Events fill up area's summer schedule

SANDUSKY — Summer is in full swing in the Shores & Islands Ohio region, and the calendar is packed with exciting events to make the most of the sunny season. From lively festivals and waterfront concerts to family-friendly fairs and fireworks, July and August offer endless ways to celebrate summer along Lake Erie's scenic shores. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just looking for something fun to do, check out these can't-miss events happening across the region this season: Huron River Fest • When: Friday and Saturday • Where Huron Boat Basin, Huron • What: The Huron River Fest is back this year with amazing entertainment, a 5K race/fun run, pets on the pier, queen's competition, a variety of unique vendors, a road show, the wonderful parade, fantastic fireworks and much more. It's a can't-miss tradition of summertime fun. All Washed Up: Vermilion's Driftwood Art Contest • When: Saturday • Where: Exchange Park, Vermilion • What: All Washed Up, Vermilion's Driftwood Art Contest, is back for another season of fun and creativity. Driftwood creations draw a crowd who enjoy the creativity of amateur artists and skilled craftspersons. Entries are created primarily of driftwood and other washed-up items collected from the shores of Lake Erie. 3rd Thursday, Music and a Sunset • When: July 16 and Aug. 21 • Where: Downtown Vermilion • What: Come and see as downtown is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting of a New England town, quaintly nestled into the coast of Lake Erie as you stroll our picturesque town listening to music. There is an exciting array of free musical entertainment for you with more than 30 bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Many local musicians provide music for your listening enjoyment in several different locations: rock, jazz, pop, country, oldies, ethnic, gospel and much more. Do some shopping, grab something to eat or enjoy some great ice cream and be a part of this fantastic event. Ironman 70.3 Ohio • When: July 18-20 • Where: Jackson Street Pier and various locations, Sandusky • What: Sandusky embodies the excitement of race weekend. Start with a splash with an invigorating swim. Leap from a ferry into Lake Erie for a 1.2-mile swim, a fast-flat 56-mile bike through Erie County farmland roads and a 13.1-mile run through historic downtown Sandusky — all this while being surrounded by spectators in this exciting coastal destination. Ironman 70.3 Ohio offers slots to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Island Fest • When: July 18-20 • Where: Kelleys Island • What: Kelleys Island's biggest event of the year: The festival features craft vendors, food, beer tent, music and street dance on Friday and Saturday nights, a parade on Saturday morning and fireworks at dusk on Saturday. There will be activities for the entire family. Erie-Ottawa International Airport Vintage Airplane & Car Show • When:, July 19 • Where: Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Port Clinton • What: Fly-in or drive-in: All eras and makes are welcome. The show will go on in the grass area between the Erie-Ottawa International Airport terminal and the Liberty Aviation Museum complex and off taxiways. Music will be provided by Cruisin Zeake. Annual Civil War Days: A Living History Experience • When: July 26-27 • Where: Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue • What: Experience military life with Civil War soldiers. Walk through the camps and interact with soldiers from the North and South as they go about their daily activities. Guests can observe cooking demonstrations and learn about what soldiers did in their spare time, including games and sports. Adults and children participate in Civil War Drills with the soldiers. Artillery and rifle demonstrations throughout the day. Berlin Heights Basket Festival • When: Aug. 1-2 • Where: Berlin Heights with many events happening near Edison Middle School • What: The Berlin Heights Basket Festival is a family celebration honoring the local tradition of basket making. The festival includes contests for a queen, prince, princess and babies; a kiddie tractor pull; a flower show; the Edison Chargers marching band; a grand parade; youth and adult contests and activities; an open market; food and craft vendors; and fireworks. Vermilion Beach Market • When: Aug. 1-2 • Where: Sherod Park, Vermilion • What: Shop by the beach from more than 100 vendors for vintage and handmade decor, including furniture, architectural salvage, handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing and art. Take a pause from shopping at the beachside wine bar and food trucks. Kelleys Island Homecoming • When: Aug. 8-9 • Where: Kelleys Island Pavilion, Kelleys Island • What: Homecoming is an event sponsored by the Kelleys Island Landowners Association and serves as a weekend for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food and entertainment. Enjoy the Friday fish fry and Saturday's parade featuring a marching band, amazing entertainment, a lovely craft and vendor market, delicious food and beverages and fun for the whole family. Bash on the Bay • When: Aug. 13-14 • Where: Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay • What: Bash on the Bay 8 is a two-day music festival on Put-in-Bay. This year, it will feature headliners Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt with Ashley McBride, Russel Dickerson, Bret Michaels and others making appearances. Milan Melon Festival • When: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 • Where: Milan Village Square • What: The annual Milan Melon Festival rolls its way back into Milan with the delicious melon and cantaloupe ice cream, fun rides and unique vendors. You won't want to miss this sweet local event. Where else can you see things like the big-wheelie race, the melon-eating contest, the kiddie pedal-tractor pull and a two-hour grand parade? The Melon Festival in Milan provides that and bands, a fireman's chicken barbecue, arts and crafts, an antique car show and a queen's contest — oh and plenty of melons in all shapes, sizes and forms. Don't miss out on the summer of fun. People can learn more at shoresandislands.com.