'Tis the Season!

Isn't it hard to believe Christmas is only next week?! Don't get so caught up in the craziness of the holiday season that you forget to get out and enjoy time with your family. Here in Lorain County you can enjoy everything from beautiful light displays to nights in the theater. Maybe you'll even start up a new tradition!

LIGHTS

There are a ton of places to check out light displays in Lorain County that give even the Griswolds a run for their money!

• Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation (12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange,OH 44050) also runs until New Year's Eve, excluding Dec. 24  and 25, with a 1/2 mile paved loop with movie themed light displays along the way. The Holiday Express will also run every day through another decorated trail. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays 6-9pm and Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm. Admission is free, but please bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

• Holiday Lights at Finwood Estate (799 North Abbe Road Elyria,OH 44035) will be on display every night until Jan. 5, and after you check out the awesome display you can head inside for hot chocolate and cookies! Guests are asked to bring nonperishable food items that will be donated to the Elyria Hospitality House.

• Miller Nature Preserve (2739 Center Road Avon,OH 44011) is decked out until Jan. 6, excluding Christmas and New Years Day, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

• Lights on the Lake is nightly at 6pm until Dec. 31 at Lakeview Park (1800 West Erie Avenue Lorain,OH 44052).

SHOWS

If you're a fan of the performing arts, maybe checking out one of these great shows in more your style.

• "The Nutcracker" will be performed at LCCC's Stocker Arts Center by Ohio Dance Theatre, Northeast Ohio’s professional ballet company on Dec 20 at 10am, Dec 20 & 21 at 7:30pm, and Dec 22 at 2pm. For tickets call Stocker Arts Center Box Office at 440-366-4040 or visit their website.

• Songs for the Season will be performed by the Oberlin Choristers at Finney Chapel in Oberlin, Ohio at 7:30 pm on Dec. 21.  

• The TrueNorth Christmas Concert will be celebrating the season with their Chorale, Symphony and Big Band at Avon Lake United Church of Christ (32801 Electric Boulevard Avon Lake,OH 44012). Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.

•  The Lorain Palace Theater ( 617 Broadway Lorain,OH 44052) presents Charles Dickens’  ”A Christmas Carol”  December 20 & 21 at 7pm. Adults tickets are $10, children are $7. 

OUT AND ABOUT

We still have you covered even if a holiday show isn't your cup of cocoa! Check out these other great events going on in and around Lorain County!

• Christmas on the Farm with Bonnie Brae Elk Farm is on Dec. 21 and 22 is sure to be a great time for you and your family. Wagon rides to go out and feed the elk are $10 for all ages. Call (440) 647-3232 or (440) 647-4593 for your reservation. 

• The historian in your family will be excited about the Burrell Christmas program and tour on Dec. 21 from 12 pm-3 pm. The scheduled shuttle transport every 20 minutes beginning at the French Creek Nature Center. Drop-in activities at the Nature Center will be ongoing.  Preregister for tours at www.metroparks.cc or call 440-458-5121 by Dec 20.

• The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is in the holiday spirit with their 3D Winter Wonderland Christmas Walk-Thru starting every day in December at noon. Enjoy the light show, XD Motion Theater Movie “Sleigh Ride”, Roller Skating Rink, 3D Blacklight Mini Golf, Bounce Houses, 3-level Play Area, Haunted House, and Arcade for a fun filled afternoon!

SANTA

You can't go the whole season without visiting the man in red himself! Here's where to find him this year. 

Miller Nature Preserve & Conservatory from LCMP

• Santa will be at Lakeview Park for brunch on Dec. 21 from 10 am-2 pm. Tickets are $15 per person ($5 or kids 5 & under) and include a carriage ride around Lakeview Park, breakfast buffet, one family photo with Santa, a craft, and a chance to shop at Santa’s gift shop.

• You can catch him at Finwood Estate while you're there for the holiday lights!

• On December 23 from 11:30 am- 1:30 pm Santa will be at Petitti Garden Center (33777 Chester Road Avon,OH 44011) hanging out with kids aged 5 and up. Tickets are $10 and will include a sack lunch (hotdog, chips, cookie, drink), a visit with Santa, story time, and a craft. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Bereavement Program at Stein Hospice.

Spotlight on Wellington, Ohio

Welcome readers! Earlier this week Kaitlin and I spent a day in one of the little towns (with a lot to offer) in Lorain County called Wellington. Our plan is to put a spotlight on a few other gems like this one throughout the summer, so be sure to keep an eye on the blog or our facebook page!

Most people's first impression of Wellington is that it's a really quaint little town. The old style of architecture in the town square definitely does not go unnoticed. 











But of course beautiful church steeples and old houses can only keep a person's attention for so long. That was far from a problem on our visit, we had no trouble filling our afternoon.

Our first stop was the Wellington Reservation. There is over 4+ miles of walking trails and a building available for rent for events that range anywhere from a baby shower to a grad party. However, Kaitlin and I had our sights on another attraction: the paddle boats. The boats are completely free, you just need to have your drivers license and one person in the boat must be over the age of 18. We were excited to learn that this year they implemented a scavenger hunt from the boats, so we signed in, got our list of clues, and got on the water!









The way the hunt works is there are 4 canisters on posts around the edge of the water. They are bright white, so it's pretty easy to see them from the boat. You just make your way to them, see what's inside, and try to figure out which clue it belongs to!







The boats are a really unique way to enjoy the beauty of the park. Some of the views you come across are absolutely stunning, and there's just no way to see it from land. And of course, it's an absolute blast to paddle around!

 And as you can see, the paddle boats aren't the only thing to do on the water. You can bring your own kayaks out, do some fishing, and there are birdhouses all throughout the park that house the many different types of beautiful song birds.

After we finished the hunt (and our mini-workout) we returned the boat to the dock and decided we'd go to a local coffee shop, Bread-n-Brew, to cool off. It's a really cute little shop with a pretty good variety of drinks and desserts to choose from. It's also a great place to stop for a full breakfast or lunch (I recommend the cinnamon swirl french toast if you're there around breakfast time). It was pretty hot out on the day of our trip, so we were more focused on the smoothies and iced drinks menu.

And who can resist that dessert counter? Clearly not us, as you can tell by the pastries with our drinks.




One of the coolest things about Bread-n-Brew is that they also sell plenty to take home with you. You can buy anything from real maple syrup or local honey, to bags of coffee beans.

After we were cooled off by my smoothie and Kaitlin's iced Chai, we decided to go to Findley State Park, which is South of Wellington. Every time I'm in the park I'm  blown away by how pretty is, especially right here in our pic, when you first drive in. The natural arc made by the highest trees make it feel like you're driving into paradise. This path is near the Thorn, which is a really intense mountain biking trail. If any cyclists are reading, keep in mind that the Thorn Trail Time Trial is coming up July 21st! 

Our last stop of the day was to poke around Days of Yore Herb and Flower Farm. It's a very unique shop, surrounded by gardens. In the spring you can buy plants for your own garden, and then head inside so look at everything else they have to offer.

 This time of year is actually perfect to visit this fun little village. On July 19th, 20th, and 21st, downtown will be full of excitement from the annual Cheese Heritage Festival. Cheese may seem like a strange theme for a festival, but it's celebrating the history of the town, which was the nation's biggest cheese producer in the late 1800's. They celebrate with a cheesecake and macaroni & cheese bake off, a parade, live music, and much more. See you there!

~Melody

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.

Get Active in Lorain County-Indoor and Outdoor Recreation for the Whole Family

Looking for some sports action this summer? Lorain County has a large number of exciting sports venues and events perfect for spectators and athletes alike.

• Baseball: No offense to a certain professional baseball club just east of Lorain County, but there's no telling what the summer will be like as far as Major League Baseball is concerned. Luckily, there are other options:

• Lake Erie Crushers: In their first year as the Frontier League's newest expansion team, the Lake Erie Crushers beat out twelve teams from all around the Midwest to win the League's championship. All signs point to an equally successful second season. The Crushers play at the new All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon. Opening night is May 21! Click here for a complete schedule.

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• Lorain County Ironmen: The Lorain County Ironmen compete in the Prospect League, a Midwest summer league for the region's top collegiate players looking to gain experience and simulate professional baseball life. The Ironmen play at the Pipe Yard Stadium in Lorain. Click here for a complete schedule. Named after U.S. Steel, the Pipe Yard also hosts other local and regional ball teams throughout the season, including Oberlin College and local high school teams.

• Triathlons: Thanks to Lake Erie and its beautiful beaches, Lorain County is an ideal location for summer triathlons.

• 24th Annual Summer Spring Triathlon/Duathlon, Lakeview Park: Triathlon - 1/4-mile swim, 14.3-mile bike, 5K run. Duathlon - 5K run, 14.3-mi bike, 5K run. Click here for details and registration. (NCN Racing)
• 5th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon, Findley State Park: Triathlon - 1/4-mile swim, 14.3-mile bike, 5K run. Duathlon - 5K trail run, 14.3-mile bike, 5K trail run. Click here for details and registration. (NCN Racing)
• Vermilion Harbor Triathlon/Duathlon, Linwood Park: Spring Triathlon - 750m swim/5K run, 20K bike, 5K run. Olympic Triathlon - 1500m swim/5K run, 40K bike, 10K run. Click here for details and registration. (HFP Racing)
  
  
  
  
• Running Races: Not into the whole triathlon thing? Here are some races that don't require you to get wet:
  
  

• Fish Festival 5K Race and One Mile Walk: Located in Vermilion during the Festival of the Fish, this race will take place June 19th. Details here.
• 7th Annual Park-2-Park Half Marathon & 5K: June 20th at the French Creek Nature Center in Sheffield. (NCN Racing)
• 5th Annual Columbia Station Half Marathon Run & Inline Skate: June 27th, beginning at Copopa Elementary School in Columbia Station. (NCN Racing)

• Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport Route: If you're training for one of these triathlons, or just enjoy challenging and picturesque bikes rides through the countryside, we encourage you to utilize the award-winning Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport Route. The route features scenic, low-traffic roads and bike paths that lead riders through some of Ohio's best landscape, while also highlighting some of the area's most relevant history, culture and arts and cutting edge environmental initiatives. Click here for a map of the route.

• Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail: Beginning along the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River in Brownhelm Township, the 27-mile paddle trail winds down the river before entering Lake Erie in Vermilion. Once in open water, the trail heads east and follows the shoreline to Lorain where it enters the Black River. Heading upstream, paddlers will pass the U.S. Steel Mill before the trail ends at the Bur Oak Area of the Black River Reservation. Different segments of the water trail cater to different experience levels. Click here for a map.

• Lakeview Park: Comprised of 20 acres of gorgeous, beachfront property, Lakeview Park is one of the city's most well-known summer recreation areas. The park has ample accommodations for volleyball, lawn bowling, and of course, swimming. Visitors often remark on the Historic Rose Garden and the view of the Lorain Lighthouse. In addition to triathlons, Lakeview also hosts the East/West Volleyball Open, July 24-25th.

• Findley State Park: This popular state park is located in southern Lorain County south of the historic Village of Wellington on State Route 58. Over 900 acres of woodland are available year round for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboating, and camping enjoyment. In addition, Findley is equipped for disc golf and volleyball. On June 19th, bring the kids on out for the park's Youth Fishing Derby.

• Oberlin College: Nearby Oberlin College boasts an impressive array of athletic facilities, including the Phillips Recreation Center. Phillips and the surrounding grounds accommodate athletes interested in tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, and swimming. For more information on the facilities available and usage restrictions, visit the Oberlin College Athletics website.

• Oberlin Splash Zone: Splash Zone, Oberlin's aquatic complex, consists of an 8-lane indoor pool, a tot lagoon, a large outside pool with two 24 ft. water slides and other water toys, a playground, a fitness room, an aerobics room and a party space. As of fall 2009, Splash Zone introduces its new field house, containing four basketball/volleyball courts and a three-lane walking track.

• Golf: The county features several quality courses including:

• Bob-O-Link Golf Course: 36 relatively flat and well-kept holes in Avon.
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  Columbia Hills Country Club: A private country club with 18 challenging holes.
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  Forest Hills Golf Course: An intermediate course in Elyria maintained by the Metro-Parks, featuring the "most difficult hole in Lorain County, number 7." Set up a tee time online here.

For rainy days:

• Lorain Sports Hall of Fame: Interested in the history of sports in Lorain? The Lorain Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and display of Lorain'f rich sporting history. Check out the website for details and hours.

• Rebman Recreation: 48 lanes perfect for open bowling, league bowling, tournaments, birthday parties and other special events. Rebman Recreation is located on Oberlin Road in Lorain.

For more information on sporting opportunities in Lorain County, check out the Visit Lorain County website and check our online events calendar for newly added sports events. To plan a sporting event in the county, visit our sports marketing page.

To request an Adventure and Visitors Info Guide to Lorain County, click here or call 1.800.334.1673.

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Get Active: Winter in Lorain County

We’re all resolving to be more active in 2010, so why not have fun while getting fit? Here are a few winter activities in Lorain County, North Central Ohio to help you get out and get moving.

Sledding: not just for kids. You’d be surprised how many calories you burn sled riding! After polling the locals, we’ve determined these are some of the best Lorain County sledding hills: Vermilion River Reservation, Carlisle Reservation in LaGrange, Cascade Park in Elyria, behind Philips Gym in Oberlin, behind Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst and South Central Park in North Ridgeville. (If we missed your favorite spot, comment below & let us know.)

Sledding in Amherst, photo by Holly Miller

Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing is another rewarding activity. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and toned legs, what more could you ask for? Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing is allowed in all Lorain County Metro Parks, even at Forest Hills Golf Club (when snow exceeds a 3” depth.)

Cross-country skiing in Lorain, photo courtesy of Rona Proudfoot

The LCMP offers snow-shoe hikes throughout the winter season (they even provide the snow-shoes, so there’s no excuse!) Findley State Park in Wellington is another favorite winter locale for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Findley may not provide the snow-shoes or skis, but it’s well worth the investment to experience this park in the wintertime. Try Molnar Outdoor in Elyria to purchase snow-shoes; they carry a selection of Redfeather, a nice, lightweight version.

Both Findley State Park and the Lorain County Metro Parks offer a variety of winter hiking programs for adults and children. How about a Winter Tree I.D. Hike, Mid-Winter’s Eve Hike, or a Hot Chocolate Hike? Here’s a list of the Metro Park’s upcoming programs. The 30th Annual Winter Hike at Findley is Feb. 6th at 10 am; includes 10k, 5k and interpretive lead hikes. According to the folks at Findley, the best part of the hike is the bean soup afterwards!

Buckeye Winter Hike, photo courtesy of Findley State Park

Of course, there are plenty of indoor activities in Lorain County to get your blood flowing. Show off your figure 8s while ice skating at North Park Complex Ice Arena in Elyria or give the Wii a rest and experience real bowling at Rebman Recreation; they have electronic scoring (no thinking necessary) and bumper rails for the kiddies.

Splash Zone in Oberlin added to their already impressive facility, another pool and a Field House with a three-lane rubberized walking track and four volleyball/basketball courts. Sign up for league play or any of Splash Zone’s land and water fitness classes.

Send us your active Lorain County photo; we’d love to see you and your family out & about, enjoying Lorain County. Send photos along with a description and name of photographer to visitors@visitloraincounty.com. Who knows, you may see your photo featured in an upcoming blog entry!

For other ideas on staying active in Lorain County, check out http://www.backroadsandbeachesohio.com/ and http://www.visitloraincounty.com/.

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.

RV it to Lorain County!

It is a fact that recreational vehicle rentals are up, way up this season, at least in Lorain County. According to Neff Brothers RV Rental, "This is the first-ever Thanksgiving holiday that we are just about booked out for the long weekend. In the past handful of years we were lucky to put three or four rentals out for the holiday and as of today, I have a dozen hitting the road by Wednesday. What’s the difference: airlines are not so much the friendly skies these days, gas prices dipped and families are pulling their resources to travel together to destinations and are saving money by taking an RV." How refreshing to hear that people are still traveling despite the woes of the economy. Thanks for the great news Neff Brothers RV!

Photo:The hepful staff of NEFF Brothers RV

Now, if the same news is true in other parts of the region, we welcome you to RV it to Lorain County, North Central Ohio! Stop in our Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Rd. in Amherst for the Adventure & Visitor Info Guide to Lorain County and other useful brochures for your visit to Lorain County.
Photo:Visit Lorain County by Rona Proudfoot

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!

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!