Island Green Week 2019

Put-in-Bay Island Green Week will run from August 3rd – through the 14th. The Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, OSU’s Stone Laboratory, the Put-in-Bay Township Park District and the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society have collaborated to produce a mixture of Ecotourism, Adventure Travel, Agritourism, and History sponsored by the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Miller Boat Line, Jet Express, Park Hotel, Frosty Bar, Cameo Pizza, The Boardwalk and Lake Erie Shores and Islands. Island Green Week events are located on three separate islands, Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Kelleys Island. Please make sure you are checking the correct date, time and island for events when making travel plans.

Calendar of Island Green Week 2019

 Events August 3-14, 2019

Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day, Middle Bass Island

Saturday, August 3rd, at 12 p.m. on Middle Bass Island. Cost – $20, pre-registration $25 on-site. Kayakers start and finish at the Middle Bass
Island State Park west beach (No starts later than 1 p.m.). The paddle around the island includes three additional stops (the State Park Marina, the MBI East Point Preserve and the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area/Petersen Woods Preserve). A welcome packet at the start has a description of the course and information about the stops. Stops are staffed with volunteers for safety and to distribute poker cards and snacks. The finish has a cook-out with hot-dogs, chips, and a bottle of water while 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are determined. Proceeds from the event will benefit signage for the Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s newest preserves on Middle Bass Island. (Rain Date is August 4th) Registration is available at http://bit.ly/MBI-Poker-Kayak-Day-2019 Deadline to register is August 1st.

Historic Lonz Winery Tours During Island Green Week 2019, Middle Bass Island

Saturday, August 3rd, Sunday, August 4th, Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Middle Bass Island. Cost – FREE. Participants will be able to tour the iconic Lonz Winery Cellars, Lonz Boat House and the grounds of the Lonz Mansion as well as Middle Bass Island State Park and the newly renovated Lonz Winery Pavilions. The Sonny-S Boat Line is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. The Sonny-S ferry prices are one-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+) $6, Children (6-12) $3, and Children (under 6) Free.

Aquatic Visitor Center Tours with Wild Saturday Program, Put-in-Bay

August 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost – FREE. Visitors can stop by the Aquatic Visitors Center, about one mile west
of downtown Put-in-Bay to experience Lake Erie science up close. Activities include inspecting Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem through hands-on displays, observing and identifying live fish in ten large aquariums and discovering current research to protect Lake Erie. Children under age 16 can fish from the fishing pier for free. The facility is run by Ohio Sea Grant and OSU’s Stone Laboratory. Saturdays (August 4th and 11th) will also include special interpretive programs from 1 to 3 p.m.

Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Tours, Put-in-Bay

August 3rd through 14th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost – $3 Adults, $2 Children 6-13yrs old, $2 Seniors, and $8 for a family group. A beautifully preserved display of wildlife and habitats that can only be matched by national museums. There is also an extensive display of Monarch butterflies, a live beehive! and so many other great treasures. This is a must-do during our Island Green Week!

Forested Wetland Foot Bridge Dedication, Middle Bass Island

Sunday, August 4th, at 2 p.m. Cost – FREE Put-in-Bay Township Park District and their partners the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy will dedicate two new footbridges on the trail at the Middle Bass Island Forested Wetland Preserve on Sunday, August 4th, at 2 p.m. The new
footbridges were purchased with funds raised by the Conservancy and the Middle Bass Dock Company at the Middle Bass Music Fest 2018.
A ceremony will be held on-site on Fox Rd. with a reception to follow.

Eco-Tour, Put-in-Bay

Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Cost- $20.00 adult, under 18 FREE, on South Bass Island. Participants
may stop in at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall any time during these days to pick up their tour packets that will include maps, tour booklets,
several goodies, freebies, and coupons from island businesses. This unique ramble and island tour will include over 32 fun nature and history
related stops. Among the highlights planned are hiking Coopers Woods, seeing a natural cave, touring island vineyards and docent tours of island churches and other historic buildings. Discounts at several Put-in-Bay Restaurants reduced entrance fees at attractions, and coupons for gift shops will be given to Island Eco-Tour participants. Proceeds will benefit the Put-in-Bay Township Park District and will be used to maintain and preserve island parks.

Artisan Fair, Put-in-Bay

Monday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 6th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost – FREE. Local artists gather to sell art, crafts, beauty products and more. The craft market will take place alongside the Eco-Tour at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come see what our Island Artisans have on showcase! Baked goods, homegrown and canned jams and sauces, handmade crafts and art, jewelry, skin & body care and healing remedies. Our goal is to produce an event that is beneficial and enjoyable to the artists, as well as a place where tourists will feel at home and look forward to coming back yearly. If you are interested in participating, please contact Christie Ontko at OntkOrganix@yahoo.com

Miller Boat Line Stargazing Cruise, Put-in-Bay

Monday, August 5th, at 8 p.m.; Cost – Adults- $20, Kids – $10. The ferry cruise will leave from the downtown Miller Boat Line dock on Put-in-Bay at sunset. The stars will light up the sky as Cleveland State University instructor and astronomer, Jay Reynolds, will engage with the guests sharing information about the night sky, planets, and stars. Passengers will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy the show from outer space as the ferry boat travels around the Lake Erie Islands. Heineman Winery is donating wine. Delicious horsdeurves and Cameo Pizza. Bring your own chair. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechen Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285-3037.

Lake Erie Islands Water Trail Dedication, Put-in-Bay

Tuesday, August 6th, at 10:30 a.m. South Bass Island State Park will host the Lake Erie Islands Water Trail Dedication in partner
with Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals. Please join The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy as we dedicate specific water trails around the islands in hopes of promoting safe and family-friendly water activities on Lake Erie. New Brochures of the trails will be given out, along with other great information about Lake Erie and water activities available. First, 20 people who sign up after the dedication ceremony will receive FREE Kayak rentals provided by Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals.

Wild Tuesdays – “Fun with the Sun,” Put-in-Bay

Tuesday, August 6th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Cost –FREE. The purpose of our Wild Tuesday programs is to educate visitors and residents about Ohio’s native wildlife by providing up-close and hands-on interactive experiences. Fun with the Sun will be presented by Astronomer Jay Reynolds from Cleveland Ohio. This is a really “wild” family event. Lantern Tour of Historic Hotel Victory Grounds, Put-in-Bay Tuesday, August 6th from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Cost – FREE. South Bass Island State Park will host a Lantern Tour of the famous Hotel Victory grounds. This family event will start with a beautiful sunset at South Bass Island State Park and end at the Hotel Victory Swimming Pool Pavilion. The tour will highlight various still-existing features of the Hotel Victory, a history of the grounds, and exciting facts about life at the Hotel. Tour provided by Naturalist and Island Resident Renee Market.

5th Annual Pig Roast & Raffle, Put-in-Bay

*Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended Wednesday, August 7th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Goat Restaurant. Cost – $15 Pre-purchased, $20 on-site. Participants will be treated to a slow spit-roasted hog with corn and baked potatoes along with tasty sides donated by The Goat Soup and Whiskey. Popular island entertainers feature performances of favorite songs. There will be a silent auction with a variety of unique island prizes such as a trip for two to Rattlesnake Island, ferry passes, a biplane ride, a five-course dinner for four at a local restaurant, and hand-crafted artwork. Raffle tickets will be available at the Goat Restaurant on the day of the event. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechen Rd., or by credit card over the phone
at 419-285-3037.

Historic Gibraltar Island Tour, Put-in-Bay

Thursday, August 8th, from 10 a.m. to Noon OR 1 to 3 p.m. Cost – $5. Tours are limited to the first 70 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The two-hour-long island tour will include a glimpse of the history and natural history of this island, including the historic Stone Laboratory and Cooke’s Castle. The Water Taxi to Gibraltar will leave from the Boardwalk ($3 Round Trip) Participants should plan to get there 15 minutes prior to tour time. Parking will be available at the Town Hall or on the Street, not at the Boardwalk.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Auction, Put-in-Bay

Thursday, August 8th: Viewing time 3 to 5 p.m. Live Auction at 5 p.m. at Heineman Winery on Put-in-Bay. The annual auction of
the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Auction will feature a very impressive selection of items donated by Put-in-Bay residents and businesses, many of which focus on Put-in-Bay history. Cash Bar.

Painting at the Lonz Pavilion, Middle Bass Island

Friday, August 9th, at 6 p.m. Cost – $20. Come to the beautifully renovated Lonz Pavilion for an evening of painting and history. We will supply the materials and Mother Nature will supply the subject Island Naturalist Renee Market will supply the rich island history while you paint and enjoy the spectacular view. This event is open to ages 13+. BYOB event. The Sonny-S Boat Line is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. The Sonny-S ferry prices are one-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+)$6, Children (6-12) $3,  Children (under 6) Free.

Historic South Bass Island Lighthouse Tours, Put-in-Bay

Saturday, August 10th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Bass Island Lighthouse on Put-in-Bay. Cost – FREE. Guests will be able
to tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse and learn about its history, climb its stairs up 60 feet to take in the stunning views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie from the top of the tower, and walk the historic grounds that include a butterfly garden certified by Monarch Watch. On the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse is sure to impress. Some visitors who travel to Put-in-Bay think Perry’s Monument is the Lighthouse, and are surprised to find out our lighthouse is much more humble and quaint.

Kelleys Island Glacial Groove Tour and Geology Hike, Kelleys Island

Saturday, August 10th, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost – FREE. Join the staff of Kelleys Island State Park for an opportunity to visit and view up close the largest glacial grooves in North America. The tour will also include a visit to one of Kelleys Island’s abandoned quarries to discuss fossils and the habitat created by this aging quarry. Participants will have the option to ride the Jet Express to Kelleys Island from Put-in-Bay Discounts to be announced, call 419-285-3037 for more information.

Pitch Black Kayak, Put-in-Bay

Monday, August 12th at 8 p.m. Cost – $10.00 *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended There is no better way to experience the cliffs of South Bass Island State Park than by Kayak. Join us for a nighttime kayak event, in partner with Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals. Certified Kayak Instructor and State Park Naturalist Renee Market will guide participants around the water and detail events of the fateful night the Hotel Victory burned above the cliffs. This event is weather permitting, and all participants must be 18 years or older. Minors welcome accompanied by a guardian.

Painting on the Porch, Put-in-Bay

Tuesday, August 13th, 1 until 3 p.m. Cost – $20 *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended A Sip ‘n’ Paint Party at Lake Erie Island Nature and Wildlife Center! No experience necessary! Local artist Brenda Nemec will walk you through a painting, step by step, while you sit back, sip on a beverage, and follow along. Simply sign up at the center and show up. If you’re looking for a great way to spend time with friends, be creative, and enjoy a beautiful afternoon on Put-in-Bay this is a must-do event. This event is open to ages 13+. It is a BYOB event. For more information call the LEINWC 419-285-3037 or Renee Market 419-708-5798

Meteor Shower at the Tower, Middle Bass Island

Tuesday, August 13th from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m. Cost – FREE at The Lonz Pavilion, Middle Bass Island State Park. This evening event invites participants to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower which will reach its maximum rate of activity on 13 August. Some shooting stars associated with the shower are expected to be visible each night from 23 July to 20 August. Participants are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, chairs or blankets, and watch the meteor shower from the open-air pavilion. Restrooms are available and the entire Middle Bass Island State Park is accessible for all. The Sonny-S Boat Line is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. The Sonny-S ferry prices are One-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+) $6, Children (6-12) $3, Children (under 6) Free.

Rekindling Victory: A Historic Celebration, Put-in-Bay Hotel History

Wednesday, August 14th from 12 until 6 p.m. Cost – FREE The 100 Year Anniversary for a major island misfortune. The Hotel Victory stood on the south shore of Put-in-Bay for a glorious 27 years before the fateful night when it burned to the ground by an unknown caused fire. For a century, people have been fascinated by the Victory and her mysterious end. Join us Wednesday afternoon for a reception in her honor.
Island natives and visitors alike can enjoy an afternoon with Victory with a special group of people who are intrigued by her beauty, mass, history, and downfall. The celebration will be a casual picnic setting on the cliffs of South Bass Island State Park, light fair and wine will be available for purchase. Yard games, tours, and local artist will fill the afternoon with entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress for the time, circa 1919. A reception will be held in partnership with Lake Erie Island Nature and Wildlife Center, South Bass Island State Park and other Island businesses during Island Green Week 2019.