What to do, what to do . . .
Ok, guys. Really? It’s summer in Crawford County – there are TONS of things to do! So let’s get this month’s edition of Combing Crawford County off right.
National Night Out
With all the horrible news that has been hitting our screens and newsfeeds lately, National Night Out serves as the perfect opportunity to get to know the law enforcement officers that serve in our communities.
According to the National Night Out website, the event “is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.”
The local LEOs don’t just pay lip service to the idea either. Every year that it has been held in the Crawford County communities, the police and fire departments and the Sheriff’s Office show up to interact with the people.
National Night Out is slated for Aug. 2 this year and local groups are already getting in on the action. The Bucyrus Neighborhood Churches are holding a block party from 5 – 8 p.m. on Woodlawn Avenue between Walnut and Lane streets.
RELATED CONTENT: Neighborhood Churches hosting National Night Out block party | A perfect night for a party | Bucyrus knows how to party on National Night Out | 2014 National Night Out (photos) | Community turns out to party | 2013 National Night Out (photos)
Family Fun Fest
Yes, yes, the fair is over. But here’s the thing: we can never get enough of 4-H, which is why we’re excited about the Family Fun Fest from 6 – 9 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Before you ask – no, you don’t have to be a 4-H member to participate in this event, but all proceeds will benefit the Crawford County 4-H program and the 4-H scholarship fund.
Even if you were sick to death of the fair after spending seven straight days out there, swing by the fairgrounds again because they are going to have bounce houses, water fun, games, food, and music in the park. A $5 wristband for youth will get the kids into every activity available. Uh, did we mention that the Cattlemen’s Association will have its stand there? Yeah, we figured that would entice the adults.
First Fridays
This will be the final First Fridays event for the summer, but it’s going to be a big one. For the third and final First Fridays, you’ll get a chance to have a picnic with the local police and firefighters.
It’s being held from 5 – 9 p.m. in downtown Bucyrus on Aug. 5. The businesses along Sandusky Avenue will have extended hours and sidewalk sales. Local heroes – the Sheriff’s Office, State Highway Patrol, police and fire departments, EMTs, judges, and city officials – will be spread throughout the city and each section will have family-friendly events for all ages.
There is just one thing required of you: wear blue to support the safety forces. And maybe say thank you for all that they do.
If you missed out on First Fridays Art Walk last month or the inaugural event in June which put a focus on health and fitness, then don’t skip out on this one!
Want more information? Check out the First Fridays Facebook page.
RELATED CONTENT: First Friday in July shows off freedom of expression | First Friday – Bringing the streets of Bucyrus to life again | First Fridays bring focus to downtown | Another reason to look forward to Fridays this summer
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid, Jr.’
In a nice little twist of fate, Crawford County is getting served with two doses of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. The Galion Community Theatre and the Bucyrus Little Theatre are both putting on the production this month, which is a bonus for those 80s babies that grew up on Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastien, and Flounder and could introduce their Mini Me to the wonder of this undersea (and on land) adventure.
The dates for the shows? GCT: Aug. 5, 6, and 7. BLT: Aug. 11, 12, 13, and 14. If you need times or prices, check out each theater’s website: Galion Community Theatre and Bucyrus Little Theatre.
RELATED CONTENT: Cast announced for Galion’s performance of ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’
The Cut for Charity
This will be a twofer kind of event: it’s a fundraiser and a makeover in one! Altercare of Bucyrus is hosting The Cut for Charity & More from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 11. A group of people will be cutting their hair for the “Children of Leukemia” and money raised from raffles and bake sales will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information contact Tessa Clark at 419-562-7644.
Lincoln Highway Buy-Way
If you’re not into yard sales, you just may want to avoid Lincoln Highway for these three days. If you love yard and garage sales – then Happy Lincoln Highway Buy-Way to you! This event will take place Aug. 11 – 13 and runs from West Virginia to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Before you start panicking and wondering how you’re going to fit a multi-state yard sale trip into your weekend on short notice, we’ve got some great news for you. We’ve covered the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way sale every year we’ve been up and running and there are plenty of places to hit up between Upper Sandusky and Mansfield. You can go outside that range, but if you’re just angling for a one-day jaunt, that’s the perfect trip along Lincoln Highway.
Word of caution: if you’re stopping at a yard sale, please watch out for traffic along the roads. Drivers, same goes for you with the pedestrians that will be everywhere.
RELATED CONTENT: Three days of bargain hunting, madness and mayhem | 2014 Lincoln Highway Buyway (photos) | Bargains and rain in abundance at Lincoln Highway-Buyway sales | 2013 Lincoln Highway Buyway (photos)
Water Carnival
This is one of the biggest, wildest, and wettest events the Crawford Park District puts on throughout the year – and let us tell you, it’s a whole lot of fun.
Travel to Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Aug. 13. While there you’ll learn about the importance of water in an ecosystem . . . oh, wait. You thought it’d be more than just educational? Psh, you certainly don’t know the Park District. They’re all about fun and education.
So while you’re learning about water and the ecosystem, you’ll also get a chance to participate in water games (bicycling across the pond, anyone?), learn about fire trucks and how firefighters use water, and other educational fun. Food concessions are also going to be available.
RELATED CONTENT: Lowe-Volk Park Water Carnival got a little wet and wild | Water Carnival provides a chance to get wet and wild
Bratwurst Festival
Start the chant with us: Bratwurst, bratwurst, bratwurst!
Grab your lederhosen or slip on your dirndl and strut your German heritage (or just show up to have some fun) at the 2016 Bratwurst Festival held in downtown Bucyrus Aug. 18, 19, and 20. The Bratwurst Festival is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day and, as always, it’ll feature a ton of food, fun, music, and beer gardens.
Some highlights? The Eric Sowers Band (shout out to the Mohawk grad!) will take the FCBank Stage on Friday night, and Jessica Hannan (another local shout out!) will open for the 7-Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience on Saturday. The Queens Pageant is at 8 p.m. Thursday night on the CenturyLink Stage.
Click here for a full list of the stage entertainment.
While you’re strolling Sandusky Avenue, make sure to say hi to Bratwurst Festival staple Manfred Hanke – he’s usually walking around in his lederhosen with a camera in his hands making friends with everyone he meets.
And in case you were wondering, “If you Mustache . . . Brattie is 49!”
RELATED CONTENT: Living the dream! Ashley Keener reigns over 48th Bratwurst Festival | 2015 Bratwurst Festival: Thursday (photos) | 2015 Bratwurst Festival: Friday (photos)
Music Fest
If you love music and enjoy giving to back to your local school, this event is for you. The First United Methodist Church of Crestline (202 N. Thoman St.) is hosting the third annual Music Fest beginning at 4 p.m. on Aug. 27. Musical acts will include Hymns of Dixie, The Stovers, Like Rietschlin and Katie, and Paster Becky, Joe Clark, and Andy Muntis. The event is free and will also include food and kids actitivites. FYI, you’ll need to bring a lawn chair.
Where does helping Crestline schools come in? Well, the church will be accepting Clorox wipes, tissues, pencils, and paper during the event, which will be given to Crestline teachers.