Liz Hunt, left, and Elliot Zirulnik from African Safari Wildlife Park talked about the park’s upcoming season at Media Marketplace. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

HURON – Travel writers had the opportunity to connect with dozens of local businesses and organizations to learn why Northwest Ohio is a premier destination location at the 3rd Annual Media Marketplace hosted by Shores & Islands Ohio at Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts on May 15. Whether locals are planning a stayvacation or tourists want a getaway by the water, the lakeshore area has something for everyone. Below are just a few of the area’s summer fun options.

Liz Hunt and Elliot Zirulnik from African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton attended Media Marketplace to talk about the park’s upcoming season, which will include drive-thru and walk-thru safaris, capybara encounters, giraffe encounters and sloth encounters.

“Sloths are a species people are passionate about, and people love capybaras because they’re so gregarious,” Hunt said.

African Safari also offers Secret Barn Tours, a 45-minute, behind-the-scenes experience.

“You help the keeper build enrichment for the giraffes and then watch the giraffes enjoy it,” Hunt said. “It’s a peak behind the curtain to see what the giraffe keepers do.”

Kristina Smith shared resources on Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums events at Media Marketplace. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Communications/Marketing Manager,

Kristina Smith, shared news about Hayes Presidential’s summer events. In addition to museum and home tours, visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including tree tours around the historic grounds of Spiegel Grove. Each hour-long tour focuses on a different topic. On Saturday, June 7, visitors are invited to attend the Trees Named in Honor of People Tour.

Smith also shared information about the popular Verandah Concert series that will kick off on Wednesday, June 11, with Matthew Ball, the Boogie Woogie Kid, on the piano. The free concerts will continue twice a month on Wednesdays. An ice cream social is held prior to each concert at 6:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 7 p.m.

Downtown Fremont, Inc. Executive Director, Kristie Bilger, provided resources about Fremont’s many downtown shops and restaurants, new amphitheater and community events.

“It’s the 20th anniversary of the car show and farmers market,” she said.

Galina Colón, left, and Sara Johnson promoted the Lakeside summer season. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The amphitheater will host hundreds of events this year, including historic talks, concerts and art shows. The downtown merchant area features a variety of businesses, including clothing stores, a pottery studio and a vintage consignment shop.

“We’re adding five to ten new businesses every year,” Bilger said.

Galina Colón and Sara Johnson of Lakeside said the Lakeside Hotel will celebrate its 150th anniversary this year, and a popular Lakeside feature this summer season is a concert by country music star Craig Morgan. Executive Director at Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Executive Director, Wendy Chambers, shared the big news that the world’s largest yellow rubber duck is coming to the island on Aug. 1 to 3. The island will also host a 4th of July fireworks display and celebrate the 240th birthday of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

Civilian Marksmanship Program Communications Manager, Christine Elder, provided information on this summer’s National Matches, as well as information about air gun opportunities for marksmen of all abilities, and the Laser Shot Simulator that can be used on-site or rented for parties.