chance to tour the island and participate in a scavenger hunt and a poker run. Miller Boat Line is taking reservations to bring bikes to Put in Bay for this great event. Call 800-500-2421 to book a reservation for your motorcycle, or visit millerferry.com. More than 200 bikes are expected to make the trip to the island.

Annual Invitational Sailing Race from Toledo to Put-in-Bay. More than 1,000 sailors participate in this race that originates at the Toledo Yacht Club.

Jimmy Buffett where are you? About 1,000 "Parrotheads" will descend on Put-in-Bay during their 14th annual "Phlocking" to the island for four days of music and fun. Featuring several singer/songwriters whose music can be compared to that of Jimmy Buffett. Island headquarters is Mr. Ed's Bar at the Commodore Resort. Registration fee includes entertainment, food, goody bag and private events at several island locations. Must be registered in advance at the Phlocking website.

A celebration of the founding of the island village by Jose DeRivera. Sponsored by Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, the place to play at Put-in-Bay. Founder's Day means good food and lots of fun for the entire family. Held in DeRivera Park downtown from 11 am to 5 pm.  Mr. Balloon will make a new collection of zany balloon characters for kids of all ages and there will also be a magician. The Put-in-Bay Hog Roasters will provide a roast beef picnic lunch. Pick up a bargain at one of the sale tables and pick up information on one of our non-profit groups that rely on the support of our community and visitors.
 

Third annual Lake Erie Islands Historical Society's Island Auction.  Under the big tent in DeRivera Park downtown Put-in-Bay. Auction items include artwork, vehicles, gift certificates, antiques, furniture, appliances, island memorabilia and more. All proceeds benefit the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum. The auction begins at 1 p.m. Items may be previewed beginning at 11 a.m. Call 419-285-2408 for more information.
 

Fifth annual Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade to benefit Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. $10 entry fee per pooch. Prizes for cutest, smallest, largest, most talented, individual best dressed,  group best dressed, dog & owner look-a-like and most unique. Each entrant receives a "doggy goodie bag". Registration begins at 1 pm at the DeRivera Park gazebo, parade & contest begins at 10:30.
 

The 8th Annual “Island Open” volleyball tournament will be held at St. Hazard’s on Middle Bass Island. The Miller Ferry services Middle Bass from the mainland and the Sonny S transports passengers between downtown Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass.

Lake Erie Islands Browns Backers Rib Cook-Off from 11 to 5 pm at the Skyway. Meet former players from the Cleveland Browns along with The Bone Lady, Big Dawg, Mobile Dawg and Brownie the Elf.  All guests will be available for autographs and pictures. Great food and a live band are also big reasons to attend. Entry includes drawing for nice door prizes. There will also be a raffle for some great Cleveland Browns prizes, including game jerseys. Games and prizes, kids 11 and younger are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Browns Foundation for Children, island scholarship programs, local non-profit community groups and civic groups. Congratulations to the Lake Erie Islands Chapter for being designated the 2007 Browns Backers Club of the Year!

14th annual tournament held at Saunders Resort. Sponsored by E-Z GO Golf Carts. Players use just a five-iron and a putter. $10,000 Hole-in-One prize. EZ-GO golf cart is a prize for a second Hole-in-one contest. Entry is $120 per team and includes lots of prizes, greens fees, players kit, picnic lunch (steak, burgers, dogs), all beverages, etc. First tee time is 9 am and final tee time is 6:30 pm. Hole prizes include golf bags, clubs, golf balls, poker chip set, head covers, golf gloves, putters, apparel and more. 17-piece right hand golf set for chipping contest winner, includes clubs, putter, stand bag and iron covers. Tournament Packet.

2008's July 4th celebration begins with a Naturalization Ceremony at the Perry Victory Visitor Center at 11 a.m. The island business owners and friends of the Bay will sponsor a fireworks program at dark. Fireworks will be over the downtown harbor. Great view from the memorial and surrounding lawn. Bring a chair or a blanket.

The Firelands Symphony Orchestra returns in 2008 for the annual Freedom Concert. The free concert is provided through the generosity of Put-in-Bay residents and businesses and is organized by the Put-in-Bay Arts Council.  Concert begins at 7 p.m. on the back porch of the Perry Victory Visitor Center.

The 24th annual Island Home Tour organized by the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society. This year's tour is currently being organized. Contact LEIHS 419-285-2804 about joining the museum so you'll receive early notification of this event.

Put-in-Bay's third annual "Soccer Challenge" will be held at McCann Field near downtown. This amateur adult soccer tournament is a 6 on 6 match with rosters limited to 10 players. The tournament will be played on a 60 by 40 pitch with no offside. Goals are 6 by 12 feet and a size 4 ball is used. The BayShore Resort Hotel and the Commodore Hotel are host hotels of the tournament. Put-in-Bay sponsors of the soccer challenge are the Boathouse Bar & Grill, the Butterfly House, Perry's Cave and Family Fun Center and the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. Players from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and Canada are expected to compete. Divisions include men's open, B, 30+ & 40+; women's open, B & 30+; coed open & recreational. Coed teams are required to have two female players on the field at all times.  Tournament weekends include a three-game guarantee, a players' party with discounted food and beverages and a host hotel. For more information, contact Jeff Foster at 614-619-0858.

Junior sailors compete all week for points toward national competition in different racing classes.
 

Island businesses decorate for the holiday season. Food and beverage specials in a Christmas theme. Very popular time to visit the islands. Lots of live entertainment and nearly the entire downtown area is decorated for Christmas, including the lamp posts! Best Decorated Boat Contest on Friday, July 25, at 10 p.m. in the downtown harbor. Burgees awarded for first, second & third.
 

Put-in-Bay welcomes the annual I-LYA Power Boat Regatta. Activities based at Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. Congratulations to I-LYA Commodore Jack Attkissen from Put-in-Bay Yacht Club.
 

Put-in-Bay welcomes the I-LYA Sail Boat Regatta, an island tradition for more than 100 years. Sailing Races begin July 31. This is also the first day of Senior Sail Regatta.
 

I-LYA Sail Boat Regatta, an island tradition for more than 100 years begins sailing races on Monday morning for three days. Sailing Races each morning off Put in Bay's western shore.

Travel to North Bass Island for an historical tour of the smallest of the Lake Erie Bass Islands. Includes ferry passage and lunch on North Bass. Sponsored by the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society & the North Bass Church. Call the museum at 419-285-2804 to reserve your space. Space is limited and cost does not include renting a golf cart if needed.
 

The annual performance on the island by the Barber shoppers will take place at 7 pm at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial plaza. More than 20 quartets are scheduled to perform.
 

The Barber shoppers travel to Middle Bass Island for a 7 pm performance at the Middle Bass Town Hall as the island celebrates its 61st annual Barbershop Concert. More than 20 quartets will perform.
 

The Roundhouse Bar sponsors the popular nite club's annual Bartender Olympics. Held on Delaware Avenue and inside the red round bar. Begins about 7 p.m. with parade and lighting of the Olympic torch.
 

Volleyball players will descend on Middle Bass Island a second time this season to battle for a tournament title in the 5th annual Middle Bass Island Volleyball Tournament. Play is at St. Hazard's Beach Resort.
 

22-23

Key West Days at
Put-in-Bay

Island entertainers who perform on Put-in-Bay in the summer and at Key West in the winter will participate in the first "Key West Days at Put-in-Bay." Key West held its first "Put-in-Bay Days" in February of 2005. Look for Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, Pete & Wayne, Ray Fogg and the granddaddy of them all, Patrick Huston Dailey. Check our Entertainment Page for schedules.

For more than 25 years volleyball players have competed in this day-long tournament held the past couple of years at McCann Field on Toledo Avenue near downtown Put-in-Bay. More than 1,500 players will compete in several divisions.
 

The Friends of Stone Lab (FOSL) will host the 11th Annual one-day Open House for the public from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the laboratory on Gibraltar Island. Free transportation will be provided from The Ohio State University Research Building at 879 Bay View Avenue, to Gibraltar Island. Stone Lab is the oldest fresh water biological field station and research laboratory in the United States. This free event includes tours of the South Bass Island Lighthouse, Stone Lab and the Aquatic Resource Center as well as lectures and laboratory sessions on Gibraltar. Contact OSU at 419-285-1800.

Activities and events at the Perry Memorial. Grand Parade on Saturday with area and local dignitaries, several high school bands and island antique and classic cars. War of 1812 military encampment. Musket & cannon firing demonstrations. Boy Scout Camporee with more than 1,200 Boy Scouts. Contact the Port Clinton, OH Boy Scout Troop 360 for more information about participating in the Camporee.

6

*Historical Saturday

Grand Parade at 1:15 p.m., Memorial service at Perry Monument at 2 p.m. U.S. Navy representative will be featured the speaker.

6

*Art in the Park

Area and regional artists, photographers, potters, painters, silversmiths, fabric artists, glass artists and stained glass artists, etc. display and sell their work. Downtown, DeRivera Park. 10 am to 5 pm. Interested artists click here.
 

Toledo Symphony at 6:30 pm at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. This free concert is a part of the Historical Weekend tradition of art, music and history. Concert is on the memorial plaza. Bring a cushion or chair.
 

7

Historical Society Muffins vs. Mossbacks Ball Game

Held at the island's ball field. The Ohio Historical Society Muffins play the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks. Original baseball rules. Refreshments available. Hot dogs for $1 and soft drinks for $1. Begins at 2 pm. Bring a lawn chair for the shade. Sponsored by Miller Boat Line.
 

13

*New Years Eve at the Bay

Join local establishments this evening for holiday festivities & Monte Carlo street games downtown on Delaware Avenue, from 6 pm to 11 pm. Countdown to midnight. 35th celebration.
 

Join us on Monday, September 15, (9 am to 3 pm) for the 16th annual clean-up of Put-in-Bay's downtown harbor. More than 70 divers and an anticipated 300 land support volunteers will help in this project which is a joint venture between the Put-in-Bay community, Ohio State University's Stone Lab, Port Clinton's New Wave Dive Center and Patrix Scuba and the Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc. Miller Boat Line, Island Transportation, the Village of Put-in-Bay, the DeRivera Park Trust and the Put-in-Bay Chamber and many island and mainland businesses are also sponsors of the event. Visit the Official website for a Registration Form to be a part of the 2008 Dive! Put-in-Bay Harbor Clean-up.
 

20

5th Annual
Miller Boat Line 5K at
the Bay

Join more than 400 runners in a challenging race around the island. Come root for your favorite runner or walker. Proceeds benefit Mother of Sorrows Church.  The 5K will begin and end at the Boathouse Bar & Grill  again this year. Hermes Sports of Cleveland is taking pre-registrations.  Click here to register. The Put in Bay 5k is sponsored by Miller Boat Line. One Mile Family Fun Walk begins 9:15 am at the Boathouse Restaurant, Downtown Put-in-Bay. Register through Hermes Sports.
 

20

33rd Annual PIBFD Island Style Clam Bake

This annual tradition is held at the Fire Station on Concord Avenue. Bake includes, a dozen clams, 1/2 a chicken, corn, potato, fresh fruit and vegetables. Begins at 3 pm, ends at 7. Carry out is available. Call 419-285-7805 to leave your ticket order or fax your order to 419-285-3709. Tickets available the day of the bake, but experience has taught us that he who waits until 5 pm the day of the Clam Bake usually is left hungry. Tickets are $23 per person. Proceeds will be used to update equipment for the island fire department.
 

20

*Autumn Walk Sidewalk Sale
 

Island Merchants participate in an Autumn Walk Sidewalk Sale, the big end of the season sale on Put-in-Bay. This is also the day for the fire department's Island Style Clambake. End of the season bargains and fall and Christmas merchandise. Some prices slashed 50 percent or higher! Great time to shop for Christmas gifts and for seasonal items.
 

*Half-way to St. Patty's Day at the Bay

8th annual celebration of the half-way mark to St. Patrick's Day. Celebration centers around island businesses promoting Irish food and beverages. Join the fun and festivities and celebrate the Irish.
 

Island businesses are extending an invitation for former employees to "come back to the Bay" this weekend for a Put-in-Bay homecoming. Check back as plans unfold for a South Bass Island wide homecoming.

4

*6th Annual
Island Wine Festival

Representatives from wineries across the US will be on hand for festival goers to sample more than 250 of their wines. Also grape juice, great food, a display on the history of island wineries, winery and grape related merchandise. Entry is $5.  Souvenir wine sampling glass with admission. Sampling tickets are $1 each with samples ranging from $1 to $10, most samples range from $1 to $4. Wines cost from $10 to $130. Retail bottle sales. Find a wine you like and purchase a bottle to take home. Full bottles purchased cannot be consumed at festival. Great time to find a wine for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Great Silent Auction items, including vacation package, large bottles of wine, etc.. 11 am to 6 pm under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park.

4-5

Fall Bay Regatta

Come enjoy the fall weather and watch the annual fall sailing race. This race is now in its 28th season.

11-12

*15th Annual
Island Oktoberfest

German-style festivities, lots of food, live entertainment for the entire family. Held under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park. 11 am to 7 pm Saturday, noon to 5 pm Sunday. Maxx Band plays polka and German music both days. German beer and wine and everything from sauerbraten to wiener schnitzel, German Chocolate Cake, apple dumplings, brats, German Potato Salad, spatzel, cabbage rolls & more! Entry is $4 or $6 for two-day pass. 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Souvenir Oktoberfest mug with each paid admission.
 

25

Halloween at the Bay

Downtown taverns decorate with a theme for Halloween. Hundreds of people in costume. Some establishments have costume contests and give cash prizes. The island's last big weekend. You've got to see it, to believe it.