Island Diary August 2026

Sat., Aug. 1st – It’s the second day of PIB’s America 250 celebration. Smirnoff Ice is keeping America’s 250th Birthday Party going in one of the most authentic ways possible, setting a world record for the most people eating uniquely topped hot dogs at one time. About 400 people gather on the lot next to the BayShore Resort as more than 250 people enjoy hot dogs to set the record. WWE star and Ohio native Mike “The Miz” emcees the event while standing on a raised platform in the shape of a gigantic Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Berry bottle. An official Guinness World Records judge is on hand to officiate the affair. There is a celebration of life at the Bykowski home on East Point for Joanne Sutton in the afternoon. Jefferson Starship is the headliner at the free concert on the lawn at the Monument.

Sun., Aug. 2nd – It’s not a nice day for the Ohio State band. It rains and blows as they arrive on the island and march up Bayview Ave. The entire Bowling Green State University Band has better luck as they get off the ferry and march from Miller’s downtown dock to the Niagara Event Center. Along the way, they stop in front of John Ladd’s house and play the university’s fight song. John, who graduated from PIBHS in 1950, went on to play for BGSU’s football team. The free Lee Greenwood concert at the Monument goes off without a hitch, but the wind is strong enough to cancel the big America 250 celebration fireworks finale.

Mon., Aug. 3rd – Vacation Bible School starts at Mother of Sorrows and St. Paul’s. At times, there are long lines of vehicles at the Lime Kiln Dock waiting to get off the island. Members of the Webster family visit the island museum to do some genealogy research. As part of Green Week, there is an archery program at the State Park and a tour of the Hotel Victory grounds.

Tue., Aug. 4th – Back to the Wild is at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center in the afternoon.

Wed., Aug. 5th – There’s so much smoke from the Canadian forest fires that you can’t see Middle Bass from Put-in-Bay. It’s like fog. Dale Danheiser, who volunteered at the State Park for several summers, gets a chance to return to North Bass and see all the changes being made by the ODNR. He checks out the improvements to the old Clubhouse, the Fox House and the Ellington House, plus the new dock that’s undergoing demolition and reconstruction. He’s surprised by the $600-per-night charge for renting the houses. PIB science teacher Missi takes part in the Great Lakes Islands Association’s web meeting. The topic is island teachers. The food is great at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center’s fundraiser Hog Roast at the Goat!

Thu., Aug. 6th – The Village Council holds a public hearing concerning the rezoning of the home just west of the Put-in-Bay Winery. The Ohio Division of Wildlife, in collaboration with H2Ohio, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, OSU, and Shores & Islands Ohio, hosts its sixth annual Lake Erie Awareness Day across South Bass Island. This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore interactive stations across the island. Each location features engaging activities highlighting Lake Erie’s cultural, historical and ecological significance.

Fri., Aug. 7th – It’s the last day of Vacation Bible School. Mary Ann Meyers volunteers for another shift at the museum’s front desk. It’s Havana Night at the Keys, and there is a variety of Cuban dishes to choose from.

Sat., Aug. 8th – The worst of the air pollution from those Canadian forest fires is finally gone. Pollen in Put-in-Bay Township is medium; ragweed is medium; grass and mugwort are low. Forecasts are calculated by Airmine using satellites to map local vegetation and determine pollen season onset. The Lakeview Volleyball Tournament takes place at McCann Field. Put-in-Bay Yacht Club’s 2026 Golf Outing is underway at Saunders Resort. At the Yacht Club in the evening is a “Dîner en Blanc,” where everything is white. Guests dress head-to-toe in white, gather at a stunning venue and let the magic of the night unfold. The annual Family Fun 5K and Poker Kayak Run take place on Middle Bass Island.

Sun., Aug. 9th – Rich Hahn celebrates his 80th birthday with a gathering of friends at Das Lokal, the Biergarten at the Goat. The championship series in the Lake Erie Islands Softball League is set! Kelleys beats the House team, and the Boardwalk beats the Marlins in a couple of closely contested games!

Mon., Aug. 10th – FirstEnergy customers on the island are without power in the morning. The Boardwalk softball team travels to Kelleys Island to play their team for this season’s championship.

Tue., Aug. 11th – There’s a beach cleanup at the SBI State Park. A severe thunder and lightning storm starts at 4 p.m. It’s International Night at the Sand Bar. Bret Klun from the Keys celebrates his birthday with dinner at the Goat. He looks great with his pink ribbon sash. Heavy rain gets into the basement at the Reel Bar and into the furniture barn at the Resale Shop. It’s Taco Tuesday at the Middle Bass General Store.

Wed., Aug. 12th – The staff from the Middle Bass General Store enjoys breakfast at Frosty’s. The last “Lobster Mania” takes place at the Boardwalk. It’s movie night at South Bass Island State Park.

Thu., Aug. 13th – A state auditor is busy at one of the tables in the assembly room at the Town Hall, finishing up her audit of the Village. She has three computer screens in front of her.

Fri., Aug. 14th – The Barbershoppers perform at the PIB Yacht Club.

Sat., Aug. 15th – The PIB property owners meet at the Senior Center in the morning to hear PIB School Superintendent Scott Mangas talk about the $3.8 million remodeling project at the school. A boat comes into Put-in-Bay and beaches itself on the downtown boat ramp. Shortly afterward, a tow boat shows up and pumps it out. Up on Pelee Island, the 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off takes place at the Pelee Island Wine Pavilion. The Pelee Island Legion hosts its annual BBQ.

Sun., Aug. 16th – Rain right after lunch ends just in time for Sunday afternoon’s antique car parade. Cody Kowalski, PIBHS Class of 2026, is off to Bowling Green State University.

Mon., Aug. 17th – The new PIB EMS ambulance comes over on the ferry in the morning. The Township purchased the 2027 Ford ambulance for about $160,000. It will allow our great EMS workers to respond to and treat patients better and more safely than ever. Miller Boat Line’s schedule changes. The last ferry leaving Put-in-Bay is at 8 p.m., and the last ferry leaving Catawba is now at 8:30 p.m.

Tue., Aug. 18th – PIB’s Panther volleyball team unfortunately doesn’t capitalize on its home-court advantage in its season opener. The Panthers lose 3-0 to the Rogers Rams, 25-19, 25-20 and 25-19.

Wed., Aug. 19th – There’s lots going on at the Crew’s Nest. There’s a boat show on the docks in front of the club, plus a concert featuring Skinny Moo and Nashville Crush in the evening at the pavilion. Liesl Jackson and siblings Evelyn and Charlotte Wertenbach have a lemonade stand on Bayview Ave. The topic at the Great Lakes Islands Association’s webinar is childcare. Kathi Spayde films the island gang enjoying the Paradise Island Band at the Round House. Pool Daddy Dennis Lugari is the big Euchre winner at the Yacht Club.

Thu., Aug. 20th – The PIB Garden Club meets at Duff House, where Barb Hunter and Kendra Koehler demonstrate flower arrangements. The bands at the Crew’s Nest concert are Icons of Country and 50 Amp Fuse. At 11 p.m., fireworks are set off from a small barge in the Bay. Pat Mans from Peach Point says they are better than the July 4th fireworks.

Fri., Aug. 21st – Firemen are called to Alexa Kirsch’s house across from the school after she smells smoke early in the morning. The Lambda Classic Car Club of Columbus is on the island. Rich and Linda Petro celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Ann Huber is chosen as Middle Bass Island’s Tomato Queen for 2026.

Sat., Aug. 22nd – The day starts with a thunder, lightning and rainstorm shortly after midnight. At the PIB Yacht Club, there’s an Elvis impersonator entertaining. The Perry Group hosts Capt. Darren McPherson, USN (Ret.), former commanding officer of the USS Lake Erie, at a reception at the Monument’s Visitor Center. His hour-long talk and question-and-answer session about his tour of duty on the cruiser has everyone in attendance glued to every word he says. It is a great way to celebrate Commodore Oliver H. Perry’s 241st birthday. The dedication of the Helman Trail at the Dieperink Tract on Middle Bass takes place in the morning and is followed by a reception at the Island Grind.

Sun., Aug. 23rd – At the Monument, they are celebrating the life and legacy of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry with a full day of family-friendly, history-filled activities. John Rees’ cousin, Robert Woischke, 82, who was born and raised at PIB, pilots his plane from his home in Schaumburg, Illinois, for a visit. On this date in 1932, the Beebe House Hotel at Put-in-Bay was destroyed by a massive blaze. The hotel was located where the vacant lot is now, across from the Dairy Isle.

Mon., Aug. 24th – Crisp, fall-like westerly winds make for a pleasant day to visit the Bay, even though they make it tough on the ferry captains trying to land and unload on the east side of the Lime Kiln Dock. An MG International Car Group begins a rendezvous at Put-in-Bay.

Tue., Aug. 25th – Put-in-Bay EMS shows off its new ambulance at an open house in the morning. It replaces an ambulance that is 27 years old. Caroline Jackson, PIBHS Class of 2004, from the Goat and Sous Le Chevre, celebrates her 40th birthday. PIB’s Cameo Pizza is closed to celebrate its hardworking staff. On this date in 2021, Blake Shelton, Runaway June and Cale Dodds headlined the Bash on the Bay music festival held at Put-in-Bay Airport.

Wed., Aug. 26th – Island entertainer Bob Gatewood is at the Round House celebrating 40 years on the island and filming his next music video for the song “Getting to Know Her.” Fans at the afternoon party are offered the opportunity to be in the video if they can lip-sync while being recorded. Mayor Judy Berry is on hand to recognize Bob with a proclamation. On Pelee Island, the final vintage Bingo evening of 2026 takes place at the Legion.

Thu., Aug. 27th – The American flag at the Boardwalk is at half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton. The Lake Erie Workshop for science and outdoor writers takes place at Stone Laboratory. The workshop offers hands-on learning and insights into Lake Erie’s science and environmental challenges. Dick’s Burger Night at Put-in-Bay features a birthday serenade for Toby Landreth.

Fri., Aug. 28th – Over on Middle Bass, the third event in the “Dessert & Discussion” series takes place at 1:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. The speakers are Bernadette Hisey, Bruce Miles, Russell Brohl, Janet Stearns and Lindsey Lawrence, who talk about the musical melodies that make MBI so special. A scanner and volunteers are available to scan and digitize old photos or talk with attendees about artifacts they might wish to donate or loan to the new MBI museum. Caroline Jackson from the Goat, who celebrated a special birthday earlier this week, is at the German-American Festival in Toledo with members of her family, Mark and Holly Kirsch from East Point, and Dave and Kat Holscott from Mitchell Rd. One of the festival’s featured bands, the Jammin’ Germans, which also plays in the Biergarten at the Goat, serenades her with “Happy Birthday” and “Sweet Caroline!”

Sat., Aug. 29th – The island awakens to the news that Sharon Duggan (PIBHS Class of 1959) has passed away. Ericson Booker, PIBHS Class of 2017, and Madison Johnson of Port Clinton are married on the waterfront at Put-in-Bay. Up on Pelee Island, there’s a free Walnut Ink Calligraphy workshop with Patricia Fell at the Quarry.

Sun., Aug. 30th – Light rain wets the islands for most of the day, but the Antique Car Parade goes on as usual, with the post-parade gathering at Miller Marina. On this date in 1878, a gala was held at the Put-in-Bay House to benefit victims of yellow fever in the Southern United States. Shortly before six in the evening, a fire ignited in the cupola of the structure, and the building quickly burned to the ground, as there was no fire department on the island at the time. The Put-in-Bay House was located on the corner where the Beer Barrel now stands.

Mon., Aug. 31st – It’s the last day of summer vacation for island kids. The month finishes with recorded precipitation on the Bass Islands at almost twice the normal average for August.