The Kids & Pets Issue
What matters most to you matters to us
Investing is about more than just creating wealth. It’s about making your money work for you to live life on your terms. We focus on helping you achieve what’s most important to you. And we do that by building a personal connection.
Keri L. May
AAMS®
173 E. Washington Row Sandusky, OH 44870 419-609-9299
Mary Giles knows the heart of our local region is d riven by strong, confident decision-makers. This August, she celebra tes the individuals and families taking the next step—guidi ng buyers, sellers, and investors to make strategic moves, bui ld wealth, and secure their place at the table.
Letter from the Publisher
Dear Neighbors,
There is something so special about August. The days are still warm, but you can already feel that familiar shift in the air, the excitement of Friday night lights, school spirit ramping up, and football season finally getting underway. It is a time of year that always brings our community together, but it also reminds us how fast time flies. That is why this month, we are focusing on two things that keep us grounded and bring pure joy to our homes: our kids and our pets.
If you look around our neighborhoods right now, you see the best kind of chaotic energy. There is a total innocence in how kids play, whether they are running through sprinklers, practicing on the youth football fields, or playing with the family dog. Pets and children have this amazing way of pulling families into the present moment. They remind us to laugh, to slow down, and to appreciate the messy, beautiful reality of everyday life. Our youth really are the soul of our neighborhoods, and watching them grow up here makes you realize how important it is to protect and support the places they call home.
Speaking of growing families, things are about to get a lot more exciting in my own household! I am so incredibly grateful to share that we are expecting twins, arriving late this August or early September. Our house is about to get a lot fuller right alongside our hearts.
As a local business owner, there is nothing I am prouder of than the opportunity to raise our babies right here in our town. We are absolutely overjoyed, and we can’t wait to introduce our two newest little neighbors to this amazing, supportive community that has already shown us so much love.
Whether you are gearing up for the big game, enjoying a quiet evening with a loyal pet, or chasing your own kids around the yard, I hope this issue reminds you to soak in these fleeting summer moments.
With love and excitement,
HAILEE SAGE, PUBLISHER @SANDUSKYBAYCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Hailee Sage | Hailee.Sage@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sam Sage | sam.sage@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Hailee Sage
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharareh’s Photography, Christi Jo Guhn Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lifestyle’s
+
your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page,
Christi Jo Guhn captures Cary Ferguson in the heat of the moment with his two sons, creating blown
family studio neighboring the Beach Glass Lounge.
Photography: Christi Jo Guhn Photography
Oasis Senior Advisors be your trusted partner for senior living placement and
“My family faced an incredibly tough time as our mother’s dementia progressed. When insurance stopped covering her hospital care, Oasis stepped in with compassion and efficiency and found a safe home for mom.”
Gina Munafo, Senior Living Advisor Oasis Senior Advisors Northeastern Ohio 419-271-6656 (cell) 440-334-2057 (office) GMunafo@youroasisadvisor.com OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/northeastern-oh
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
business monthly
A Healthier Home for Little Hands & Paws
As a mom and business owner, Amber knows families aren’t just looking for a clean house, they are investing in a safer environment for the ones they love. The Clean Team specializes in protecting Northern Ohio families from the allergens, bacteria, and hidden residue that naturally builds up with kids and pets. Using strictly non-toxic, eco-friendly products, they ensure your floors and surfaces are perfectly safe for crawling hands, little feet, and curious paws.
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Healthy Smiles for Growing Kids
Caring for young smiles goes far beyond brushing. A child’s oral health impacts their overall development, from the critical role baby teeth play in speech and jaw alignment, to how airway health affects their sleep and focus. Protecting their future smiles means focusing on a balanced, low-sugar diet and establishing strong oral hygiene habits early. Simple, preventative treatments like dental sealants acts as invisible shields, blocking cavities before they can even start.
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The Perfect Vibe at Beach Glass Lounge
Whether you need a quiet getaway date night or a fun spot for the whole crew, Beach Glass Lounge delivers. This beautiful restaurant features a stunning dining room and an outdoor patio, striking the perfect balance between an upscale escape and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled this season for exciting, kid-friendly happenings, including our unique glass-blowing events, which are an absolute must if you haven’t attended before!
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Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans: What Every Family Should Know
Trump Accounts offer children born 2025–2028 a $1,000 government seed deposit, allowing family and employer contributions with funds accessible after age 18 for retirement, education, a first home, or a business. Alternatively, 529 plans specialize in college savings, offering tax-free withdrawals and the flexibility to transfer unused funds or roll them into a Roth IRA. Connect with Tessa Steinemann at True Alpha Wealth Management to explore these two options at a deeper level.
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Protecting Little Explorers: Tick Safety with Apex Skin
Outdoor play is essential for kids, but it brings tick risks. Apex Skin reminds parents that prevention is your best defense. When heading outdoors, dress children in light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants, tucking legs into socks. Apply DEET repellent and perform thorough tick checks indoors. If you have concerns or notice symptoms after a bite, schedule an appointment with Apex Skin for expert evaluation and quick, professional care to ensure peace of mind.
Spectrum in Camouflage Podcast: Finding Hope in the Journey
Navigating a child’s autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to walk it alone. Hosted by Tom Rhine, the Spectrum in Camouflage podcast shares an honest, deeply personal look at the everyday realities, mental health triumphs, and joys of raising a son on the autism spectrum. Discover encouragement, faith, and community by tuning in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or by visiting spectrumincamouflage.com
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Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s Sandusky Office opening soon
Bringing over 50 years of trusted service closer to home, Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s new office space at 2022 E. Perkins Avenue in Sandusky will be opening soon. This expansion ensures faster, highly reliable local support for homes and businesses across Erie and Ottawa Counties. Local residents can now enjoy quicker response times for year-round indoor comfort, expert plumbing repairs, and electrical upgrades right from a neighborly team they trust.
ARTICLE BY HAILEE SAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARAREH’S PHOTOGRAPHY
Agricultural Legacy and Family Fun
Agricultural Legacy and Family Fun
Take Center Stage at the 2026 Erie County Fair
August in Erie County brings a familiar rhythm to our region, marked by the arrival of livestock trailers, the smell of fairground food, and a deep-seated tradition of community gathering. For generations, the Erie County Fair has operated as a foundational civic crossroad, showcasing the area’s rich agricultural roots alongside modern family entertainment.
This year’s Erie County Fair is scheduled for Monday, August 10th through Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at the Erie County Fairgrounds on Columbus Avenue. Gates will be open daily from 10:00AM to 10:00PM. In an era where family outings face rising costs, general admission remains completely FREE every day, ensuring the entire community can participate.
While the modern midway features updated attractions like laser tag and inflatables, the core infrastructure of the fair remains rooted in youth development. A walk through the exhibition halls and livestock barns reveals the true work ethic of Erie County’s younger generation.
Nowhere is that dedication more evident than in this year’s 2026 Ohio Fairs’ Queen, Edy Solet. A longtime local leader, Solet represents the pinnacle of what 4-H, FFA, and junior fair programs build in
our community. Solet’s extensive list of accomplishments spans over 13 years of dedication. In addition to being crowned the 2026 Ohio Fairs’ Queen, she is a 2026 inductee into the Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame, a 2026 delegate for the National 4-H Congress Youth Design Team, and a 2025 Leadership Achievement Award winner. She also won the State Fair Clock Trophy for Woodworking and leadership in 2023. Her path through pageantry reflects years of steady growth, moving from the Junior Miss programs to 2nd Runner Up for Fair Queen in 2024, and ultimately being crowned Erie County Fair Queen on the opening Monday of the fair last summer. This hometown victory paved the way to capturing her state crown this past January at the Ohio Fair Managers Association Convention.
To earn the state title, Solet was evaluated by a 10-judge panel through a rigorous interview and on-stage process, answering how she would impact the role. She views her title through a lens of strict public service, frequently noting that it is “more than a crown.” The state title functions as a professional position, requiring her to travel Ohio promoting agricultural literacy. Today, she fulfills those duties by representing the
Enjoy FREE general admission daily at the Erie County Fair from August 10–15, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Ohio Fair Managers organization and the Erie County Fair in community parades, collaborating with the Senior Fair Board to boost public engagement, and announcing youth winners at fair events.
Solet’s agricultural ties run deep as a second-generation 4-H member with roots at Kromer Dairy in Erie County. Over her tenure, her diverse project portfolio has included raising ducks,
rabbits, and quail, alongside mastering practical skills like woodworking and financial tracking as the clubs secretary and vice president. She also mentors the youngest “Cloverbud” participants as they enter the 4-H program.
Solet credits the 4-H program and county fair organization with her personal trajectory, as the program has already taken
Sharareh’s Photography
her on international leadership travels and earned her the Ohio 4-H Achievement Award, making her one of only eight individuals nationwide selected to represent Ohio. Locally, her focus remains on community impact.
GRANDSTAND ACTION, COMPETITIONS, AND SWEET FAMILY FUN
The competitive and recreational schedule for 2026 is designed to engage both agricultural producers and the general public. This year’s official fair theme is “The Sweetest Fair Around,” which will shape the visual design of the grounds and anchor the annual Royalty Dinner.
Key public highlights of the fair week include:
• Livestock Exhibitions & FFA Projects: Daily judging schedules showcase months of hard work by local youth in animal husbandry, agricultural engineering, and crop production.
• Pageants: Come support local youth during the King and Queen Pageant on Monday and the Junior Miss Pageant on Tuesday.
• Nightly Grandstand Events: Thrills are packed into every evening, starting with the Rough Truck competition on Monday,
the A Bar Rodeo on Tuesday, and a series of powerful tractor events later in the week including the Farm Tractor, Garden Tractor, and NTPL Pulls on Thursday, followed by the NTPA Pull on Friday. The action culminates with the crowd-favorite Derby Night on Saturday.
• The Junior Fair Livestock Scramble (Wednesday): You won’t want to miss this highly entertaining grandstand event where local youth and adults test their agility against chickens, lambs, and calves. In big news for this year, a highly requested “pigs in the scramble” division is finally here after many years of public requests.
• Youth 4-H Displays and Art Showcase: Beyond agricultural disciplines, exhibition halls will display a wide array of non-animal youth projects, highlighting local students’ county fair projects and craftsmanship alongside local school artwork.
• Special Highlight Days: Plan your visit around Kids Day on Wednesday, Senior Day on Friday, or Veterans Day on Saturday to enjoy tailored events and recognition.
Sharareh’s Photography
STRONGMAN on the SHORE
ARTICLE BY HAILEE SAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRONGMAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
When you think of the world’s most elite sporting events, your mind might naturally drift to large-scale metropolitan stadiums or iconic international cities. But true strength isn’t built in glitzy arenas; it is forged in places that understand the value of grit, hard work, and a powerful community spirit.
Perhaps that is exactly why the biggest strength league on the planet didn’t just visit Northern Ohio last year, they fell in love with it.
The Strongman Champions League team was so captivated by our region’s warmth, full regional support, and unmatched hospitality that they made a thrilling decision: they are coming back to showcase Ottawa County and Erie County to a national and international audience once again. On September 5th & 6th, the global stage comes back to our backyard for an inaugural multi-city experience, spanning festival locations in both Port Clinton and Sandusky.
For those who witnessed last year’s historic U.S. debut, the return of the league feels like a victory lap for our community. Last September, the jaw-dropping displays of human power, from pulling massive ferries and trucks to hurling kegs into Lake Erie, were captured by global film crews. You can actually relive that historic weekend right now by streaming the Strongman Champions League 2025: USA Special on Amazon Prime Video. Those episodes captured our local streets, our beautiful shoreline, and the sheer electricity of our crowds for millions of viewers worldwide.
But if you thought last year was big, 2026 is taking the spectacle to an entirely new level.
We are creating an immersive, high-energy weekend designed to welcome over 6,000 passionate fans. While the main attraction features 14 of the absolute strongest athletes from all corners of the globe, including two to four of America’s top powerhouses, this weekend is designed to be an incredibly family-friendly festival.
The international competitors arriving on our shores are elite, world-class competitors who bring more than strength to the communities that host them. They are coming to compete, connect
with fans, and attempt unforgettable feats of strength right in front of the crowd. The result is a rare opportunity to see global-level athletes in a setting that still feels local, welcoming, and deeply connected to the region.
A world-class sporting event also requires a world-class welcome. While the athletes provide the jaw-dropping heavy lifting, the community provides the heartbeat of the weekend through a vibrant, hometown festival atmosphere. It is an open invitation for local families to break out of their usual weekend routines, step into the action, and try something completely new together. They 100%
conceptualize the impact they have on these families, building meaningful relationships with the kids who look up to them.
Across both the Sandusky and Port Clinton locations, the event will feature family-friendly entertainment that feels like stepping into a modern arena of gladiators. Their philosophy is if one kid walks away knowing they have the strength to conquer the world, they have served their purpose. Attendees can expect a lively mix of local food trucks, beer tents, and other refreshments at both locations.
To keep the energy moving between the main athletic events there will be entertainment including strength feat performers, world-record setting attempts, special guest appearances, and interactive entertainment. Off the competition floor, local businesses and community partners are helping create hands-on experiences for kids and families, including interactive scavenger hunts, mini-lifting challenges, Strongman trivia, and the massive “Rally at the Runway” exhibition at the Port Clinton Location. Local businesses are bringing out rigs, trucks and cars of all shapes and sizes, complete with interactive equipment, tools, lights, and horns, allowing the next generation to get hands-on with the machines that drive our own local economy forward. To add to the fun, the scavenger hunt will feature a mix of kidfriendly “mini-lifting” challenges and trivia spanning Strongman world records. On Sunday, September 6th the festivities extend to Sandusky with a vibrant lineup of more family-friendly events. The waterfront city will come alive with specialized youth zones, local food trucks, and interactive community games, offering families even more ways to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the high-energy spirit of the weekend.
When the cameras start rolling and the international broadcast airs, viewers around the world won’t just see incredible athletes breaking records. They will see thousands of cheering families, thriving local businesses stepping up, and a region that knows how to unite for something spectacular.
This isn’t just a world championship; it is a celebration of the spirit of the Erie and Ottawa County region. Mark your calendars for September 5th and 6th, bring the entire family, and let’s show the world how strong Ottawa and Erie counties are.
Sandusky’s Record-Breaking Stage
The Strongman Champions League made history during its thrilling U.S. debut on Sandusky’s Shoreline Drive in 2025. Local fans witnessed a jaw-dropping showcase of pure grit that culminated in an official, newly crowned Guinness World Record. Using an arm-over-arm setup, Canadian powerhouse Wesley “The Moose” Derwinsky shattered the record for the heaviest boat pull over 20 meters. Derwinsky singlehandedly dragged a colossal, 118.82-tonne (261,953-pound) ferry, complete with 130 waving passengers, straight to dock in just 1 minute and 18.3 seconds. What Guinness World Record will be shattered this year?
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
HOW LOCAL TEENS ARE UNPLUGGING TO SERVE
ARTICLE BY HAILEE SAGE
SAYING
“YES”
For over 35 years, a remarkable summer tradition has been empowering youth across Huron, Sandusky, Vermilion, Norwalk, Wakeman, and New London. Youth Elect Service (YES), which began locally in 1989, brings high schoolers and adult leaders together to provide free home repairs and painting for area families in need.
Photography by Mark Cencer
Currently hosted through St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Huron, the four-day experience runs on a deeply intentional rhythm. Participants begin each day by attending Mass together at St. Peter’s before heading out to their respective work sites. The retreat also intentionally kicks off with an opening night focused entirely on Jesus, reminding everyone that their upcoming service is firmly rooted in their faith.
Finding the right homes to service is a yearround logistical process, but the real story is what happens once the tools come out. As Joshua Vina, Youth Missionary at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the YES Retreat Director explains, keeping the teenagers grounded requires a unique rule.
“When I took over in 2023, I implemented a strict, completely phone-free policy for the teens,” says Vina. “Unplugging allows the 20 to 40 teenagers and dozens of adult leaders to connect on a purely human level.” Working side-by-side on daunting tasks, the youth build tangible life skills, self-confidence, and a deep sense of community.
“When you say yes, everything changes! Your view on the world changes,” shares Parker Bertke, a recent Huron High School graduate. “This year’s theme, ‘Say YES to His Heart,’ reminded us that when we open ourselves up to serve others, we are really letting Christ work through us.”
But it’s not all hard work. Evenings are reserved for decompressing with backyard picnics, team bonding, and trips to a Mud Hens game. Friday nights feature a low-key backyard picnic with a faith-centered talk and small group time.
As Huron High School seniors Ally Murry and Sasha Fry shared, “We are doing YES because we want to spend time with our friends and serve our community!”
Ultimately, YES proves that when local kids step up for their neighbors, they don’t just change a house—they change themselves.
Photography by Julia Cundiff
Photography by Mark Cencer
Photography by Julia Cundiff
THE GLASSBLOWER’S HEAT
BEACH GLASS LOUNGE’S AUGUST SIP
ARTICLE BY HAILEE SAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTI JO GUHN PHOTOGRAPHY
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DRINK:
Every piece of handblown glass begins with intense heat, skilled craftsmanship, and a touch of creativity, a timeless tradition passed down through generations of the Ferguson family. At the heart of this legacy are the Ferguson kids, who can be found right alongside the furnace, mastering the delicate, fiery art of glassblowing firsthand.
Inspired by the roaring flames of the family’s glassblowing studio at the adjacent Ferguson Gallery, The Glassblower’s Heat captures that same vibrant, artistic spirit in a glass. In this signature cocktail, sweet, tropical pineapple juice is met with the bold, crisp kick of fresh jalapeño, creating a drink that is complex and perfectly balanced. It is more than just a menu item; it is a celebration of the heat, passion, and multi-generational legacy that make the Beach Glass Lounge and Ferguson Gallery campus a truly unique, family-crafted destination.
• 2 oz Reposado Tequila
• 1.5 oz Triple Sec
• 1.5 oz Agave Nectar
• 2 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
• Fresh Jalapeño wheels
• Tajín Clásico Seasoning
Preparation
1. Rim the Glass: Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and press firmly into a saucer of Tajín seasoning. Fill the glass with fresh ice and set aside.
2. Muddle & Shake: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 2–3 fresh
jalapeño slices with the agave nectar to release the oils and heat.
3. Combine: Add the Reposado tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, and ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Serve: Strain the mixture over the prepared ice in your Tajínrimmed glass. Garnish with an additional jalapeño slice.
The Beach Glass Lounge Culinary Pairing:
Double-Bone Berkshire Pork Chop
To perfectly complement the sweet heat of the cocktail, the Beach Ingredients
Glass Lounge culinary team pairs it with a standout favorite from their scratch-made kitchen, The DoubleBone Berkshire Pork Chop. Prized for its exceptional tenderness and rich marbling, this premium, thickcut Berkshire pork chop is expertly pan-seared to lock in its natural juices. It is elegantly presented alongside pan-roasted bacon Brussel sprouts and tender, honey-glazed baby carrots. The dish is finished with a house-made apple and golden raisin chutney, that mirrors the tropical notes of The Glassblower’s Heat.
Reader Exclusive:
Available uniquely to our magazine readers! Ask your bartender for The Glassblower’s Heat, an exclusive, off-menu secret crafted just for those in the know. You won’t find this hidden favorite on the regular menu. Show this page to unlock this vibrant, seasonal experience.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST 2026
SATURDAYS IN AUGUST
Market in the Park
Victory Park Vermilion | 10:00 AM
Main Street Vermilion Farmers Market is all Saturdays in August from 10 AM – 2 PM. Discover new vendors, fresh products, and free parking every week at Victory Park. After shopping, explore nearby downtown restaurants and shops, or stroll just blocks north to Main Street Beach for one of the best views of Lake Erie anywhere.
AUGUST 1ST – OCTOBER 31ST
Sandusky Farmers Market
200 Columbus Avenue Sandusky, 44870 United States
Shop fresh, local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in downtown Sandusky. Produced by the Greater Sandusky Partnership in support of local vendors in a vibrant, family-friendly waterfront setting. You won’t want to miss it!
AUGUST 1ST 33rd Annual Port Clinton Chamber Classic Car Show
Madison Street, Downtown Port Clinton | 10:00 AM
Join us for a long standing tradition on the beautiful downtown streets of Port Clinton! Marvel at an incredible display of classic cars and unique vehicles while enjoying local food and company. Bring the entire family out for a nostalgic day of automotive excellence and community fun by the lake.
