New Holiday Traditions in Lorain County

Try something new this holiday season and add a twist to your traditional celebration! Light displays, carolers, and mistletoe are a must, but why not try a few of these unique holiday activities and celebrations. 

Do-It-Yourself Holiday Décor
Design your own 20" fresh indoor/outdoor holiday wreath at the Fresh Wreath Workshop at Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm. [12/4/10, 2pm & 6pm. $36.50 per person. 440.647.2045]

Holiday decor at Farmyard Flowers

Old Fashioned Holiday
Experience what it was like to celebrate the holidays as a pioneer! There will be a reenactment as you tour the Benjamin Bacon House Museum at Vermilion River Reservation with authentic sights, smells and sounds of a pioneer holiday. A live band performance, food, and horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. [12/4, 3-8pm; 12/5, 2-6pm]
  
An International Holiday
Celebrate the season by learning how other cultures throughout the world observe the holidays at French Creek Nature Center’s, “Holiday Traditions Around The World.” You will travel to different "countries" set up in the Nature Center. Each country will have a craft or activity and a customary holiday treat. This year's countries will include Germany, Norway, Canada, Ireland, and a few others. After traveling, enjoy a soup dinner. [12/7, 6-8pm. 440.458.5152]

A Holiday Whodunit
The Oberlin Inn hosts a Holiday Murder Mystery, complete with a dinner buffet and overnight accommodations. Reservations required. [12/11, 440.775.1111]

Holiday Wine Tasting with the Lake Erie Crushers
Do wine and baseball mix? In this case, yes! Join the Lake Erie Crushers at the All Pro Freight Stadium for Italian wines and cuisine. [12/15, 6-9pm. 440.934.3636]

A Christmas Cabaret
Back by popular demand—A Christmas Cabaret will take you on a sleigh ride of 30 songs for the season and other festive curiosities – plus evergreens like Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Silver Bells, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, and many more. Performances at Stocker Art Center were sold out last year, so get your tickets early! [12/17, 7:30pm & 12/18, 3:00pm; $15/Adults; $10/Children 12 & under]

Ballroom Dancing on the Lake
Dance the winter night away at Lakeview Park's Rose Cafe. Free lessens before the dance. Reservations required. [12/17, 7-10pm, 440.458.5121]


Christmas on the Farm

Head out to Bonnie Brae Elk Farm and take a wagon ride to feed elk, then enjoy a warm  cup of chili or cocoa in the barn. $10 per person. [12/18,19, 20, 440.647.3232]

Bonnie Brea Elk Farm

Kwanzaa Celebration

Celebrate African heritage and culture at Harrison Cultural Community Centre at part of the week-long Kwanzaa celebration. Public invited. [12/28, 6:30pm; 440.244.0359 or 440.244.0367]

Don’t forget to shop these local spots for that distinctive gift—

Ginko Gallery

Uncommon Objects

The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room

Petitti Garden Center

Holiday decorations at Petitti Garden Center

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Chinese New Year, Lorain County is full of fun unconventional and traditional holiday celebrations for your family. Kick your “bah hum-bug” attitude, and enjoy the winter wonderland of northern Ohio! For more holiday events, visit our Calendar of Events page.

Visit Lorain County wishes you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!

For additional information, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, call us 1-800-334-1673, visit the website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

A Summer of History in Lorain County

From historical landmarks, to art; Lorain County, OH is the heart of many significant historical movements and events, as well as home to many important historical figures. The Lorain County Historical Society and Museum, the Spirit of '76 Museum, and the North Ridgeville Historical Society and Museum are just three of the many historical landmarks Lorain County has to offer. Spend some time this summer exploring north central Ohio’s historical roots. Who says learning has to stop during the summer?

The Lorain Historical Society, itself, has an appealing history that dates back to over 120 years, when it was established in 1888. In 1975 the Lorain Historical Society purchased a former mansion known as the Hickories in Elyria, OH to use as the headquarters for the museum and historical society, where it remains today.

Photo courtesy of The Lorain County Historical Society

This home once belonged to Arthur L. Garford, local inventor, industrialist, politician, and philanthropist. Visitors can tour the museum Tuesday through Friday, 1–4pm and Saturday, 1–3pm. The Lorain Historical Society provides information on Garford’s past and influence upon Lorain County, as well as various educational programs and art displays that relate to the overall history of Lorain County.

The Spirit of ’76 Museum in Wellington, OH serves as an important historical tribute to Archibald Willard and his painting “Yankee Doodle”, now known as “The Spirit of ‘76”. The museum includes over 4,000 artifacts from the surrounding time period including Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts. The museum is open April 1–October 31, Saturday and Sunday, 1–3:30pm. (Photo courtesy of Town of Marblehead, MA)

Visitors will learn the history behind the local artist and how his painting has transformed into American and Revolutionary iconography and regarded as the nation’s most inspirational painting of all time.

Spirit of '76 Museum photo by Rona Proudfoot

Another facet of Lorain County’s history can be found in North Ridgeville, OH. Visitors can experience local history by touring the historical society’s museum, located on the first floor of the Olde Towne Hall.

The extensive collection of artifacts and mementos including farming/agricultural items, military items, antique furniture, historical papers, photographs, etc. were gathered over the years from area residents. The museum is open on the last Sunday of every month (except December) from 2–5pm. Also available for touring is the historic Jaycox School, a one-room school house on Jaycox Rd., also open on the last Sunday of every month (April–October) from 2–5pm. The North Ridgeville Historical Society is currently celebrating their bicentennial anniversary with special programs and events through October 2010. (Olde Towne Hall courtesy of North Rideville Historical Society)

Jaycox School photo courtesy of North Ridgeville Historical Society

For more information on Lorain County, visit our website, email us at visitors@visitloraincounty.com, call us at (440) 984-5282, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on other historical organizations or museums in Lorain County, take a look at our member directory.

Fish Fries in Lorain County

Are you looking for a local Friday night fish fry? Look no further! This is a list of scheduled fish fries (and a few Saturday steak fries) at churches throughout Lorain County, courtesy of the Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative. As they find out about other church fish fries around town, they will add them to their online Calendar of Events page.

Friday, Feb 19, 2010

Where: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Elyria
Description: Lenten fish fry, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 300 Third St., Elyria. Dinners $10. sandwiches $5; macaroni and cheese or cheese pizza $4. For more information, call the church office 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday at (440) 322-2126.

Where: St. Jude Church, Elyria
Description: Lenten fish fry, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. Jude Church Holy Name Society, 590 Poplar St., Elyria. Full perch dinner: four perch fillets, cabbage and noodles, fries, cole slaw, bread and butter, $10. Baked tilapia dinner: two fillets, parsley potatoes, glazed carrots, bread and butter, $8. Sandwich platter: two perch fillets, half-size cabbage and noodles, fries, cole slaw, $6. Senior platter: two perch fillets, half-size cabbage and noodles, fries, cole slaw, bread and butter, $6. Kids meals are available for $4: choice of one perch fillet or two slices of cheese pizza or macaroni and cheese, with fries, applesauce/cole slaw. Sides dishes — three potato pancakes, large fries or full order of cabbage and noodles — are available for $1.50 each with your dinner order.

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

Saturday, Feb 27, 2010

Where: St. Joseph Church Social Hall, Amherst
Description: A STEAK fry is being hosted Feb. 27 by The Naked Monkeys, with proceeds donated to the Amherst Special Olympics. The event will be at St. Joseph Social Hall from 6 to 11 p.m. Dinner will be served to 7:30 p.m. The cost for a complete steak dinner with draft beer and wine is $25 per person. Entertainment will be provided by The Naked Monkeys after the meal. There will be a 50/50 raffle and other raffles, Chinese Auction, money booth and more. This is for adults 21 years of age or older. Contact Sue at (440) 670-7363, or e-mail nasue506@hotmail.com. Checks should be made out to The Naked Monkeys.

Friday, Mar 5, 2010

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

Saturday, Mar 6, 2010

Where: St. John Lutheran Church, Elyria
Description: STEAK Fry 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. March 6 St. John Lutheran Church 1140 West River Road North, Elyria. Tickets $15 per person includes steak, baked potato, salad, roll, and beverage. $3 kids meal available. DJ/Dancing/Entertainment/Chinese Auction/Raffle. Sponsored by Luminators for Life and Bob’s Angels with all proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Friday, Mar 12, 2010

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

Friday, Mar 19, 2010

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

Friday, Mar 26, 2010

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

Friday, April 2 , 2010

Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sheffield Lake
Description: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 521 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, will host a fish fry every Friday during Lent beginning Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 raffle. Carryout dinners will be available. Call 949-8491.

Where: St. Teresa of Avila, Sheffield
Description: St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Rd., Sheffield Village. Join us each Friday during Lent beginning 2/19 through 4/2 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Dine in or carry out. For take out orders you may call ahead at 440-934-0503. Fresh Lake Erie Perch or Baked Tilapia Dinner $10.00. Shrimp Dinner $8.00. A Dinner includes choice of French Fries , Parsely Potatoes, or Cabbage & Noodles, Dinner Roll, Cole Slaw, Hot or Cold Drink, Dessert. Ala Carte Menu Items: Clam Chowder, Home Made Pierogi, Cabbage & Noodles, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese

COMING SOON! Mock Seder at Agudath B’nai Israel Synagogue, Lorain.
Sunday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m. Celebrate this special meal and learn more about the Passover holiday. Make your reservations today! Cost is $10.00 ($6.00 for LCCC students.) Call 440.366.4590 or email sli@lorainccc.edu to reserve your seat. The synagogue is located at 1715 Meister Rd, Lorain.

For more information about the Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative, call 440.365.5222 ext 7371 or visit them online at sli.lorainccc.edu.

Festival Season is HERE in Lorain County!

June marks the beginning of Festival Season in North Central Ohio. There is no doubt that we like to celebrate in Lorain County. You name it, we have a festival for it: hot air balloons, fairies, fish, duct tape, chalk, and that's only during the month of June! Our festivals keep going all summer long: cheese, corn, quilts, woolybears...

Here is a sampling of Festivals in June you won't want to miss.

Jun 6–7 Columbia Antique Engine Show & Flea Market, Columbia Township Park, Columbia Station, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 8am–3pm. A variety of food, and activities including a peddle pull for children. 440.653.7289

Jun 12 Nature at Night Festival, French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village, 6–10pm. View live nocturnal animals, make crafts and go on a night hike. Pre–register. 440.949.5200

Jun 13 Hot Air Balloon Fest, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington,
10am. Food, children’s games, tethered rides, entertainment, evening hot air balloon glow. 440.647.6172

Hot Air Balloon Fest photo by Howard McGuire

Jun 13 Annual Fairy Festival, Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm, Wellington, 11–5pm. Tour the fairy gardens, make a fairy container garden, learn the habits and when and how to see them. End the day with a fairy tea party.440.647.2045

Jun 19–21 Festival of Fish, Victory Park, Vermilion, Fri–Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Entertainment, lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, and a sand castle building contest. Queen’s pageant and parade on Sunday. Food and craft booths. 440.967.4477

Fish Festival photo courtesy of Vermilion Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Vermilion.

Jun 19–20 Juneteenth Festival, Harrison Cultural Community Centre, Lorain. Gospel fest on Fri, parade, vendors, rides, music, and games on Sat. 440.244.0359

Jun 19–21 Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Veterans Memorial Park, Fri 4–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Rides, food, games, entertainment, duct tape sculptures, crafts and activities. 866.818.1116

Avon Duct Tape Festival photo by Rona Proudfoot

Jun 20 Fine Arts & Authors Fest, Columbia Branch Library, 10am–4pm. Meet area authors and enjoy the rural scenic yard at a unique outdoor arts and crafts event. 440.236.8751

Jun 20 Chalk Walk, Oberlin, 10am–4pm. Watch professional artists recreate works from Allen Art Museum on the sidewalks of downtown Oberlin or create a masterpiece of your own. All materials free of charge. 440.775.2423

ChalkWalk photo by Barb Bickel for Visit Lorain County

Jun 26–Jul 18 Tue–Sun, Oberlin Summer Theater Festival, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin. Free performances of The Glass Menagerie and The Tempest. 440.775.8169

Jun 26–28 Lorain International Festival and Bazaar, Black River Landing, Fri 6–11pm, Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Featuring the Puerto Rican community as the spotlight community, and Easter Seals as the spotlight industry, ethnic food vendors, craft booths, and entertainment. 440.244.6808

Lorain International Festival photo by Holly Miller-McGuire

Jun 26–28 Columbia Homecoming Festival, Columbia Station. Miss Liberty & Baby Liberty Pageant, community dinner, live entertainment, Kids Day, Battle of the Bands, 5K run, car show, and parade and fireworks. 440.236.9053

Columbia Homecoming Festival photo by Terri Biasci-Biacsi Photography

Stop in Visit Lorain County's Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Rd, Amherst, OH to pick up a June-December 2009 Events Calendar or click here to have one mailed. Have fun this June!!

May Flowers in Lorain County

April showers bring May flowers! Thanks to the warm weather we've been having in north central Ohio, flowers and trees are blooming much faster and lasting longer. It's a beautiful time of year to visit Lorain County!

Lakeview Beach by Lynne Lisner, Visit Lorain County

May also brings many opportunities throughout Lorain County to get excited about flowers, gardening and Spring:
Tulip Garden at Lakeview Park, Lorain. As of May 6, the tulips are still in bloom. Click on the photo below to learn how this beautiful garden was recently discovered.

Lakeview Park Tulip Garden by Rona Proudfoot

Oberlin's Farmers Market, Saturdays, beginning in May, 9am-1pm. Fresh flowers and locally grown and prepared foods.

Oberlin Farmers Market by Barb Bickel, Visit Lorain County

Gazebo Garden Walk, Howk Memorial Park, Wellington, May 9, 10am-4pm. Stroll through displays of unique antiques and gardening items from some of the area’s finest crafters and vendors.

Growers, Gardens, and Homes Tour, North Ridgeville, May 16. Visit North Ridgeville's finest home builders, home related retailers, and horticultural growers during this free, self guided 18th annual tour.

Growing Arts Tour/Spring Open House, Don Mould's Plantation, Amherst & North Ridgeville, May 16, 9am-5pm. Fun, informative day with sales reps and industry specialists, special sales, and drawings.

Music, Flowers & a Sunset, downtown Vermilion, beginning May 21, every third Thursday, 5:30-9pm. Free musical entertainment with over 12 bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Lots of flowers to enjoy, artwork to browse, and a stunning sunset over Lake Erie.

Third Thursdays, photo courtesy of Main Street Vermilion.

For additional event listings from Visit Lorain County, visit http://www.visitloraincounty.com/ or call 1.800.334.1673 to request a printed events calendar.

Lorain County's Farmers Markets

Lorain County is known for its agriculture; so naturally, we have some excellent farmer's markets. A recent trip to Spiegelberg Orchards in Lorain yielded fresh produce and a variety of apples including caramel apples.

For some reason, the apples always taste better from local orchards than from the grocery store. Maybe it’s because the apples are fresher and because you know it’s good for our local economy--buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business.

In addition to apples, Spiegelberg Orchards features maple syrup, grapes and other fresh produce. They are located at 6161 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, OH 44053.

For a listing of additional Lorain County farmers’ markets, gardens and orchards, visit the Lorain County Visitors Bureau website.

It's Lorain County Fair Week!

Yummy, Yummy Fair Week...elephant ears, cotton candy, caramel apples! In addition to the fair staples, the Lorain County Fair is actually a great way to sample some of Lorain County's restaurants. Bread N Brew, Mama Jo's Pies, Midway Oh-Boy, and others are on hand to show you their specialties.

Photos by Barb Bickel

The Fair goes through August 24th, 2008. Here is the remaining schedule of activities:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008
7:30 a.m. Gates Open--Veterans & Seniors Free Admission
8:30 a.m. Jr. Fair – Rabbit ShowmanshipShow Barn #15
9:00 a.m. Jr. Fair Judging – Beef Showmanship – Show Barn #15
9:00 a.m. Pony Pull
9:00 a.m. 4-H Open Mini Horse Fun Show – RingA
9 – 11 a.m. County Fair Kids Fun ShowRing # 9
12:00 noon Open to the World Draft Horse & Pony Hitch – Grandstand
1:00 p.m. Jr. Fair Auction:Meat Chickens, Mkt. Goats, Turkeys, Mkt. Lambs, Meat Rabbits 3:00 p.m. Open Class Pygmy Goat Show
6:30 p.m. Jr. Fair NightParade & ProgramShow Barn #4
7:00 p.m. Horse Pull

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008
7:30 a.m. Gates Open
9:00 a.m. Jr. Fair Dairy Judging – Jr. Fair Show Barn#4
9:00 a.m. Horse Pull
9:00 a.m. Open Class – Goats
9:00 a.m. Open Class Judging – Miniature Horses
12:00 p.m. Rooster Crowing, Turkey Calling and Fowl Race Contest
2:30 p.m. Jr. Fair Small Animal Sweepstakes Showmanship
4:30 p.m. Jr. Fair Large Animal Sweepstakes Showmanship
5:00 p.m. Cookie Baking Contest – Home Ec Bldg. #14
6:00 p.m. NTPA Tractor Pull
9:00 p.m. FBY Square DanceShow Barn #4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23,2008
7:30 a.m. Gates Open
8:30 a.m. Jr. Fair Livestock Auction – Market Beef#9
9:00 a.m. Tractor Pull Lorain County Residents Only
9:00 a.m. Open Class Judging – Beef Cattle
10:00 a.m. Pony Fun Show
12:30 p.m. Jr. Fair Auction:Market Hogs#9
2:00 p.m. Kiddie Pedal Pull
3:00 p.m. Draft Horse/Draft Pony Fun Pull (stabled entries only)
4:00 p.m. Fiddle Contest – Pavilion 2
6:00 p.m. 4-H Band Concert in Bldg #11
7:00 p.m. Combine Derby

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2008
7:30 a.m. Gates Open
7:30 a.m. Mass – Church ServicePav 1
8:30 a.m. Church ServicesBldg. #14
9:00 a.m. Motocross Races
10:00 – 3:00 p.m. Spinners & WeaversPav 2
2:00 & 4:00 p.m. 4-H Band & Alumni Concert – Bldg. #11
4:30 p.m. Style Show4-H State Fair Participants - #14
6:00 p.m. Demolition Derby
8:30 p.m. Demolition Derby

While you're at the fair, stop by the Lorain County Visitors Bureau booth in building 23 to pick up an Events Calendars and Visitors Guide, we'll be there all week!

PSA's World Youth Soccer Tournament

There’s still time left to attend the World Youth Tournament at Premier Soccer Academies in Lorain! Not only will you get to watch youth soccer at its best, but you’ll get an up-close look at the Premier Soccer Academies’ world-class facilities.

Spectators at the World Youth Soccer Tournament's Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at Brad Friedel's Premier Soccer Academies.

Team Rush Select from Colorado line up for opening ceremony introductions.

Our local Team PSA after the opening ceremonies.

Team Chivas gets ready to play their first match of the tournament.

First match of the tournament: Chivas vs Rush Select

The Kneaded Touch helps the PSA team loosen up.

Team Chile took in a match to check out their competition.

Eight different teams from around the world will compete for a spot in the championship match taking place Sunday, August 17th at 1:30pm. Here’s the rest of the tournament schedule: Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Thursday, August 14th 4:30pm: Match #9
6:30pm: Match #10

Friday, August 15th 4:30pm: Match #11
6:30pm: Match #12

Saturday, August 16th 11:30am: Match #13
1:30pm: Match #14

Sunday, August 17th 11:30am: Match #15
1:30pm: Match #16

Closing Ceremonies follow the championship match.

While you're at the soccer tournament, stop by the Lorain County Visitors Bureau booth to pick up our Visitors Guide, Events Calendar and other brochures! See you at the tournament!!

Meet the Commemorative Air Force - Cleveland Wing

The Commemorative Air Force - Cleveland Wing graciously donated to the Lorain County Visitors Bureau an opportunity to ride in their World War II SNJ-4 trainer aircraft, known as the “Texan”. They wanted us to experience the thrill and excitement for ourselves so we could better promote them as a LCVB member. Well, we are definitely doing what we can to promote the Commemorative Air Force - Cleveland Wing and their flight experience package, but we thought our hardworking friends at the Lorain Coast Guard Station deserved the free ride instead. (OK, truth is, I get queasy just riding in a car!) But I did go to the Lorain County Airport to watch in person.

Pilot Richard Whelan of the Commemorative Air Force-Cleveland Wing, Mike Yokubaitus from USCG Station Lorain, and Lynne Lisner of the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.

Not only did I get to see the Texan aircraft up close, but they had quite a few unique items in their gallery.

Commemorative Air Force - Cleveland Wing hangar at the Lorain County Airport.

I would like to introduce to you a few gentlemen I had a chance to meet while visiting the hangar.

CAF members Tom Muller, Pilot Richard Whelan, and Robert Koran, CAF Finance Officer/Photographer.

They are all part of this organization that preserves and presents the heritage of World War II aviation. Membership to the CAF is open to anyone with a sincere interest in the preservation of World War II aircraft; you don’t have to be a pilot or military veteran. The CAF- Cleveland Wing meets once a month at the Lorain County Airport in Elyria and they appear at many regional air shows and events. You can even schedule them to appear at your own event!

For a tax deductable donation, you can experience a 30 minute flight in this beautifully preserved and well maintained historic military aircraft. If flying is not your thing, what a unique gift this would be!

Jason Fouse and his family traveled from PA for the Flight Experience. Photo by Bob Koran.

Thanks again to the Commemorative Air Force - Cleveland Wing for showing us one of Lorain County's most exciting and unique attractions!