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.
First Fridays
First Fridays is making its return this month in downtown Bucyrus. If you missed out on the first one last month, well . . . guess we’re sorry you didn’t make it, but get your butt down there this month! The inaugural First Fridays event, which put a focus on health and fitness, was a smashing hit (we recommend saying that part with a British accent and give this article a little flavor) with reports coming in of well over 400 people showing up for the event.
So what’s up for the July edition of First Fridays?
Well, it’s going to be held on (yep, you guessed it) July 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Bucyrus. The businesses along Sandusky Avenue will have extended hours and sidewalk sales. The focus this month will be on an art walk. Local artists and crafters will be showing off their work along the sidewalks and an art contest will take place on Rensselaer Street by HomeCare Matters.
Want more information? Check out our preview article or visit the First Friday Facebook page.
RELATED CONTENT: 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
Pickle Run
This seems to be the edition of seconds so we’re taking our focus from the second First Fridays event to the second annual (in this incarnation) Pickle Run in Galion.
The festival is kicking off at 6 p.m. on July 1 in Heise Park where Sarah Hider, Miss Ohio 2015, will sing the National Anthem at the Galion Graders game. Then the lucky winner of the Pickle Run essay contest will get to throw out the first pitch.
The Pickle Run continues into Saturday with the Galion YMCA’s triathlon in the morning and the Punt, Pass and Kick event at 11 a.m. Sunday will feature a pancake breakfast and a Car and Cycle Show (see below for more details on that specific event).
Need a full schedule of all the events? Check out this article we ran last month, head over to the Pickle Run Festival website, or keep up to date on its Facebook page.
BTW, there’s handy dandy little countdown clock on their website that we really enjoy. If you just have to know how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds you have left until the Pickle Run, check it out.
RELATED CONTENT: Pickle Run 2015 was a success | Anything Goes Pickle Run (Photos) | Galion Historical Society makes history at the Pickle Run Festival | Pickle Run returns to help Galion celebrate Independence Day
Fireworks
This is just going to be a general rundown of the Fourth of July fireworks festivals in the area. Most shows begin at dusk – think 9:45 or 10 p.m. All of our county fireworks shows are all on Sunday so flip a coin on where you’ll go. We hope that you’ll pull out the lawn chairs for our local events, but just in case you live on the fringes of the county, we’ve also included some of the other area shows. We just love you guys that much.
July 2 – Ontario (Ontario High School), Willard (Willard City Park), Mansfield’s Red, White and Bluefest (Charles Mill Lake Park), Upper Sandusky (Upper Sandusky High School)
July 3 – Bucyrus (Crawford County Fairgrounds), Galion (Heise Park), Crestline (Hutson Stadium), Mt. Gilead (Morrow County Fairgrounds)
July 4 – Marion (Marion County Fairgrounds)
July 9 – Shelby (Skiles Field)
And if you’re brave enough to battle the traffic, Red, White & Boom is July 1 in downtown Columbus.
6th Annual Car and Cycle Show
The 6th Annual Car and Cycle Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 3 at Heise Park.
The show will be open to all makes, models, and years. Registration will take place between 9 a.m. and noon and entrants should enter Heise Park from Gill Avenue. The cost is $8 per entry and goody bags – which will include a dash plaque – will be given to the first 50 entrants. Trophies sponsored by the Galion Senior Center will be handed out at 3:30 p.m. and you must be present to win.
The Car and Cycle Show will also feature live country, bluegrass, and gospel music, along with oldies by DJ Mark Koon.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Galion Senior Center.
For more information, contact Danita Holbrook at 419-468-5152 or Terry Holbrook at 419-462-3571.
Red, White & Blues
Their name says all you need to know about them: Positive Seekers. They look for the
positive in Bucyrus and do their part to make positive things happen in their community. One of those things is the 2nd Annual Red, White and Blues event that will take in Aumiller Park July 3. The event is free and open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m.
Here’s something you might want to show up for: Local 
elected officials will sit in the group’s dunk tank. Funds raised from the activity will be used by the Positive Seekers for other activities throughout the year.
Events this year include five bands who will provide the musical entertainment for the day, reduced pool rates for those who want to cool off, as well as clowns and face painting for the kids. There will be an Honor Flight sign-up for armed services veterans as well as free hot dogs and water plus several other food vendors.
RELATED CONTENT: Community challenged to raise funds for Red, White and Blues
Animal Extravaganza
The Park District’s Animal Extravaganza event is always a delight to see, but this year they are making it extra special. You’ll still get to see your share of snakes, turtles, salamanders, and more. Pet owners will have their scaly, slimy, and shelled critters on display and will answer your questions – and you may even be able to hold 
and touch some! Only when appropriate, though; make sure to ask permission before handling them.
Added on this year? The Toledo Zoo. They’ll be bringing in some of their educational animals to see, touch, and learn about, along with having animal skins, skulls, and more on display.
This popular event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on July 9 at Lowe-Volk Nature Center. Toledo Zoo will take the stage at 2 p.m.
RELATED CONTENT: Park District’s Animal Extravaganza brings out the kid at heart | Critters capture imaginations at Lowe-Volk Park | 2014 Animal Extravaganza (photos)
Back-to-School Supply Carnival and Info Fair
Yeah, yeah, kids don’t want to even consider going back to school right now, but as a parent, it’s your job right? Well, we (ok, the Bucyrus United Methodist Church) are here to make your parenting job slightly easier.
The 8th Annual Bucyrus United Methodist Church’s Back to School Supply Carnival and Information Fair is taking place from 3 – 6 p.m. on July 28 at BUMC’s Outreach Center, 216 Hopley Ave., Bucyrus. Parents, you can pick up free basic school supplies. There are some limitations to the carnival, however. It’s geared towards financially struggling families with children in kindergarten through elementary grades residing in Bucyrus, Wynford, and Colonel Crawford school districts. That does include home schooled and parochial students.
This event has reached hundreds of families over the years and the place is always packed.
RELATED CONTENT: Agencies, organizations invited to join Back to School Supply Carnival | Who knew getting ready to go back to school is so much fun? | Back-to-school sojourn turned into summer carnival
Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival
Already hit up the Testicle Festival, ChickFest, and Tiro-Auburn Firefighters Festival this season? Well, here’s another one to cross off your Festivals to Visit in Crawford County This Summer list: the Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival. This is taking place July 29 and 30 in Sulphur Springs. Friday night features entertainment by DJ Steer Clear, the annual Sulphur Springs 5K, and chances to win half a hog or steaks. Brent Lowry and the Drifters are taking the stage on Saturday night. You’ll also find out if you’re the winner of the Liberty Township Fireman’s Gun Raffle that night.
Family Tent Camping
Here’s another family-friendly event hosted by our beloved Park District. Pitch your tent around the pond any time after 5 p.m. at Lowe-Volk Park on July 29. Registration begins at 7 and the programs will start at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own treats or dish to share with other campers. What can you expect to do? Think yard games, fishing, nature scavenger hunts, campfires, and woodland night hikes using black lights.
Can we make sure that s’mores are somewhere on that agenda?
Make sure to call the Nature Center (419-683-9000) to reserve your spot. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Oh, and before we go. The Crawford County Fair is July 17 – 23 (you didn’t think we forgot, did you?!). As always, expect so many stories that week that you’ll get sick of us posting them – don’t worry, you won’t hurt our feelings if that happens. Also: Photos! Pics! Snapshots! Portraits! Did we mention that we take A LOT of photos during the fair?