Your Guide to Founders Day Weekend in Put-in-Bay
Dogs in costume, award-winning twirlers, an old-fashioned ox roast, strawberry shortcake, and a celebration of island history all return to Put-in-Bay this weekend as Founders Day Weekend takes over DeRivera Park.
Founders Day Weekend At A Glance
Saturday, June 13
10 AM – Pooch Parade at the DeRivera Park Gazebo
11 AM – 4 PM – Founders Day Celebration in DeRivera Park
12 PM – Put-in-Bay Panther Twirling Club Performance
All Day – Historical Society Ox Roast
11 AM – 4 PM – Strawberry Shortcake at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Throughout the Day – Local vendors and community organizations
Sunday, June 14
11 AM – 2 PM – Benson Ford Shiphouse Tours
4 PM – Island Pioneer Cemetery Walk featuring Jose DeRivera
What Is Founders Day?
Founders Day celebrates the legacy of Jose DeRivera, the Spanish merchant who purchased South Bass Island in 1854 and helped shape the community we know today.
DeRivera donated land for the island’s first church, first schoolhouse, and the downtown park that still bears his name. The annual event has become a longtime Put-in-Bay tradition, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the island’s history, community, and heritage.
Throughout the day, DeRivera Park will be filled with vendors, activities, food, and family-friendly fun.
Pooch Parade Returns
The fun begins at 10 a.m. with the return of the Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade at the DeRivera Park Gazebo.
Dog owners are encouraged to dress their pups in their best costumes and join one of the island’s most lighthearted traditions. Whether your dog arrives dressed as a pirate, princess, or something completely unique, everyone is welcome to participate.
Registration includes a bandana and goodie bag, with proceeds benefiting the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Participants can compete for prizes in several categories, including Best Costume and Best Group Costume, while also supporting a great local cause through the event’s 50/50 raffle.
Participants may pre-register or register in the park on the day of the event.
Award-Winning Panther Twirling Club Performs at Noon
At noon, visitors can enjoy special performances from the award-winning Put-in-Bay Panther Twirling Club in DeRivera Park.
The talented group will showcase both solo and team routines during Founders Day festivities. The club earned multiple honors at the Ohio State Fair competition and continues to represent Put-in-Bay at competitions throughout Ohio.
The performance is always a crowd favorite and offers visitors a chance to support some of the island’s talented young performers.
Ox Roast and Strawberry Shortcake Return
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society is reviving the Founders Day Ox Roast during this year’s celebration.
Volunteers will serve old-fashioned ox roast sandwiches along with full picnic lunches that include sides and watermelon. The meal pays tribute to the community gatherings and traditions that have long been part of island life.
Visitors can also stop by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 623 Catawba Avenue, for its annual strawberry shortcake fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Put-in-Bay landmark since 1865, St. Paul’s remains one of the island’s oldest surviving buildings and a cherished part of the community. For many visitors, Founders Day and strawberry shortcake have become a classic island combination.
The Celebration Continues Sunday
Founders Day Weekend extends beyond Saturday with two unique opportunities on Sunday.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can tour the historic Benson Ford Shiphouse. Originally constructed from a section of a Ford Motor Company cargo ship, the home remains one of Put-in-Bay’s most fascinating landmarks and is rarely open to the public. Ticket proceeds support local charities, Alfred Parker Park, and the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce.
The weekend concludes with the first Island Pioneer Cemetery Walk of the season at 4 p.m. Sunday at Crown Hill Cemetery. This special Founders Day Weekend edition focuses on Jose DeRivera, the Spanish merchant who purchased six Lake Erie Islands in 1854 and helped shape the future of South Bass Island. Participants will learn about DeRivera’s life, his role in encouraging settlement on the island, and his support of the growing wine industry that would become a defining part of Put-in-Bay’s history.
Whether you’re attending the Pooch Parade, cheering on the Panther Twirling Club, enjoying an ox roast sandwich, or learning more about the island’s history, Founders Day Weekend offers something for every generation.
