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Moss on the Rock
Big Day at the Bay
Saturday, Sept. 20th, is packed with fun at Put-in-Bay for the annual Big Day at the Bay, sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio. Start your morning with the Miller Boat Line 5K, then explore the island-wide Sale Away Weekend for unique finds and end-of-season deals. Later, enjoy the clambake at the Chicken Patio supporting the PIB Volunteer Fire Department, and try your luck at Monte Carlo-style street games on Delaware Avenue. New this year will be a bounce house and carnival games for kids. From shopping and running to food and games, Big Day at the Bay has something for everyone!
America 250: Put-in-Bay in the Spotlight
Nine Put-in-Bay sites have been selected as part of the new Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, a signature program of America 250–Ohio. This statewide initiative will celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by connecting more than 150 cultural, historical, and natural destinations across Ohio. Put-in-Bay’s featured sites include:
- Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
- South Bass Island State Park
- Lake Erie Islands Historical Society & Museum
- South Bass Island Lighthouse
- Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center
- Stone Laboratory
- Miller Boat Line
- Jet Express
- J&M Cruise Lines
This recognition puts Put-in-Bay squarely on the map for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a powerful opportunity to bring new visitors to our island and into your businesses.
Looking ahead, Put-in-Bay will also play host to “Declaration 250” on August 2nd, 2026, a national signing ceremony at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. This once-in-a-generation event will draw national attention, visitors and dignitaries to our island.
Special Speaker at Put-in-Bay School
PIB community members are invited to hear motivational speaker Damon West at Put-in-Bay School on Tuesday, September 30th, at 9 a.m. in the school gym. A former college quarterback, Damon’s journey took him from addiction and prison to becoming an author and nationally recognized speaker. His powerful story of transformation inspires audiences to embrace resilience and positive change. This event is open to Chamber members at no cost.
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Art in the Park
Join the fun on Sat., Sept. 6th, for a day full of creativity and community at DeRivera Park. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., browse original works of art including photography, watercolor, acrylic, pottery, glass and more. Watch live artist demonstrations and meet the makers behind the masterpieces.
Parking & Golf Cart Meeting
Here’s a townhall meeting you don’t want to miss. It’s one about parking and golf carts in the Village. The meeting will be on Friday, Sept. 19th at 9 a.m. at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall. Come voice your concerns!
Important Meeting
A very important meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15th, at 4 p.m. at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall in preparation for “Declaration 250” on August 2nd, 2026, a national signing ceremony at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. This once-in-a-generation event will draw national attention, visitors and dignitaries to our island. Dave Zavagno from the Perry Group will be at this meeting with business owners, residents, government officials and safety agency representatives to get their input and discuss items of concern to celebrate the event. The number of people visiting that day is expected to be extremely large.
2025 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
Lake Erie Islands Conservancy 25th Anniversary Party
The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Annual Meeting and 25th Anniversary Party will take place on Sunday, September 14th, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Duff Vineyard Preserve. To celebrate, we have a local grape harvest theme with Charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, desserts, small bites and pairings. All members are invited to attend and enjoy the celebration. Please RSVP to (419) 366-2087 or leiconservancy@gmail.com by Sept. 7th. Suggested Minimum Donation of $25. The LEIC will help arrange transportation for those who wish to come from Middle Bass. Memberships available at www.lakeerieislandsconservancy.org
Don’t miss Sale Away Weekend
Put-in-Bay’s island-wide shopping celebration! On Saturday, September 20th, locals and visitors alike take part in a massive garage sale across the island from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Treasure hunters can explore dozens of sales marked on the official map—everything from household items and collectibles to unique island finds. In addition to the garage sales, many Put-in-Bay shops and businesses will be offering special discounts and promotions all weekend long, making it the perfect time to explore downtown and discover great deals. Want your sale featured on the map? Register at https://www.visitputinbay.com/
Broncos on the Bay
Ford Bronco enthusiasts are heading to Put-in-Bay Sept. 5th through 7th for Broncos on the Bay! The weekend includes a show & shine, awards, entertainment, raffles and a hog roast for participants. See the Broncos rolling through downtown as part of Saturday’s Historic Weekend Parade at 2 p.m., alongside marching bands, historic groups and the state champion Put-in-Bay Baton Twirlers. Whether you’re a Bronco owner or just love these classics, it’s a fun celebration of cars, community, and island spirit.
Historic Weekend
Step back in time at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, September 5th through 7th, as Put-in-Bay commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie. The weekend features living history encampments, artillery and musket demonstrations, and special programs honoring our nation’s heritage. Don’t miss the community parade on Saturday through downtown Put-in-Bay—a highlight of the weekend with marching bands, historic groups, local organizations, and the state champion Put-in-Bay Baton Twirlers. Events continue Sunday with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial. All programs are free and open to the public.
GLIA visit to Beaver Island
There’s still time to register for the Great Lakes Island Summit 2025 on September 21st through 24th at Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, but you must do it quickly. There is still space, but registration closes Monday, September 1st. Registration for this year’s summit on Beaver Island is open now at glialliance.org, and participants from the United States, Canada, Tribal Nations and First Nations are welcome. An immersive event for island community leaders, residents, and advocates, the Summit provides a unique platform for networking, exchanging ideas and engaging in meaningful discussions on a range of topics that impact our island communities. Sessions will cover challenges and opportunities facing islands across the Great Lakes, including education, economy, housing, environment and more. For complete info about the summit, including agenda, info on lodging and more: https://glialliance.org/summit-2025/
New Chamber Website is Live!
PIB Chamber of Commerce to announce the launch of the brand-new visitputinbay.com. The site has been completely refreshed with visitors in mind, but built to benefit its members.
Key updates include:
- A new events calendar that makes it easier for visitors to plan their trips around island happenings.
- A submit-an-event feature, giving our members and partners the ability to add community events directly for inclusion on the official calendar.
- Improved business categories, making it easier for potential customers to find your business.
- A modern, organized design that helps showcase the best of Put-in-Bay.
This new platform is another way the Chamber is working to attract more visitors to the island and get more eyes on island businesses.
Member Reminder: Take a moment to check your business listing on the new site. If anything needs to be updated or corrected, please reach out to marketing@visitputinbay.com to make sure your information is accurate.
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day
The Irish spirit returns to Put-in-Bay on Saturday, September 13th, for the annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by Hooligan’s Irish Pub. The highlight of the day is the parade at 2 p.m. (line up by 1:30 p.m.), complete with marching bands, bagpipes and plenty of festive green. Guests are also encouraged to decorate their golf carts and join the fun! Hooligan’s will be serving up Irish food, drinks, and live music, with festivities carrying on throughout the day. The whole island gets into the spirit, making it one of the most colorful weekends of the season.
49th Annual Clambacke
Mark your calendars! It’s almost time for the PIB Vol. Fire Dept.’s 49th annual clam bake! Come on down to the Chicken Patio on Saturday, September 20th, between 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. (or until sold out) to pick up your clam dinner! Clam dinners include 1 dozen clams, 1/2 a wine basted bbq chicken, corn on the cob, clam chowder, potato salad, a dinner roll, and a soda or water! All proceeds go directly to the PIBVFD to raise funds for a new fire truck!
Monarch Fest
The second annual Put-in-Bay Monarch Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Duggan Field by the South Bass Island Lighthouse! This event is a family-friendly celebration of the beautiful pollinators. There will be Monarch tagging with nets available for families to help us catch butterflies. The event will feature games, food and music, as well as hosting local vendors and educational presenters from organizations around the region. $10 suggested donation for admission. There will be butterfly races for the kids (wings available!), butterfly face painting, a bounce house and lots of other fun games and prizes! The Lighthouse will be open for tours that day as well!
Shoutout to the Ottawa County Sheriff Department
The Ottawa County Sheriff Departpartment is one of twenty agencies out of the entire state of Ohio list in the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program which recognizes law enforcement agencies that voluntarily meet or exceed nearly three dozen state standards that address various core responsibilities such as professional conduct, bias-free policing, crisis intervention, and community engagement. The Ottawa County Sheriff Department polices Put-in-Bay Township.
Tree Health To Be Topic
The Put-in-Bay Garden Club meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 3 p.m. in the Village Park across from the Boathouse. The topic will be Island Tree Health.
Traveling
Sue Thwaite was in Florida visiting her uncle, and then headed to New England where she went sailing off the coast. Peter and Amy Huston from Langram Rd. went to the film festival on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. Bernadette Hineline and Chondra Richwine visited Hilton Head. Paul Jeris was off to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Richard and Joan French were in Southern Europe where they visited Venice and Rome and sailed through Croatia. Kendra Koehler, her son Barry and daughter Caroline Jackson enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Ontario with little ones Teddy and Greta Koehler and Liesl and Cal Jackson. They visited the Muskoka area, too. Halle Puffenberger, the granddaughter of Kelly and Marty Faris, her parents Jeff and Lisi Faris Puffenberger visited Switzerland and Italy where she represented Team USA at the World Baton Twirling Championships. Halle has also performed several times at the PIB School gym with the island’s baton twirlers. Paul and Nancy Kohrs from the old Reibel House were in Spain.
SWANA Award for PIB Township
At its August 13th Board of Directors meeting, the Ottawa Sandusky Seneca Solid Waste Management District (OSS) announced a Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Award went to Put-in-Bay Township for their recycling program, which is funded entirely by the township. Put-in-Bay is the only township where the OSS cannot provide a recycling program, so they operate their own with their own funding. That’s a lot of glass bottles—among other items—being recycled on the island.
Outdoor TVs At Catawba Dock
There are two new Outdoor TV’s at Miller Boat Line’s Catawba ferry dock. Ferry travelers and visitors will find enhanced, easy to view images which will include; Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island ferry schedules, including schedule changes and weather delays, Island events and maps, and promotional packages and savings. To help offset the new Outdoor TV costs, Miller Boat Line was one of nine Ottawa County recipients awarded the 2025 Shores and Islands Destination Development grant.
Put-in-Bay Makes Stunning Shores List
Put-in-Bay and Marblehead, have been listed as having the most stunning views among America’s Coastal communities. The New Jersey Real Estate Network, a home-listing platform, conducted a survey last month that ranked Put-in-Bay as No. 27, and Marblehead at No. 82, on its list of the Top 135 Lesser Known U.S. Coastal Towns with Scenic Views. They are the only Ohio locations that made the list this year. The two communities share some similarities − both are on Lake Erie and both have lighthouses close to their rocky shores.
Get To The Top Now!
Anyone procrastinating about going to the top of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on Put-in-Bay shouldn’t wait much longer. The memorial, commonly known as Perry’s Monument, will be closed for a restoration project for the next two summers. But this season, there is still time to take a tour to the top of the 352-foot memorial for a unique view of the islands and Lake Erie. The restoration project will focus on the basement below the Monument and the plaza surrounding the entrance area. Perry’s Monument is the only international peace memorial within the U.S. National Park System. At 325 feet tall, it is taller than the Statue of Liberty. In comparison, it is smaller than the St. Louis Gateway Arch and the Washington Monument. It is the third tallest national monument in the country. Visits to the memorial plaza and rotunda are free, and tours to the observation deck, which is accessed by 37 steps and an elevator, cost $10 for ages 16 and older. Children 15 and younger are free.
Bartenders’ Island Getaway – You’re Invited!
Join us for the Bartenders’ Island Getaway and get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Bartender’s Handshake Event, presented by Fernet Branca and The Heard Card Game! Happening Monday, September 8th at 8 p.m. at The Put-in-Bay Brewery, this exciting night will be filled with drinks, swag, games, and more. Special guest Chandler Tomayko, creator of The Heard Card Game, will be hosting the event herself, giving you the chance to meet her and join in on some lively bingo. Bring your friends and get ready to make amazing memories together! Get your tickets at https://mp.gg/v558hxxtsz/.
Ohio Muffins Vs. PIB Mossbacks Vintage Baseball Game
Batter Up! Come celebrate Historical Weekend at Put-in-Bay on Sunday, Sept. 7th, from 2 to 4 p.m., with an old-fashioned baseball game! Head to Put-in-Bay School Ball Field on Concord Ave. to enjoy the game played with original rules of baseball from more than a century ago. The game is sponsored by Miller Boat Line.
Mrs. Roper Romp September 20th
Mrs. Roper Romp returns to Put-in-Bay on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, inviting everyone to channel their inner Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company for a carefree evening of laughter, music, and groovy fashion. The official meetup kicks off at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Round House Bar, where bold prints, costume jewelry, and fabulous vibes set the tone for a night of dancing, photo ops, and island fun. No registration or ticket is needed—just show up ready to celebrate in true Mrs. Roper style with friends old and new.
2025 LEIHS Annual Membership Meeting
The LEIHS will be holding the Annual Membership Meeting on September 20th, 2025 at 12 p.m. in the Museum.
At this meeting, the election of Board of Trustee Members will take place. There are four positions to fill this year. All of these Board positions will commence 1/1/26 and each will serve a three-year term ending 12/31/28.
If you are a current member of LEIHS and want to become a candidate, please contact Marcia Ashley at (734) 755-2196 or Judy Kania at (419) 350-1396. Nominations from the floor at the annual meeting are also encouraged.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Meeting.
(Please make sure your 2025 Membership dues have been paid before the Annual Meeting so you can vote.)
Two PIB Bartenders nominated for bartender of the year
Erica Zachar from the Reel Bar and Keegan Turner from the Red Moon were recently nominated for Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance Bartender of the Year industry award. The award shines a spotlight on “the dedication, hard work, and exceptional service of Ohio’s restaurant and hospitality community,” according to the ORHA. Winners are chosen directly by a public vote. To vote for Erica or Keegan visit https://www.eatdrinkohio.org/awards and cast your vote.
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!
