Staff Blogger: Mallory Glenn, Advancement/Communications Intern
Take one peak at the calendar and it’s clear that you’ll never be bored at Lakeside. Sometimes there are so many things to do that it can be difficult to choose. To help you out, here’s a chronological list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Lakeside during Fourth of July week.
- Pet Parade; Sunday, July 1; Central Park Basketball Court & Steele Memorial Bandstand/Gazebo, 2:30-4 p.m.
Meow! Begin the week of the Fourth of July by attending the Pet Parade at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July at Central Park Basketball Court & Steele Memorial Bandstand/Gazebo. The Pet Parade showcases Lakesiders’ fluffiest, bushiest, and best-spirited pets. Lucy, a spaniel therapy dog, will be this year’s grand marshal and will be escorted by Jody Geyer. Island Safe Harbor Sanctuary and The Humane Society will also be at the Parade; Feel free to ask them questions as to how you can adopt a pet or support the local shelter.
- Family Night in the Park: Blue Lunch ; Sunday, July 1; Steele Memorial Bandstand/Gazebo, 6-7 p.m.
You can wind down from all of the Pet Parade excitement by attending the Blue Lunch at 6 p.m. at the Steele Memorial Bandstand and Gazebo. The Family Night will showcase eight virtuoso musicians from Cleveland as well as five vocalists. From rock & roll riffs, to doo-wop style ballads, the Family Night in the Park with Blue Lunch has it all.
- Laura Schroff “Angels on Earth”; Hoover Auditorium, Monday, July 2, 8:15-10 p.m.
Laura Schroff, an international and #1 New York Times best-selling author, will speak at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 in the Hoover Auditorium. Schroff will discuss the power of kindness and human connection which are the overarching themes in her books An Invisible Thread, An Invisible Thread Christmas Story and Angels on Earth. Chapter 7 of Angels on Earth,“The Bookstore,” features a story about Jim Kettlewell, a beloved Lakesider who passed away in 2016 shortly before the book’s publication.
- Fourth of July Parade; Second Street, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Put on some red, blue and white and start the holiday right with the Fourth of July Parade on Second Street! The Parade begins at 10 a.m. with a happy, colorful, cluster of kiddos pedaling in from Perry Park during the Children’s Bike Parade. Immediately following the bike parade, the float parade will commence led by Keith Addy, this year’s Grand Marshal. No need to worry about weather, we’ll celebrate rain or shine!
- Fourth of July Cookout; Hotel Lakeside Lawn, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
If you enjoy summer cookouts with friends, mosey on over to the Hotel Lakeside Lawn anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the Fourth of July Cookout. Here you can chow down on some grilled chicken, ribs, potato salad, baked beans and cookies–Yum!
- ‘Touch a Truck’ with Danbury Township Volunteer Fire Department; Pavilion Circle, 7-9:30 p.m.
What little Lakesider doesn’t love trucks? Take your truck-lover down to Pavilion Circle at 7 p.m. to see a real life fire truck. The ‘Touch a Truck’ event will also be an opportunity to support the local community, as some of crew members from the Danbury Township Volunteer Fire Department will be selling tickets for their upcoming spaghetti dinner.
- Fourth of July Fireworks; Lakefront & Dock, 9:45-10:30 p.m.
Oooh…Ahhh! It’s not the Fourth of July without fireworks! Don’t miss out on the holiday’s main event. A barge will launch the fireworks off the north end of the dock beginning at 9:45 p.m., weather permitting. Grab a spot along the waterfront and enjoy the brilliant views of one of Lakeside’s most patriotic traditions.
- Wooden Boat Rides & Sunset Cruises; Lakeside Information Center/Dock, Thursday, July 5, 6-9 p.m.
For $20 (or $6 if you’re 12 or under) you can take a 30-minute evening boat ride on the Lake. Thanks to the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society, these rides are offered every Monday and Thursday until August 16. Get at least three friends or family members, and enjoy the ride. For more information about the boat rides, or if you wish to make a reservation, contact us at (419) 798-4461, ext. 266 or infocenter@lakesideohio.com.
- Get Up & Glow Fun Run & Dance Party; Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus, Thursday, July 5, 9-11 p.m.
Young or old, speedy or slow, join in this new celebration and work up a sweat at the brand new Get Up & Glow Fun Run & Dance Party. Whether you want to work up a sweat by dancing, walking or simply bobbing your head along to the beat, this event is a great way to end your Fourth of July festivities on a high note. There will be games, a photo booth, black lights and a DJ to keep the party going until 11 p.m.
Glow sticks will be provided to the race participants, and all racers, spectators and dancers are encouraged to wear bright colors. The fun is free, but participants who register and donate $25 or more can receive an exclusive Get Up & Glow T-shirt. Registration begins at 9 p.m. at the Grindley Aquatic and Wellness Campus and the race will start at 9:30. So get up, grab a glow stick, and get ready to have some fun!
- Worship Service with Todd O ‘Neal; Orchestra Hall, Friday, July 6, 9:15-10 a.m.
Gather in Orchestra Hall at 9:15 a.m. for an inter-generational worship and find joy in the art of praising through music. Todd O’Neal, Pastor at the Joy Christian Ministries in the Cincinnati suburb of College Station, will lead the worship gathering and engage you with congregational songs.
Pastor O’Neal coordinates music for the “Lakeside for Youth” camps, and builds strong relationships with the campers year after year. Some of the youth from the camps will be joining in the Hymn & Spirituals experience. Don’t miss out on a truly special, spiritual experience.
Whether you decide to go to one of these events, or all of these events, we hope that you are able to spend quality time with friends and family and enjoy your holiday at Lakeside!
