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Moss On The Rock - August 2026
Additional Ferries for Declaration 250 Events
Miller Ferry will offer additional later evening trips for the Declaration 250 Event at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, with departures from the island on Friday, July 31st, at 9:30 & 10 p.m., Saturday, August 1st, at 9:30, 10 & 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, August 2nd, at 10, 10:30 & 11 p.m. These additional trips are for passengers only; no vehicles will be transported.
Barbershopper Quartet Dates
Join the fun for the special Barbershop Quartet performances on Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island this August! The first performance is at Put-in-Bay on Friday, August 14th at 7 p.m. at the PIB Yacht Club. The second and third performances are on Middle Bass the next day on Saturday, August 15th. The first is at 1:30 p.m. at the Middle Bass Island State Park Pavilion by the old Lonz Winery. The second is that evening at 7 p.m. at the Middle Bass Town Hall. Experience the rich harmonies, classic tunes, and lively entertainment that have made barbershop music a favorite for generations.
Crystal Cave Makes “Wonders of America” List
To celebrate the United States 250th birthday, National Geographic named the “Wonders of America,” celebrating “the grandest, wildest, strangest bits of geography and culture all across an eclectic country,” and Put-in-Bay, Ohio’s Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery was one of those “Wonders of America.”
2026 putinbayohio.com’s Best Places To Stay!
- Island Club Rentals (islandclub.com) – 216-898-9951
- Commodore Resort (commodoreresort.com) – 419-285-3101
- Bird’s Nest Resort (birdsnestresort.com) – 419-285-6119
- Put-in-Bay Condos (putinbaycondos.com) 216-898-1105
- Victory Station Hotel (putinbayvictorystation.com) 419-285-0120
Miller Ferry Photo Wins Lake Erie Commission Contest
One incredible Put-in-Bay moment is now receiving statewide recognition. A stunning image captured by local photographer Greg Peiffer during the 2022 christening of Miller Boat Line’s M/V Mary Ann Market, with the historic Tin Goose flying overhead, was named a winner in the Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s 34th Annual Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest. The photo won in the America’s Story – Lake Erie’s Legacy category that was created this year to honor America’s 250th birthday. Congratulations to Miller Ferry and Greg Peiffer on this well-deserved recognition! See the full photo on Page 42 of this issue.
Great Photo Op!
When the Goodyear Blimp flew over the world’s largest rubber duck the weekend after 4th of July, there were lots of photos taken of the two iconic blow up attractions. Interestingly, the duck is 61-ft. high and the blimp is 64-ft. high. It’s too bad the duck doesn’t fly. They’d look great hovering over Perry’s Monument together.
Middle Bass Family Fun 5K Walk/Run
There’s still time to register for the Family Fun 5K Walk/Run and Poker Kayak Run to be held Saturday August 8th, at the Middle Bass Island State Park. The 5K Race starts at 10:30 a.m. The Kayak Poker Run will begin at noon, with start times available until 1 p.m. Registration for either event is $25. If you register for both, the cost is $45. If you pre-register for either event you will get a free t-shirt. The last day to pre-register for both will be July 31st. Use the QR codes on the right to register for the event. If you have any questions or wish to help with the event, please email mbikayakpokerrun@gmail.com.
Free Kayaking Program
Everyone is invited to come kayaking at the South Bass Island State Park on Monday, August 3rd, at 9 a.m. This program is free, but registration is required. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and kids must be able to paddle their own kayak. All skill levels are welcome! Spots are limited! Email kassteinberg@sbcglobal.net with your desired time spot and how many people will be attending.
Great Lakes Islands Alliance Summit
People from Put-in-Bay have been signing up for the Great Lakes Islands Alliance Summit on October 4th through 7th. The seventh GLIA Summit will be held on Mackinac Island. Each year, the summit offers an agenda of Great Lakes islands topics that span common social, environmental and economic topics that island residents and visitors encounter. To register or learn more, visit to https://glialliance.org/ for registration, agenda and logistical information.
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Member Renewals Begin in August
Just a friendly reminder that 2027 Chamber membership renewals will begin in August this year. Keep an eye on your email and mailbox for your renewal information. Thank you for your continued support of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce. Your membership helps us promote the island, host signature events, and support our local business community.
Traveling
PIB School science teacher Missi Kowalski spent time at Yellowstone National Park. Ray and Laura Fogg from Airline Dr. were in New York City. Richard and Joan French from Fox’s Den headed to the South of France to go cruising in the Mediterranean. Rick and Sondra Martin from East Point were in Norway earlier this spring.
Purple Martin Banding 2026
The Purple Martin Banding held by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy on Tuesday, July 7th, at the Scheeff East Point Preserve was a success with over 300 young birds banded. Tom Bartlett, Luke Donahue from the Richland County Park District, and Paula Ziebarth of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy were there and at Duff Homestead to give the public an up-close look at the birds while collecting data on their movements and life habits.
Crew’s Nest Has Two New Events
The Crew’s Nest has two new events planned for August for its members. The first is the club’s first-ever music festival. It will take place at the club’s pavilion on August 19th and 20th and will feature live music by Skinny Moo, 50 Amp Fuse, Nashville Crush and a tribute show, Icons of Country. The second event is a boat show on its C, D & E docks on Wednesday and Thursday, August 19th and 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to browse a variety of boats on display, visit with local vendors, and learn about the newest products and services in the boat industry. It’s the perfect time to meet fellow boaters and experience everything the boating community has to offer.
Big Day at the Bay Sponsorship Opportunities
There’s still time to become a sponsor of Big Day at the Bay, returning Saturday, September 26, to DeRivera Park. This family-friendly community event features the popular Kids’ Carnival, Clambake, Sale Away, Monte Carlo games, and more.
Single-event sponsorships are still available at the following levels:
Presenting Sponsor – $2,000
Signature Sponsor – $1,000
Community Sponsor – $500
Supporting Sponsor – $250
Sponsorships include recognition through Chamber marketing, event signage, and promotional materials, depending on sponsorship level. It’s a great opportunity to support one of Put-in-Bay’s signature community events while promoting your business to residents and visitors alike.
To become a sponsor, visit www.visitputinbay.com/eventsponsorship/
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please visit the Put-in-Bay Gazette subscription form. This piece of Put-in-Bay journalism has been provided to putinbayohio.com courtesy of the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Put-in-Bay’s only local newspaper. Visit their website putinbay.news for more information and to subscribe!