The 30th Annual Lions Perch Festival will be held in conjunction with Shores & Islands Ohio and the assistance of students from Danbury High School. What a wonderful way to end the summer and support of the community.

Chairman John Englebeck said the day will kick off with a parade through downtown Marblehead. In honor of the Marblehead Lighthouse’s 200th anniversary, the historic landmark will serve as grand marshal of the parade. Other entries include the Danbury High School Bank, floats with festival royalty, antique cars, a vintage fire truck, local businesses, VFW and the American Legion.

Festivities at James Park include raffles (with a grand prize of $2,022), vendors, car show, magician, 50/50 drawings, kids games and music by local Gary Cover. The grand prize is provided by 20 peninsula businesses. Other drawings include a 90-second Bassett’s Market shopping spree, 2023 Bay Point social membership, Lakeside Chautauqua 2023 passes, “Morning Lights” print by Dianne Rozak, gift certificates to Camp Runinmuck, Starchers Hardware, Marblehead Galley and Rocky Point Winery as well as three $100 Lions anniversary gift cards.

Of course, the main draw is the food! Two thousand visitors are expected to consume 500 pounds of Lake Erie yellow perch, as well as sausage sandwiches, hot dogs and french fries.

Founded in 1917, Lions International is the world’s largest service organization with over 1.4 million members in 200+ countries. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve” and clubs focus on blindness, childhood diabetes and serving the needy. “All proceeds from the festival benefit individuals and organizations in need on the peninsula,” explained Englebeck.

The festival is held rain or shine. For more information or to participate in the parade or as a vendor, contact Englebeck at 419-635-6935 or jcenglebeck@gmail.com.