Fourth of July weekend is upon us! Time for picnics, backyard barbeque's, family and friends, and of course FIREWORKS! To make sure you get the most out of your holiday weekend we’ve put together a listing of all the local favorite attractions and their weekend plans.

Friday, July 1^st

There is no better way to celebrate American culture then by gathering the family for exciting evening of baseball! The Lake Erie Crushers take to their home field for a thrilling challenge against the Gateway Grizzlies. The game throws its first pitch at 7:00pm and will conclude the evening with a fireworks display overlooking the field.  With general admission starting at $6 this is an American classic the whole family can enjoy.  For ticket information call 440-934-3636.

Saturday, July 2^nd

The Lorain County Speedway is getting ready to light up the track and the sky! Races begin at 7:00pm with the grandstands opening at 3:00pm.  Experience a rush of excitement from this fast pace event then relax and celebrate Independence Day weekend with fireworks. For ticket information call 440-986-223.

Sunday, July 3^rd

The city of Oberlin is welcoming the fourth with a display of light and color that is sure to brighten everyone’s evening.  Fireworks will be displayed at the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton Street just past Splash Zone. This American favorite will start at dusk. In the case of bad weather, fireworks will be moved to Monday.

Add music to your weekend by visiting the Port Fest at the Black River Landing in Lorain.  The Port Fest starts at 10am on Sunday with a canoe/kayak race.  Spend the rest of the day enjoying the car show, crafts, great food, and games for kids. Music for the evening includes The Drifters (Motown) at 8pm and The Rat Pack (Frank, Dean, and Sammy) at 9pm. Finally, the Black River Landing provides a unique firework show starting at 10:00pm.

Looking for great family fun? The North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation Department is having a Party in the Park! The party is set to occur at South Central Park starting at 5:30pm, and will have food concessions with a full menu. Free family activities including live music, face painting, magic shows and more will occur from 6 to 8:30pm. The party will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk, provided by the North Ridgeville Fire Department. 

ArtsFest is a free outdoor festival celebrating the arts in Northeast Ohio.  The event will take place at Miller Road Park in Avon Lake, starting at 2:00pm. Artists and vendors from the area will be on hand to showcase and sell their art, and there is live music and free entertainment throughout the day. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, so be sure to stay through the end of the evening!

Wellington adds more excitement to Independence weekend with two days of family festivities.  Starting on Sunday evening head over to the town hall lawn for the Patriots community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social.  Stick around for fireworks at the fairgrounds beginning at dusk. 

Monday, July 4^th

Wellington continues their celebrations on July Fourth with food, games, and family activities starting at 11:30am. The celebration in the park will feature the area’s largest Independence Day Parade starting at 3pm. Grab a spot along the curb of South Main Street and experience this patriotic event.

Cedar Point will celebrate the Fourth with two nights of fireworks and other events. 

Happy Independence Day!

Outdoor grilling AND walleye season are both in full swing! Walleye can be found now in the near shore waters of Lake Erie between Vermilion and Avon Point. Got a cooler full of fresh walleye? Lucky you! How about grilling up something a bit different? This recipe is not too difficult and a family favorite (even among kids who aren't known to cheer when told fish is on the menu!). If you want the freshest walleye, catch your own. You can hire a great, local charter captain who will make sure your cooler is full.

Grilled Walleye Tacos

Feeds 3–4

1lb fresh Lake Erie walleye fillet
corn or flour tortillas, or pita

Marinade
¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup chopped white onion
dash of chili pepper
3 tbsp. lime juice
3 tbsp. orange juice
½ mango, diced
1 tsp. dried oregano
¼ cup olive oil

Combine marinade ingredients and mix

1. Combine mixed marinade ingredients into resealable plastic bag or baking dish, add walleye fillets, mix, chill and marinate for 1 hour. (while walleye is marinating, prepare Mango Salsa as directed below)

2. Place walleye on grill (in foil) with some of the marinade and cook on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side. Or, I prefer to use an indoor/George Foreman Grill and cook 7 minutes.

3. Warm corn or flour tortillas or pita.

4. Spoon walleye into tortilla and serve topped with mango salsa.

Mango salsa ingredients

Mango salsa

1  mango, pitted and diced
4 stem tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup red onion, chopped
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
3 tablespoons of olive oil

Combine ingredients into medium bowl and stir gently. Refrigerate for at least a half hour to combine flavors.

Mango salsa, mixed

Wine pairings: Serve with a local, dry white wine. Suggestions: 2008 Chardonnay from Klingshirn Winery or Viognier from Paper Moon Vineyards. Or, enjoy with a cold beer or lemonade.