Put-in-Bay Calendar of Events 2022
Founders Day Weekend
June 9, 2023 - June 11, 2023
Founders Day Weekend – Relive Our History
Visit Put-in-Bay Ohio on Saturday, June 11th for the 48th annual Founders Day celebration of the islands founding father Jose DeRivera. One of the best family weekends of the year, Put-in-Bay History is celebrated in DeRivera Park, downtown Put-in-Bay from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This family-oriented free event will feature live entertainment, arts & crafts from local and area vendors, vintage Put-in-Bay memorabilia, and handcrafted jewelry.
Jose DeRivera our founder, was a Hispanic merchant who purchased the South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast, and Starve Islands for the sum of $44,000 in 1854. He then sold off parcels of the land to the community for a fraction of the price in order to develop the island as a better place to live. He sold the school property for $1 and the St. Paul’s church property for $10. Put-in-Bay Founder’s Day is in place to celebrate the rich history of Put-in-Bay, strong island heritage and the impact DeRivera’s good deeds had on the community as a whole.
Founders Day Food & Beverage
Visitors will enjoy food & beverages served by various Put-in-Bay Community groups who utilize this historical event as an opportunity to raise funds for local causes. A great weekend for groups and families to see why Put-in-Bay is one of Ohio’s Top Ten Vacation Getaways!
One of the most heartfelt weekends of the summer is Founder’s Day. Jose DeRivera was a Hispanic merchant who purchased the South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast, and Starve Islands for the sum of $44,000 in 1854. Then, Jose sold off parcels of the land to the community for a fraction of the price. He sold the school property for $1 and the St. Paul’s church property for $10. Founder’s Day is in place to celebrate the rich history, strong island heritage and the impact DeRivera’s good deeds had on the community as a whole.
A Founders Day picnic lunch will be available for a small donation and prepared by the Put-in-Bay Hog Roasters. Browse the downtown shops and tents and find great handcrafted gifts, many created by local artisans’. Community-based nonprofit organizations with booths will be sharing their missions and making new friends with Put-in-Bay visitors.