ASHLAND — Memorial Day weekend is when Ohioans officially welcome summer.
Cookouts, swimming, outside music, shirts off exposing faded tribal tattoos, beer being pulled from overstocked coolers and the essential extra day off school and work.
Chances are you have some plans, like your child’s sports tourney, a party or a car show. But here are some other amazing things happening around the area that might pique your interest.
Friday
Spring Hike for Youngsters, 6 to 7 p.m., Audubon Wetlands Preserve, 1379 Township Rd 743 (behind McDonalds on Rt. 250)
The Ashland County Park District is hosting a free, guided hike through the Preserve. Take your kids or grandchildren to check out the wildlife and learn about identifying nature.
Nicole Myers Memorial Cruise In, 7 to 10 p.m., Caddy Shack Indoor Golf, 1640 Claremont Ave.
All makes and models of vehicles are welcome, as the event is to honor Nicole Myers. The registration fee is all donation, so it’s whatever you want to give, with the proceeds going to the Ashland High School band. Myers was in the 2013 graduating class. There will also be live music, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
Adult Night Out, Tin Can Chandelier, starting at 6 p.m., 1262 Franklin Ave.
You can get your drink on, listen to the folk band “Old Enough to Know Better” and make some art. Bring your own libations and snacks.
Nighttime Candy and Egg Hunt, Charles Mill Lake Park
The “Kidz” flashlight candy hunt starts at 8:30 p.m., followed by a “Lighted Egg Hunt” at 9:15 p.m., both at the Messerly Recreation Center.
Saturday
Bird Walk, Byers Woods, 9 to 11 a.m., 675 Co. Rd. 1754
I recently became addicted to “birding” this year, and when you start thinking about beak shape, size of the bird, color, song, feet, flight pattern, etc., it can quickly consume you. Join other nature lovers for a new kind of sight seeing. P.S. — We’re not dorks!
Snakes Alive!, 10 to 11 a.m., Mohican Lodge lobby, 1098 Ashland County Rd. 3006
Indiana Jones won’t be there, but you can learn about Ohio snakes and even play with some of them.
Wildflower Hike, 1 to 3 p.m., Hemlock Picnic Area (beside covered bridge), Mohican State Park
Gorgeous flowers are in full spring bloom so it’s the perfect time to get out and capture some great photos. Moderate trail hiking with guides.
Catfish Tournament, Charles Mill Lake Park
Get some liver and guts on a hook and try to reel in the biggest river rat, err, catfish. Tourney registration begins at 4:30 p.m. and the competition goes from 5 to 10:30 p.m. If you get done early, there’s karaoke at the Eagle Point Shelter from 7 to 9 p.m. My go-to song is Nirvana’s “Pennyroyal Tea” or “New Noise” by Refused. Miss me with all those Spice Girls ironic songs.
Beats at the Beach, 5 to 10 p.m., Pleasant Hill Lake Park
New band every hour, so soak up some sand and surf while jammin’ out at the public beach stage. There’s also log-rolling from 2 to 4 p.m. for all you secret lumberjacks out there.
Sunday
Full Moon Hike, anywhere
If you’ve been drinking all day in the sun, don’t pass out; go for a night hike! Forget the flashlight and take to the streets or trails and bask in the light of the moon. The heavenly rock is officially full on Tuesday and called the Pink Moon.
Learn Archery
You don’t need green tights to go full Robin Hood on Sunday with this intro to archery class at Mohican State Park from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the class A campground.
Corn Hole Tournament, Charles Mill Lake Park
They showed the championships on ESPN this year, so what you thought was just a drinking game, is now a legitimate sport. Nope, it’s still just a game to do while drinking, but at least others share your passion for the sandbags!
Monday
All the Memorial Day parades you can handle!
- Loudonville/Mohican: 9 a.m. start from Wally Road, down Main Street to Wood Street and will conclude at the Loudonville Cemetery
- Hayesville: 9 a.m. start from Kendig Park to Hayesville Cemetery
- Ashland: 10 a.m. start, running south down Union Street, then west on Main Street through the revitalized downtown and ending at Ashland Cemetery
- Sullivan: 10 a.m. start from the Sullivan school, then down Rt. 58 and ending at the cemetery
- Savannah: 10 a.m. warmup with music from the town hall, then the parade begins at 11 a.m.
- Perrysville: 11 a.m. start at the old junior high (Rt. 39) and will travel to the Bridge Street cemetery
Survival Ohio, 2 p.m., Mohican Lodge lobby
This presentation from the Martin family will help you be equipped for wilderness survival. Not sure why I wasn’t asked to join this discussion (cry face emoji).
Other events people should know about? Please add suggestions to the comment section below.
