June Festivals in Lorain County

Summer has finally hit Lorain County! For many among us that means funnel cakes and ferris wheels. And make no mistake, there'll be plenty of those. But the county is also known for its more unique festivals and bazaars! Take a look at what's happening in June alone:

• June 3rd, Grand Pacific Junction First Thursday: Grand Pacific Junction is a wonderfully unique shopping area in Olmsted Falls, and what better time to take advantage of special sales and discounts than at the First Thursday festival. Also for your enjoyment: performances by local musicians and performers, food and refreshments, local crafters and vendors. This event is free. 440.235.1441. 

• June 5th, Balloon Fest 2010: For the third year running, Wellington has decided to kick off the summer with a truly amazing hot air balloon display. Sponsored by the Lorain County on Aging and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, this event allows you to closely inspect the balloons before the evening's take-off. Additionally, the festival will feature live entertainment, kids' games, a variety of food and beverage, local crafts and vendors, and exhibits and demonstrations of many kinds. Just $5 per car.

• June 5th - 6th, Columbia Antique Gas Engine Show and Flea Market: If you've a knack for history and/or mechanics, this festival is a wonderful way to learn and have some fun at the same time. Columbia Township Park will be filled with engine exhibitors, friendly competitions, and flea market and craft vendors. 440.236.9053.

• June 5th, Make-A-Splash Beach Party: One might say that the Make-A-Splash Beach Party at Lakeview Park is Lorain County's official summer kick-off. Activities will include a demonstration by the totally amazing Holy Trinity Unicycle Club, story time in the Rose Cafe, crafts, games, face painting, and much more. The rockin' G-Force Revue, composed of three sisters (none of whom are older than 11!), will be headlining the event. And as if you need another reason to join the fun, all who attend this party will receive free admission to that evening's Ironmen baseball game at Pipe Yard Stadium. Summer's here, indeed! 440.244.1192.

• June 17th, Third Thursday in Vermilion - Music, Flowers,  and a Sunset: Every third Thursday of the summer months, downtown Vermilion's historic Harbourtown is flooded with awesome live music. Residents and out-of-towners alike come downtown to browse the unique shops and enjoy the vibrant lakeside atmosphere.

• June 18th - 19th, Juneteenth in Oberlin: Celebrate a day commemorating the end of slavery by visiting Oberlin, a town with a large historical role in abolition and the Civil War. The theme of this year's Juneteenth celebration is "1860: Oberlin on the Eve of War." Festivities begin on Friday with a trolley tour around Oberlin and ends on Saturday with a concert by "La Bamba" in Tappan Square. Other attractions include a parade, various vendors, give-a-ways, demonstrations, reenactments and performances.

• June 18th - 19th, Juneteenth Celebration in Lorain: The city of Lorain is hosting their own Juneteenth Celebration Weekend at Harrison Cultural Community Centre. Friday night's feature is Gospel Night featuring numerous talented singers and praise dancers. The parade sets out on Saturday at 11:30 am. Stop by on either day for fun games, unique vendors, and delicious food.

• June 18th - 20th, Festival of the Fish: 2010 marks the 44th year of this terrific lakeside Festival. For one weekend every summer Vermilion's Victory Park is filled with games, food, and vendors. The festival's main events include a lighted boat parade, a sand castle building contest, crazy craft races, and a queen's pageant. Admission to this weekend of beachy fun is free. 440.967-4477.

• June 18th - 20th, Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival: One of Lorain County's more quirky festivals (one of it's more bizarre bazaars...?), the Duct Tape Festival is trippin' back to the 60s this year with the theme, "Peace, Love, & Duct Tape." Stop by Veterans Memorial Park for food, games, vendors, rides, performances and, of course, duct tape crafts, all weekend long. Admission and parking are free. 866.818.1116.

• June 25th - 26th, Ohio Scottish Games: Each summer, Lorain County hosts the state's premier (only?) Scottish games. The festivities begin on Friday night with a BBQ dinner and authentic highland music. But for the athletes, the camaraderie is short-lived; on Saturday the games begin. 440.835.9794.

• June 25th - 27th, Lorain International Festival and Bazaar: One of the county's biggest summer events, the Lorain International Festival & Bazaar is a wildly fun weekend meant to commemorate and celebrate the city's diverse ethnic heritage. This year, the spotlight is on Lorain's vibrant Hungarian community. Black River Landing will be bursting with over 40 ethnic food vendors, myriad cultural arts & crafts, and exciting entertainment. The perfect combination of celebration, education, and pure fun.

• June 25 - 27th, Columbia Homecoming Festival: Join Columbia Township in celebrating their town's history and heritage. Festivities will include all kinds of live entertainment, delicious foods, a car show, 5 K Run & In-line Skate, Parade, Fireworks, and a whole lot more. And to all the young ladies in the county, don't forget about the Miss Liberty Pageant!

• June 26th, Historic Summerfare Saturday: For the 15th year in a row, Exchange Place Park in Vermilion is stepping back in history. Come view a fortune's worth of antiques and collectibles, partake in an "Architectural Mystery Hunt," gawk at the Lake Shore Corvette Show, or simply enjoy downtown Harbour Town. 440.967.4262.

• June 26th, Oberlin Chalk Walk: Get in touch with your creative side at Oberlin's annual chalk walk. Participants are given ample chalk free of charge and instructed to express themselves on the sidewalks of downtown Oberlin, while professional artists work on their own masterpieces. Free and open to the public!

For more information on summer festivals and events around Lorain County, check out the Visit Lorain County website, become a fan of our Facebook Page, follow us on Twitter, or call the office at (440) 984-5282. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!