Put-in-Bay Historic Weekend Guide: September 12–13
Saturday’s parade, Art in the Park, the Monument ceremony, Sunday baseball and the full weekend schedule.
Historic Weekend continues at Put-in-Bay Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, with marching bands, Art in the Park, living history demonstrations and the annual Ohio Muffins–Put-in-Bay Mossbacks baseball game. The weekend commemorates the 213th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie.
Saturday’s Historic Weekend Parade begins at 2 p.m., followed by a 2:45 p.m. ceremony featuring Captain Drew A. Borovies, commanding officer of USS Lake Erie. The Perry Group is bringing Borovies to the island and supporting the weekend’s programming alongside the National Park Service.
Jump to the full weekend schedule ↓
Saturday’s Historic Weekend Parade
The parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday from Put-in-Bay School, following Catawba Avenue to Delaware Avenue, then Toledo Avenue, where it disperses.
Mayor Judy Berry will serve as grand marshal. The announced participants are:
- Anthony Wayne High School Band
- Clyde High School Band
- Paulding High School Band
- National Park Service reenactors and color guard
- Grand Marshal Mayor Judy Berry
- Put-in-Bay Panther Twirlers
- Kylie & Co Twirlers
- Put-in-Bay School students
- Ottawa County Fair Royalty
- Firetrucks and police cars
- Antique cars
- Goats and horses
Before the parade, the bands will perform in DeRivera Park around lunchtime, with individual performances and a joint performance planned. Parade information
Art in the Park
Art in the Park runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday in DeRivera Park, featuring regional artists selling original artwork and handmade pieces. Admission is free.
Visitors can browse photography, paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, woodwork, textiles and island-inspired designs. The show continues through the afternoon, leaving time to visit the artists before the parade or return after the Monument ceremony. Art in the Park information
Historic Photographs at Art in the Park
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society’s booth will feature a historic photo display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Large-format black-and-white canvas prints document construction of Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial and the 1913 centennial of the Battle of Lake Erie. The photographs were taken by island photographer Otto G. Herbster (1881–1968) and come from the personal collection of Historical Society board member Maggie Beckford. Photo display details
USS Lake Erie Captain to Speak at the Monument
The commemorative ceremony begins at 2:45 p.m. Saturday on the rear porch of the National Park Service Visitor Center at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.
The Perry Group’s guest, Captain Drew A. Borovies, commands USS Lake Erie, the Navy guided-missile cruiser named for the battle being remembered. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Ceremony information
Borovies and his crew recently completed an extended period at sea. According to the Navy, USS Lake Erie returned to Naval Base San Diego on June 27, 2026, after 11 months of sustained operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area. The ship’s responsibilities included air and missile defense.
The cruiser carries the motto “Courage, Determination, Peace.” Its commander’s appearance connects Saturday’s commemoration with the ship and sailors carrying the Lake Erie name today. U.S. Navy report
The Perry Group supports the Monument’s mission through historical programming and other activities. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, it is offering half-price single and family memberships for 2026: $25 for an individual and $50 for a family. Family membership covers up to four people in the same household; 2026 memberships expire December 31. Learn more or join The Perry Group.
Living History at Perry’s Monument
Historic encampments, reenactors, small arms demonstrations and artillery programs continue throughout the weekend. The National Park Service’s artillery programs feature period drill using reproduction weapons, including a 32-pounder carronade and a 2-pounder swivel gun. Artillery program information
Saturday’s small arms demonstration begins at 11 a.m., followed by artillery at noon. Sunday offers six demonstrations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. All Historic Weekend programs at the Monument are free and open to the public. National Park Service schedule
Stone Lab Open House
The Stone Lab Open House runs 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, with tours of Gibraltar Island, lectures, laboratory sessions and information about Ohio State’s Lake Erie research and summer courses.
Admission is free, and registration is not required. Free boat transportation to Gibraltar Island is provided from Ohio State’s Research Docks, 878 Bayview Drive, on South Bass Island.
The last boat to Gibraltar Island departs at 3:30 p.m., and the final boat leaves Gibraltar at 4 p.m. A paid water taxi from the Boardwalk is another option. Open House and boat information
Sunday Baseball: Ohio Muffins vs. Put-in-Bay Mossbacks
The Ohio Muffins face the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks at 2 p.m. Sunday at the church ballfield at Concord and Catawba avenues. The old-time baseball game is listed for 2–4 p.m.
The annual matchup also benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society & Museum. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available, with concession proceeds going to the museum.
Sunday’s Antique Car Parade
The island’s weekly antique car parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, continuing the tradition held each Sunday during the season.
The car parade, baseball game and a Monument artillery demonstration all start at 2 p.m. Additional demonstrations follow at the Monument at 3 and 4 p.m.
Full Weekend Schedule
Saturday, September 12
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Art in the Park | DeRivera Park |
| 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Historic photo display | Historical Society booth at Art in the Park |
| 11 a.m. | Small arms demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Stone Lab Open House | Gibraltar Island; boats from OSU Research Docks |
| Noon | Artillery demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| Around lunchtime | Individual and joint marching band performances | DeRivera Park |
| 2 p.m. | Historic Weekend Parade | From Put-in-Bay School along Catawba, Delaware and Toledo avenues |
| 2:45 p.m. | Commemorative ceremony featuring Captain Drew A. Borovies | Rear porch of NPS Visitor Center |
| 3:30 p.m. | Last Open House boat to Gibraltar Island | OSU Research Docks |
| 4 p.m. | Final Open House boat leaves Gibraltar Island | Gibraltar Island |
Sunday, September 13
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. | Small arms demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| Noon | Artillery demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| 1 p.m. | Small arms demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| 2 p.m. | Artillery demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| 2–4 p.m. | Ohio Muffins vs. Put-in-Bay Mossbacks baseball | Church ballfield, Concord and Catawba avenues |
| 2 p.m. | Weekly antique car parade | Island streets |
| 3 p.m. | Artillery demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
| 4 p.m. | Small arms demonstration | Perry’s Monument |
Monument times follow the National Park Service and Perry Group schedules. Event schedules are subject to change.
Visiting Perry’s Monument
The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with exhibits, a 15-minute park film and the park store.
The observation deck and rotunda remain closed during the 2026 and 2027 seasons for the Upper Plaza Rehabilitation project. Visitors can still attend the scheduled Historic Weekend programs and Saturday’s ceremony at the Visitor Center. Current park conditions
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