BeachFest 2014 - at Headlands Beach in Mentor SATURDAY JULY 26TH ONLY
#LCOHBEACHFEST
This free, family-friendly, outdoor celebration incorporates the arts with the elements of wind, water and sand to create the coolest event on Ohio’s longest beach. Last year, it attracted over 3,500 visitors to the beach!
Enjoy kite flying, kite making classes, sand castle building contest, a scavenger hunt, kayaking and paddle boarding. Plus, kids can also get involved in a number of beach art projects, games, art performances, inflatables and face painting.
Experience an interactive theater when you step inside the Mentor Water Safety Trailer, try out a Windsurf Simulator, or watch World Champion Sand Sculptors, including Carl Jara, create amazing masterpieces, like last year’s “Night Swallows Sun” shown here.
No need to bring a picnic — an array of food choices will be offered by Lakeside Snacks, Lou’s Classic Kettle Corn, Frut and the Fired Up Taco Truck. Plus, dozens of arts and craft vendors will line the paved walkway selling beach glass jewelry, driftwood items, wind chimes, sea shell glass jars, beach-themed paintings, pottery, mosaic vases, sandals and beachbags.
#PRIZE 5 copies of “A Day at the Beach: How absolutely anyone can successfully build sand castles and build even better beach memories”
#LCOHBEACHFEST
This free, family-friendly, outdoor celebration incorporates the arts with the elements of wind, water and sand to create the coolest event on Ohio’s longest beach. Last year, it attracted over 3,500 visitors to the beach!
Enjoy kite flying, kite making classes, sand castle building contest, a scavenger hunt, kayaking and paddle boarding. Plus, kids can also get involved in a number of beach art projects, games, art performances, inflatables and face painting.
Experience an interactive theater when you step inside the Mentor Water Safety Trailer, try out a Windsurf Simulator, or watch World Champion Sand Sculptors, including Carl Jara, create amazing masterpieces, like last year’s “Night Swallows Sun” shown here.
No need to bring a picnic — an array of food choices will be offered by Lakeside Snacks, Lou’s Classic Kettle Corn, Frut and the Fired Up Taco Truck. Plus, dozens of arts and craft vendors will line the paved walkway selling beach glass jewelry, driftwood items, wind chimes, sea shell glass jars, beach-themed paintings, pottery, mosaic vases, sandals and beachbags.
#PRIZE 5 copies of “A Day at the Beach: How absolutely anyone can successfully build sand castles and build even better beach memories”
Downtown Painesville - An Ohio Main Street Community
#LCOHDTPVILLE
Nestled thirty miles east of Cleveland along the wild and scenic Grand River, Downtown Painesville serves as the civic heart of Lake County and is a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life. From charming Main Street shops to the roar of college football, Ohio’s most diverse small town offers something for everyone and is welcoming to all.
Surveyed by the Connecticut Land Company in 1798 as part of their Western Reserve land holdings, the first settlers came in 1800. The leaders of a band of sixty-six pioneers to this new community were John Walworth and Gen. Edward Paine, formerly of Connecticut but more recently of Scipio, New York.
In 1800 the Western Reserve became Trumbull County and at the first Court of Quarter Sessions, the county was divided into eight political townships. The smallest of these was named Painesville, for Gen. Paine, and embraced what later became the townships of Perry, Leroy, Hambden, Concord, Chardon, Mentor, and Kirtland. The township government was organized in 1802. The post office in Painesville was opened in 1803 with John Walworth as postmaster.
In what was to become the commercial center of the township was a settlement called Oak Openings, its name being descriptive of the scrub oaks and sandy soil. It was here in 1805 that Gen. Henry Champion laid out a village plat and called it Champion. But in 1832 when this portion of the township was incorporated, the name Painesville was chosen. In 1840 Lake County was created from portions of Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties; and Painesville was made the county seat and a court house erected.
#PRIZE $50 Gift Certificate to Bella Donna Salon and Spa
#LCOHDTPVILLE
Nestled thirty miles east of Cleveland along the wild and scenic Grand River, Downtown Painesville serves as the civic heart of Lake County and is a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life. From charming Main Street shops to the roar of college football, Ohio’s most diverse small town offers something for everyone and is welcoming to all.
Surveyed by the Connecticut Land Company in 1798 as part of their Western Reserve land holdings, the first settlers came in 1800. The leaders of a band of sixty-six pioneers to this new community were John Walworth and Gen. Edward Paine, formerly of Connecticut but more recently of Scipio, New York.
In 1800 the Western Reserve became Trumbull County and at the first Court of Quarter Sessions, the county was divided into eight political townships. The smallest of these was named Painesville, for Gen. Paine, and embraced what later became the townships of Perry, Leroy, Hambden, Concord, Chardon, Mentor, and Kirtland. The township government was organized in 1802. The post office in Painesville was opened in 1803 with John Walworth as postmaster.
In what was to become the commercial center of the township was a settlement called Oak Openings, its name being descriptive of the scrub oaks and sandy soil. It was here in 1805 that Gen. Henry Champion laid out a village plat and called it Champion. But in 1832 when this portion of the township was incorporated, the name Painesville was chosen. In 1840 Lake County was created from portions of Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties; and Painesville was made the county seat and a court house erected.
#PRIZE $50 Gift Certificate to Bella Donna Salon and Spa
Downtown Willoughby
#LCOHDTW
Settled in 1798, the town was originally called Chagrin for the river which runs through it. In 1834, the town was renamed Willoughby after Willoughby Medical College, which opened its doors in November of that year. This medical school, the first in Northern Ohio, was named for Dr. Westel Willoughby, Jr., president of the Fairfield Medical College in Herkimer County, New York. Two of Dr. Willoughby’s students had established medical practices here in 1813 and 1819.
Drs. John M. Henderson and George W. Card led the push for a medical college which taught with great success here until the mid 1840′s when faculty disputes, poor economy and student grave robbing led to the abandonment of the Willoughby site and eventual formation of what are now the medical colleges of Case-Western Reserve and Ohio State University. The present Lake Erie College in Painesville also had its start here as the Willoughby Female Seminary until 1856.
Other interesting tales include The Girl in Blue who reposes in Willoughby Cemetery and the colorful history of the numerous 19th century buildings that line Erie Street downtown. Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic light, first tried out his device in the heart of Willoughby in the 1920′s.
The Cleveland, Painesville and Eastern Railroad (the CPE), an interurban electric train that ran from Cleveland to Ashtabula County was powered and serviced in Willoughby. Local restaurants, Gavi’s and Willoughby Brewing served as power plant and repair shops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each year a festival, “Last Stop Willoughby”, celebrates this part of Willoughby’s history.
Today, Willoughby is home to many additional festivals, shops and attractions including a car cruise-in, ghost walk, arts fest, boutiques and antique shops. The town truly has something for everyone of all ages and interests.
#PRIZE $50 Downtown Willoughby restaurant gift certificate
#LCOHDTW
Settled in 1798, the town was originally called Chagrin for the river which runs through it. In 1834, the town was renamed Willoughby after Willoughby Medical College, which opened its doors in November of that year. This medical school, the first in Northern Ohio, was named for Dr. Westel Willoughby, Jr., president of the Fairfield Medical College in Herkimer County, New York. Two of Dr. Willoughby’s students had established medical practices here in 1813 and 1819.
Drs. John M. Henderson and George W. Card led the push for a medical college which taught with great success here until the mid 1840′s when faculty disputes, poor economy and student grave robbing led to the abandonment of the Willoughby site and eventual formation of what are now the medical colleges of Case-Western Reserve and Ohio State University. The present Lake Erie College in Painesville also had its start here as the Willoughby Female Seminary until 1856.
Other interesting tales include The Girl in Blue who reposes in Willoughby Cemetery and the colorful history of the numerous 19th century buildings that line Erie Street downtown. Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic light, first tried out his device in the heart of Willoughby in the 1920′s.
The Cleveland, Painesville and Eastern Railroad (the CPE), an interurban electric train that ran from Cleveland to Ashtabula County was powered and serviced in Willoughby. Local restaurants, Gavi’s and Willoughby Brewing served as power plant and repair shops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each year a festival, “Last Stop Willoughby”, celebrates this part of Willoughby’s history.
Today, Willoughby is home to many additional festivals, shops and attractions including a car cruise-in, ghost walk, arts fest, boutiques and antique shops. The town truly has something for everyone of all ages and interests.
#PRIZE $50 Downtown Willoughby restaurant gift certificate
Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse
#LCOHMARINE
The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum is the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in the State of Ohio, as well as the United States.
The museum was founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, which is devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic tradition of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes area. The original lighthouse was completed in 1825. The tower stood thirty feet high, capped with an octagonal-shaped iron lantern. The lighthouse was accompanied by a two-story keeper's house.Due to deterioration the tower and keeper's house had to be replaced. Rebuilt in 1871, the tower now stands sixty feet high and has a spiral staircase of 69 steps which leads to an observation platform.In 1925 the light in the tower (a third-order Fresnel lens) was discontinued. It was replaced by a combination light and foghorn station which was built on the west breakwater pier head.
The museum houses a number of artifacts pertaining to life on the Great Lakes and other maritime exhibits. Attached to the museum is the former pilothouse from the Great Lakes carrier the "Frontenac".
#PRIZE 2 free family passes and a Csatary lighthouse print
#LCOHMARINE
The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum is the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in the State of Ohio, as well as the United States.
The museum was founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, which is devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic tradition of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes area. The original lighthouse was completed in 1825. The tower stood thirty feet high, capped with an octagonal-shaped iron lantern. The lighthouse was accompanied by a two-story keeper's house.Due to deterioration the tower and keeper's house had to be replaced. Rebuilt in 1871, the tower now stands sixty feet high and has a spiral staircase of 69 steps which leads to an observation platform.In 1925 the light in the tower (a third-order Fresnel lens) was discontinued. It was replaced by a combination light and foghorn station which was built on the west breakwater pier head.
The museum houses a number of artifacts pertaining to life on the Great Lakes and other maritime exhibits. Attached to the museum is the former pilothouse from the Great Lakes carrier the "Frontenac".
#PRIZE 2 free family passes and a Csatary lighthouse print
Historic Kirtland
#LCOHKIRTLAND
Come visit Historic Kirtland, a small settlement in northern Ohio where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered shortly after the Church was founded. Between 1831 and 1838, Joseph Smith and early members of the Church established Church headquarters in Kirtland, built a temple*, and laid a foundation of strength for the future.
#PRIZE Behind the Scenes Tours of Kirtland Temple
#LCOHKIRTLAND
Come visit Historic Kirtland, a small settlement in northern Ohio where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered shortly after the Church was founded. Between 1831 and 1838, Joseph Smith and early members of the Church established Church headquarters in Kirtland, built a temple*, and laid a foundation of strength for the future.
#PRIZE Behind the Scenes Tours of Kirtland Temple
The Holden Arboretum
#LCOHHOLDEN
At Holden, cultivated gardens come alive with color in the spring; cool forest trails offer a respite from the summer heat; woodlands are set ablaze with rich hues of fall; and paths lead you deep into the beauty of the winter woods.
Named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, Holden is a haven for bird watchers as well hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Covering 3,600 acres, The Holden Arboretum is among the largest arboreta in the United States. Documenting more than 120,000 plants, Holden’s horticultural focus is on a recognized collection of trees and shrubs, which are displayed in gardens accompanied by groundcovers and perennials, and in themed collections. We collect and display a diversity of plants and trees for evaluation and educational purposes, in order to convey sustainable plant choices recommended for our region. By sustainable, we mean plants that are adapted to our soils and climatic extremes, free from chronic diseases and significant pests, and non-invasive of natural areas. Plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, conifers, nut trees, wildflowers, lilacs and viburnums. A visitor center, reference library and picnic area are on the grounds. Holden connects people with nature for inspiration and enjoyment, fosters learning and promotes conservation.
#PRIZE Holden Arboretum coffee table book and 4 free admission passes
#LCOHHOLDEN
At Holden, cultivated gardens come alive with color in the spring; cool forest trails offer a respite from the summer heat; woodlands are set ablaze with rich hues of fall; and paths lead you deep into the beauty of the winter woods.
Named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, Holden is a haven for bird watchers as well hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Covering 3,600 acres, The Holden Arboretum is among the largest arboreta in the United States. Documenting more than 120,000 plants, Holden’s horticultural focus is on a recognized collection of trees and shrubs, which are displayed in gardens accompanied by groundcovers and perennials, and in themed collections. We collect and display a diversity of plants and trees for evaluation and educational purposes, in order to convey sustainable plant choices recommended for our region. By sustainable, we mean plants that are adapted to our soils and climatic extremes, free from chronic diseases and significant pests, and non-invasive of natural areas. Plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, conifers, nut trees, wildflowers, lilacs and viburnums. A visitor center, reference library and picnic area are on the grounds. Holden connects people with nature for inspiration and enjoyment, fosters learning and promotes conservation.
#PRIZE Holden Arboretum coffee table book and 4 free admission passes
James A Garfield National Historic Site - CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
#LCOHGARFIELD
A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.
Explore the Visitor Center
Discover the life of James A. Garfield! Exhibits in the 1894 Carriage House. Exhibits touch on Garfield's early life and educational pursuits, his military career and eventual political rise. Highlights include Garfield's presidential nomination, election, and assassination. An 18-minute video is available upon request.
Tour the House
Join uniformed park rangers and volunteer interpreters for a guided tour of the James A. Garfield Home and its furnishings. Tours of the restored home, acquired by Garfield in 1876 to accommodate his large family, last approximately 40 minutes.
Enjoy the Grounds
The peaceful tranquility of the grounds provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plan a family picnic, spread a blanket and enjoy a good book, or walk the paths for fun and fitness.
#PRIZE $50 in Eastern National Bookstore merchandise on behalf of James A Garfield Historic Site
#LCOHGARFIELD
A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.
Explore the Visitor Center
Discover the life of James A. Garfield! Exhibits in the 1894 Carriage House. Exhibits touch on Garfield's early life and educational pursuits, his military career and eventual political rise. Highlights include Garfield's presidential nomination, election, and assassination. An 18-minute video is available upon request.
Tour the House
Join uniformed park rangers and volunteer interpreters for a guided tour of the James A. Garfield Home and its furnishings. Tours of the restored home, acquired by Garfield in 1876 to accommodate his large family, last approximately 40 minutes.
Enjoy the Grounds
The peaceful tranquility of the grounds provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plan a family picnic, spread a blanket and enjoy a good book, or walk the paths for fun and fitness.
#PRIZE $50 in Eastern National Bookstore merchandise on behalf of James A Garfield Historic Site
Kirtland Temple
#LCOHTEMPLE
From 1831 to 1838, Kirtland, Ohio, was a bustling community and headquarters of an energetic new religious movement under the leadership of Joseph Smith, Jr. With great determination and sacrifice, Joseph Smith and his followers constructed a "House of the Lord," that would act as the center of community life as a place of worship, education, and leadership. Although the majority of the Latter Day Saints left Kirtland in 1838, a small number in the community remained behind preserving and maintaining the temple. Today, the historic house of worship is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and has been recognized by The Architects Society of Ohio and The Ohio Historical Society.
#PRIZE Mounted print of the building of Kirtland Temple
#LCOHTEMPLE
From 1831 to 1838, Kirtland, Ohio, was a bustling community and headquarters of an energetic new religious movement under the leadership of Joseph Smith, Jr. With great determination and sacrifice, Joseph Smith and his followers constructed a "House of the Lord," that would act as the center of community life as a place of worship, education, and leadership. Although the majority of the Latter Day Saints left Kirtland in 1838, a small number in the community remained behind preserving and maintaining the temple. Today, the historic house of worship is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and has been recognized by The Architects Society of Ohio and The Ohio Historical Society.
#PRIZE Mounted print of the building of Kirtland Temple
Lake County History Center
#LCOHLCHS
Operated by the Lake County Historical Society, The Lake County History Center is an 8-acre educational complex. Group tours and individual visitors are welcomed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. The museum building features a series of changing exhibits, gift shop, dining area for groups, classrooms and library.
The Lake County History Center occupies a building constructed in 1876 by the Lake County Commissioners. The building replaced the former “Lake County Infirmary,” earlier known as the County Poor House, that had occupied the property since 1852 when the County bought a farm house and 110 acres from the Pettingel family. Benjamin F. Morse was hired to design the new structure and Col. Arthur McAllister of Cleveland was named as builder. McAllister had built a reputation through construction of homes on Millionaires Row and the Soldiers and Sailors monument on Public Square in Cleveland.
The two-story T-shaped Italian ate structure remains an excellent example of an 1800’s institutional building retaining its architectural integrity and historic significance. The building was designed with four rooms at the front of the building designated as superintendent’s quarters on the first and second floor, followed by two wings extending from each side of the center to house residents, men and women in separate wings. The rear extension held the kitchen, dining hall and laundry area. The basement level was used for storage and workshop areas as well as a number of cells for housing the mentally ill. In 1897, a cottage hospital was added that served the entire county until a modern hospital was built in Painesville in 1924. Residents were supported by county tax dollars, individual donations and a large working farm on the grounds.
The Lake County Home remained one of the few operating facilities in the state until 2004. With only 9 residents remaining, a task force determined the facility needed to be closed. Residents were transferred to other facilities and the home sold to the adjoining school district, Riverside Local. Visitors today will still be able to see much of the original home, cells, cottage hospital and outbuildings as the Society continues to refurbish the building as the Lake County History Center.
#PRIZE Valued at $65, a basket containing local crafted items such as wood-turned salt and pepper mills, homemade jams, honey, and Malley’s chocolates.
#LCOHLCHS
Operated by the Lake County Historical Society, The Lake County History Center is an 8-acre educational complex. Group tours and individual visitors are welcomed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. The museum building features a series of changing exhibits, gift shop, dining area for groups, classrooms and library.
The Lake County History Center occupies a building constructed in 1876 by the Lake County Commissioners. The building replaced the former “Lake County Infirmary,” earlier known as the County Poor House, that had occupied the property since 1852 when the County bought a farm house and 110 acres from the Pettingel family. Benjamin F. Morse was hired to design the new structure and Col. Arthur McAllister of Cleveland was named as builder. McAllister had built a reputation through construction of homes on Millionaires Row and the Soldiers and Sailors monument on Public Square in Cleveland.
The two-story T-shaped Italian ate structure remains an excellent example of an 1800’s institutional building retaining its architectural integrity and historic significance. The building was designed with four rooms at the front of the building designated as superintendent’s quarters on the first and second floor, followed by two wings extending from each side of the center to house residents, men and women in separate wings. The rear extension held the kitchen, dining hall and laundry area. The basement level was used for storage and workshop areas as well as a number of cells for housing the mentally ill. In 1897, a cottage hospital was added that served the entire county until a modern hospital was built in Painesville in 1924. Residents were supported by county tax dollars, individual donations and a large working farm on the grounds.
The Lake County Home remained one of the few operating facilities in the state until 2004. With only 9 residents remaining, a task force determined the facility needed to be closed. Residents were transferred to other facilities and the home sold to the adjoining school district, Riverside Local. Visitors today will still be able to see much of the original home, cells, cottage hospital and outbuildings as the Society continues to refurbish the building as the Lake County History Center.
#PRIZE Valued at $65, a basket containing local crafted items such as wood-turned salt and pepper mills, homemade jams, honey, and Malley’s chocolates.
Lake Metroparks - Penitentiary Glen
#LCOHPARKS
Over half a century ago, visionary citizens of Ohio's smallest county began campaigning to set aside land for future parks. To conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County, Lake Metroparks was formed in 1958 under the authority of Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code and is a separate political subdivision of the state of Ohio. The park district encompasses a total of 36 parks and 8,196 acres.
Portions of two state designated wild and scenic rivers - and many tributaries - flow through and are protected by Lake Metroparks. In addition to protecting watersheds and open space, Lake Metroparks annually provides nearly two-and-a-half million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities including an agriculturally themed park, a nature center, a state-of-the-art education and wildlife rehabilitation center, two golf courses, more than 50 miles of trails including a 4.8-mile paved bike/hike trail, six parks on Lake Erie's shoreline and a cross-country ski center.
#PRIZE Lake Metroparks Prize Pack
#LCOHPARKS
Over half a century ago, visionary citizens of Ohio's smallest county began campaigning to set aside land for future parks. To conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County, Lake Metroparks was formed in 1958 under the authority of Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code and is a separate political subdivision of the state of Ohio. The park district encompasses a total of 36 parks and 8,196 acres.
Portions of two state designated wild and scenic rivers - and many tributaries - flow through and are protected by Lake Metroparks. In addition to protecting watersheds and open space, Lake Metroparks annually provides nearly two-and-a-half million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities including an agriculturally themed park, a nature center, a state-of-the-art education and wildlife rehabilitation center, two golf courses, more than 50 miles of trails including a 4.8-mile paved bike/hike trail, six parks on Lake Erie's shoreline and a cross-country ski center.
#PRIZE Lake Metroparks Prize Pack
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
#LCOHMARSH
Mentor Marsh, one of the largest natural marshes remaining along the Lake Erie shoreline, became Ohio’s first state nature preserve in 1971.
The marsh is an important breeding and nursery area for several fish that live in Lake Erie.
Mentor Marsh and the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve are among the best places in the state to witness spring migrations of songbirds. Great numbers of waterfowl also stop at the marsh during seasonal migrations, such as Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler and Hooded Merganser.
A beech-sugar maple forest occupies the higher elevations bordering the marsh. At the eastern edge of the preserve, there is a mixed oak swamp forest, a forest type destroyed in most parts of the Lake Erie region.
The most extensive plant community type is an emergent wetland dominated by reed-grass or Phragmites. This is the largest Phragmites marsh in Ohio. The area provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife species.
#PRIZE Free Group Tour Package at Mentor Marsh valued at $50
#LCOHMARSH
Mentor Marsh, one of the largest natural marshes remaining along the Lake Erie shoreline, became Ohio’s first state nature preserve in 1971.
The marsh is an important breeding and nursery area for several fish that live in Lake Erie.
Mentor Marsh and the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve are among the best places in the state to witness spring migrations of songbirds. Great numbers of waterfowl also stop at the marsh during seasonal migrations, such as Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler and Hooded Merganser.
A beech-sugar maple forest occupies the higher elevations bordering the marsh. At the eastern edge of the preserve, there is a mixed oak swamp forest, a forest type destroyed in most parts of the Lake Erie region.
The most extensive plant community type is an emergent wetland dominated by reed-grass or Phragmites. This is the largest Phragmites marsh in Ohio. The area provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife species.
#PRIZE Free Group Tour Package at Mentor Marsh valued at $50
Rabbit Run Theater
#LCOHRABBITRUN
Rabbit Run Theater is one of the few barn theaters still in operation. With its quaint and rusting surroundings, it has been a live theater mainstay in Northeast Ohio for generations. The appeal of Rabbit Run Theater lies not only in its sylvan setting but also in its aged edifice, which give visitors a "cozy, comfortable" feeling.
The barn was built in the late 19th century by Frederick Foster on the Stevens farm. The main crop on the farm was broccoli which attracted numerous rabbits. The rabbits seemed so pleased with their home that they stayed long after the broccoli was gone. Because of the abundance of rabbits on the property, the name "Rabbit Run" just seemed appropriate for the theater.
The farm was purchased in 1918 by the Klump family. It was a working farm with horses, goats and rabbits kept in the barn. Will Klump, Jr. and his sister Rooney Klump possessed a love for the theater, and in 1940 they formed a small group of thespians called "The Penny Players", and opened "The Barn Playhouse" in the present barn. Will Klump, Jr. acted in several of their plays
The beginning of WWII, however, brought an end to the "The Penny Players", and Will went to war. The war did not dampen his love for drama, and upon his return home in the spring of 1946, the Klump family and several friends converted the old horse barn within three short weeks into a theater seating 190 people.
To convert the barn into a theater the horse stalls had to be removed and one of the hay lofts was lowered to form a stage. Using horses, two icehouses from the lakeshore were pulled to the site and installed as the box office and the green room, both of which remain in operation to the present day.
Every summer, Rabbit Run Theater produces outstanding theater from the beginning of June through the end of August.
#PRIZE 2 show tickets to "Brigadoon"
#LCOHRABBITRUN
Rabbit Run Theater is one of the few barn theaters still in operation. With its quaint and rusting surroundings, it has been a live theater mainstay in Northeast Ohio for generations. The appeal of Rabbit Run Theater lies not only in its sylvan setting but also in its aged edifice, which give visitors a "cozy, comfortable" feeling.
The barn was built in the late 19th century by Frederick Foster on the Stevens farm. The main crop on the farm was broccoli which attracted numerous rabbits. The rabbits seemed so pleased with their home that they stayed long after the broccoli was gone. Because of the abundance of rabbits on the property, the name "Rabbit Run" just seemed appropriate for the theater.
The farm was purchased in 1918 by the Klump family. It was a working farm with horses, goats and rabbits kept in the barn. Will Klump, Jr. and his sister Rooney Klump possessed a love for the theater, and in 1940 they formed a small group of thespians called "The Penny Players", and opened "The Barn Playhouse" in the present barn. Will Klump, Jr. acted in several of their plays
The beginning of WWII, however, brought an end to the "The Penny Players", and Will went to war. The war did not dampen his love for drama, and upon his return home in the spring of 1946, the Klump family and several friends converted the old horse barn within three short weeks into a theater seating 190 people.
To convert the barn into a theater the horse stalls had to be removed and one of the hay lofts was lowered to form a stage. Using horses, two icehouses from the lakeshore were pulled to the site and installed as the box office and the green room, both of which remain in operation to the present day.
Every summer, Rabbit Run Theater produces outstanding theater from the beginning of June through the end of August.
#PRIZE 2 show tickets to "Brigadoon"