Island Green Week 2019 will run from August 3rd – August 14th. Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, OSU’s Stone Laboratory, Put-in-Bay Township Park District, and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society collaborate to produce a mixture of Ecotourism, Adventure Travel, Agritourism, and History. This amazing palette of events is sponsored by Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Put-in-Bay Gazette, Miller Boat Line, Jet Express, Park Hotel, Frosty Bar, Cameo Pizza, The Boardwalk, and Lake Erie Shores and Islands.
Calendar of Events August 3-14, 2019
Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day, Middle Bass Island
Saturday August 3 @ 12:00 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 1:00 pm). 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 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 August 4) Registration is available at: http://bit.ly/MBI-Poker-Kayak-Day-2019 Deadline to register is August 1, 2019.
Historic Lonz Winery Tours, Middle Bass Island
Saturday August 3, Sunday August 4, and Saturday August 10, Sunday August 11. 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00pm 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 Inc. is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. Sonny S. The Sonny S Ferry Prices are; One-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+)- $6.00, Children (6-12) $3.00, Children (under 6) Free.
Historic Aquatic Visitor Center Tours with Wild Saturday Out-reach Program, Put-in-Bay
August 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 from 10am to 5pm; 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 4 and 11) will also include special interpretive programs from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Tours, Put-in-Bay
August 3 – 14 from 11am to 5 pm daily. Cost – $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Children 6-13yrs old, $2.00 Seniors, $8.00 for a family group. Guests can visit the Nature and Wildlife, located on Meechan Rd, and view animals from all over North America. 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, educational materials, and a live Bee Hive! This is a must do during our Island Green Week and is an island favorite for natural education and family interaction. Visit http://lakeerieislandswildlife.com/ for more information on events, school groups, or Nature Camp.
Forested Wetland Foot Bridge Dedication, Middle Bass Island
Sunday, August 4, 2:00pm. Cost – FREE The 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 4, 2019 at 2;00pm. 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 11am to 4pm; 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 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 5 and Tuesday August 6 from 11am to 4pm; 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 9:00am to 5:00pm. Come see what our Island Artisans have on showcase! Baked goods, Homegrown & canned jams and sauces, Handmade Crafts and Art, Jewelry, Skin & Body Care, & 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 “at” yahoo.com
Miller Boat Line Stargazing Cruise, Put-in-Bay *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended
Monday August 5 at 8pm; 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 hors d’oeuvres will be donated by Frosty Bar, The Put-in-Bay Gazette, 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 Meechan Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285-3037.
Wild Tuesdays- “Fun with the Sun” Put-in-Bay
Tuesday August 6 from 1pm to 3pm 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 6 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm; 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 7 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Goat Restaurant; Cost – $15 Pre-Purchased $20.00 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 art work. 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 Meechan Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285-3037.
Historic Gibraltar Island Tour, Put-in-Bay
Thursday August 8 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; Cost – $5.00. 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 Historic Society Auction, Put-in-Bay
Thursday August 8: viewing time 3:00pm to 5:00pm; live auction at 5:00pm at Heineman Winery on Put-in-Bay. The annual auction of the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society 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 – Brushing up with History, Middle Bass Island
Friday August 9 at 6:00pm Cost – $20.00. 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 matter. Island artists will guide you to capture your subject on canvas. 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 Inc. is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. Sonny S. The Sonny S Ferry Prices are; One-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+)- $6.00, Children (6-12) $3.00, Children (under 6) Free.
Historic South Bass Island Lighthouse Tours, Put-in-Bay
Saturday August 10 from 11am to 5pm at the South Bass Island Light 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 to walk the historic grounds that include a butterfly garden certified by Monarch Watch. On the National Register of Historic Places.
Kelleys Island Glacial Groove Tour and Geology Hike, Kelleys Island
Saturday August 10 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm; 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 12 at 8:00pm. 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 night time 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 13 1:00pm until 3:00pm Cost – $20.00 *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 your 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 13 from 8:00pm until 12:00am Cost – FREE at The Lonz Pavilion, Middle Bass Island State Park. This evening event invites participant to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, which will reach its maximum rate of activity on 13 August 2019. 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 Inc. is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. Sonny S. The Sonny S Ferry Prices are; One-way fares, CASH ONLY. Adults (13+)- $6.00, Children (6-12) $3.00, Children (under 6) Free
Rekindling Victory: A Historic Celebration, Put-in-Bay
Wednesday, August 14 from 12:00pm until 6:00pm 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. Reception will be held in partner with Lake Erie Island Nature and Wildlife Center, South Bass Island State Park, and other Island Businesses. For more information on the event contact Renee Market 419-708-5798
The following businesses have generously donated discounts, please support them during your visit to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, Gibraltar Island, and Kelleys Island.
Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands- http://www.shoresandislands.com
Heinemans Winery www.heinemanswinery.com
Park Hotel- https://www.parkhotelpib.com
Miller Boat Line- https://www.millerferry.com
Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce- http://www.visitputinbay.com
The Boardwalk- http://the-boardwalk.com
Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory- https://stonelab.osu.edu
Isla`nd Bike Rental- http://www.ibrcarts.com/public/bike_cart_rental
Put-in-Bay Gazette- pibgazette “at” frontier.com
Put-in-Bay Historical Society- http://www.leihs.org
Jet Express- https://jet-express.com
E’s Golf Cart- https://www.esputinbaygolfcarts.com
Ohio State Parks- http://parks.ohiodnr.gov
Frosty Bar- http://frostys.com
Cameo Pizza- http://putinbaycameopizza.com
Transportation Discounts
E’s Golf Cart Rental– $10 off day rental, August 3-14. For discount mention Island Green Week.
Miller Boat Line, – Discount to participants for passengers for Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Islands.
Island Bike Rental- $20 off day golf cart rental at the Jet Express and Lime Kiln Dock, Put-in-Bay on Monday to Friday ONLY. Mention Island Green Week.
Island Lodging Partner Discount
Park Hotel, https://www.parkhotelpib.com – August 5-9 Sunday through Thursday ONLY. Buy 2 weekday nights get 1 night FREE. THIS DISCOUNT CAN ONLY BE RESERVED BY PHONE 419.285.3581. Mention Island Green Week.