Savoring fall
Enjoy the final bit of fall color with a picturesque drive to the western edge of Side Cut Metropark on W. River Rd. along the Maumee River Rapids (metroparkstoledo.com 1025 W. River Rd. Maumee). Sunlight glitters across the fast running water while white gulls hover in the wakes and golden grasses sway at the shoreline. Continue driving as the water view becomes partially hidden by the silhouette of an interwoven canopy of trees lining the leaf covered road. Pull over and take a seat on a bench overlooking the river to soak in these last luscious moments of autumn.
Holiday tradition
We all love a grand parade and the annual Toledo Holiday Parade delivers with a fun filled celebration, with Santa Claus, marching bands and larger than life floats. Best of all, the Toledo Distinguished Clown Corps are always there with colorful antics and bright smiles. The Corp puts their heart and soul into this event making sure everyone feels they are part of the parade action. (November 16th at 10am starting on N. Summit at Jefferson, then left on Jackson, left on N. Huron and ending at Monroe. Street parking is free on weekends.)
Afterwards go to Imagination Station (1 Discovery Way) for photos with Santa (details at imaginationstationtoledo.org, 419-244-2674) or enjoy live music at the Glass City Café’s Saturday Bluegrass Breakfast/Lunch (1107 Jackson St. 10am-2pm 419-241-4519). Visit the Farmers Market for local seasonal produce at 525 Market St. 8am-2pm, and try the great coffee and more at the Flying Rhino stand.
Be a clown
Be a clownThe Toledo Distinguished Clown Corps has been a main sponsor and participant in the Toledo Holiday Parade for over 25 years. “It’s addictive, once a clown always a clown when you realize you are giving such joy to people,” says organizer Tracy Sallah. The lively troupe invites everyone to become a member and join in the upcoming parade and other charitable activities (with membership dues). For info go to toledodcc.org.
Thank you military and veterans
Thank you military and veteransOperation We Are Here is a great website providing a comprehensive list of outdoor activities, offered free of charge to military personnel (active, veteran, disabled) and their families, as thanks for their service. Listings include: free sporting event tickets, outward bound programs, hunting and fishing trips, park passes, hiking expeditions, theme parks, camping and sailing. operationwearehere.com/veteransfamiliesrecreation.html
Honoring Veterans
Step out for a special museum day: “Lest We Forget.” The Northcoast Veterans Memorial and Museum at 411 N. Main St. Gibsonburg, OH will be open from 10:30am-6pm on Veterans Day, Monday November 11. The museum is usually only open on Mondays 5:30-8pm or by appointment. Established in 2004, the museum and park memorials preserve and chronicle the history of the U.S. conflicts and wars (Civil War, WWI and II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the War on Terror) through the military experiences and memorabilia of service men and women from the north coast region. Volunteers also provide mobile displays and presentations for schools, organizations and military reunions. (For an in depth City Paper article on NVM, see the November 10, 2010 issue: Fines Tribute to Our Veterans at toledocitypaper.com) For more information contact Curator Rex Postlethwait 419-332-5912 or Researcher Mark Albright
419-862-5301.
