Summer’s finally here, which means it’s time for car shows, fishing, and mud volleyball. Let’s dive right in to this edition of Combing Crawford County.

Youth Fishing Derby

Guys and gals, let’s go fishin’. Yeah, this is mostly a kids’ event, but isn’t it great to sit on the banks of Lowe-Volk Pond with your mini-me and just enjoy the sunshine and family time?

If you’re down with that, head on over to Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center on June 10. Families can join volunteer Rob Farson for a morning of fishing at the Lowe-Volk Park pond. Kids between the ages of five and 12 will be able to participate in the fishing derby from 9 – 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and more. Those intending to fish must bring their own fishing pole, bait, and tackle.

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Cruisin’ with the Cops

We’re hoping by now that everyone realizes the Graffiti Cruise no more, BUT the Bucyrus Fraternal Order of Police stepped in to take over. The annual Bucyrus car show has been dubbed Cruisin’ with the Cops and will take place on June 10. Registration is from 2 – 6 p.m. and awards will be handed out at 8.

Classic cars will continue cruisin’ the streets of Bucyrus, folks, so make sure to turn out for the event. Bonus: proceeds will benefit the Bucyrus Little League, Bucyrus Area Youth Soccer, and Operation Hope for Christmas.

Check out the Cruisin’ with the Cops Facebook page for pics, details, and more.

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Marshmallow Catapult Program

Ok, this can either be really, really awesome or somehow go horribly wrong. Bucyrus Public Library’s teen librarian, Sherry Seiler, has come up with this phenomenal idea of allowing teens to build catapults and launch marshmallows.

Anyone else picturing a full-scale marshmallow attack on a book castle?

The program will take place at 2 p.m. on June 15 at the Bucyrus Public Library.

Crawford Farm Machinery Show

The Crawford Farm Machinery Show returns for its three-day event that features International and Alamo/Rock Island Hit-N-Miss Engines this year. If you’re just looking for something to do on June 15-17, the Crawford County Fairgrounds will be filled with a flea market, crafts, garage sales, a swap meet, food vendors, and homemade ice cream.

If you’re looking for some of the special events from the Farm Show, on Thursday the Kiddy Tractor Pull will take place at 1 p.m., the pork chop dinner at 4:30, and a baked goods auction at 6. On Friday, there will be another Kiddy Tractor Pull at 1 p.m. and an Antique Tractor Pull at 6:30. On Saturday, a car show starts at 9 a.m., followed by another Kiddy Tractor Pull and a Garden Tractor Pull at 10. A Truck Pull will take place at 6 p.m.

Gates open at noon on Thursday (donation), and at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday ($3).

Third Friday: Safety Service Appreciation Night

Galion’s second edition of Third Friday (try to keep that straight in your mind) returns this month with a focus on the safety services. The initial Third Friday event was a huge hit – even with awful weather – and we expect this one to be no different.

During the June Third Friday event, the Galion Fire Department will do a simulation rescue on the roof of the Central Hotel (whaaaaaa?!) with the department’s new aerial fire truck. Sign. Us. Up.

Third Friday takes place in Uptowne Galion from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on June 16. It’s a night by and for the community so make sure to turn out for it. Special note: Harding Way West will remain open to traffic, but North Market Street will be closed to house vendors.

Make sure to give Third Friday in Galion a follow on Facebook to keep up to date on the events.

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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

With all the hubbub surrounding Disney’s live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, the Galion Community Theatre picked the perfect time to put on its own production.

Here’s the synopsis (if you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past 25 years): “The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.”

Show dates are 8 p.m. on June 16, 17, 23, 24, and 2 p.m. on June 18 and 25. More information can be found at galiontheatre.org.

Crawford County Relay for Life

Relay for Life has been changed up a bit this year – it’ll only be a 12-hour event, but it will still be at Wynford High School. Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. on June 17 with the Survivor Luncheon to follow. Entertainment will be going on all day, plus there will be a carnival from 3 – 5 p.m. The Luminaria Ceremony will start at 9:30 p.m. Make sure to bring a flashlight!

Tiro-Auburn Firefighters’ Festival

All right, we’ll admit it – we freaking love this festival. Whether it’s about supporting your local volunteer fire department or getting’ dirty in the mud volleyball tournament, you’re bound to have a great time.

And speaking of mud volleyball . . . registration forms must be turned in by June 16!

The Tiro-Auburn Firefighters’ Festival will take place in Tiro on June 23 and 24. Just head toward the fire station (102 Main St., Tiro) and sooner or later you’ll find some parking . . . and great food (thanks Ladies’ Auxiliary) . . . and awesome music. There will also be activities for kids, homemade ice cream, and more.

Check out the fire department’s Facebook page for more details.

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Mud Day

Admit it – you want to play in the mud, too, even if we’ve definitely passed our childhood days. The Crawford Park District will be holding a Mud Day to celebrate International Mud Day (apparently, that’s a thing).

Science tells us that there are positive attributes to playing in the dirt. We say just give us a darn shovel and bucket and let us make our mud pies!

There’s going to be opportunities to get your toes or hands muddy – or to get completely covered in mud! Plus, the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to give you a rinse.

Mud Day will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 24 at Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 Ohio 598, Crestline.

J.A. Martin Book Signing

We’d also like to give a shout-out to this awesome Crestline teen author. J.A. Martin (Jake Martin) is hosting another book signing – this time for his collected works. If you like to support local authors or just need something new to read, make sure to stop by the Mansfield Barnes & Noble (832 N. Lexington-Springmill Rd.) from 1 – 3 p.m. on June 24.

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