FREMONT Experiencing nature and the outdoors is the new focus of daytime activities July 27 at the Hayes Presidential Center’s GroveFest.
GroveFest takes its name from Spiegel Grove, the estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. The Grove’s 25 acres are a state park that is open year-round dawn to dusk.
GroveFest’s new focus hopes to help visitors appreciate the natural wonders available in all parks. It also provides educational opportunities families can enjoy together.
Major sponsorship for GroveFest is provided by The Fremont Co. and Key Bank-the Walter E. Terhune Memorial Fund.
Daytime events that take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m are free. Among the interactive activities are bird banding, wagon rides, Bucket-Mouth Bass fishing game, make-it-take-it crafts, fly-tying, wildlife art, gardening programs’ kids’ art and flower arranging.
The Toledo Zoo will have a display focusing on Ohio animals and is bringing some of its residents, as is the Sandusky County Humane Society and StarGazer Farm Suri Alpacas. Stone Laboratory hosts a program on Ohio’s foxsnake and its work at Lake Erie. Back to the Wild will bring animals they are rehabilitating to return to their natural habitats.
Free programs are scheduled throughout the day.
Presenters and times are:
Noon landscaping tips and ideas, courtesy Pump Landscaping Garden Center.
12:30 p.m. wildlife program by Back to the Wild.
1 p.m. gardening program by Master Gardeners.
1:30 p.m. wildlife program by Back to the Wild.
Inspired by the Grove’s popularity with dog walkers, GroveFest introduces its “Pooch on the Porch Parade” at 11 a.m. on the verandah. (Registration is required; forms available at www.rbhayes.org).
This event is organized by the Humane Society of Sandusky County. Dogs must be vaccinated, well-behaved (able to tolerate other dogs and a crowd of people) and remain on leash while in Spiegel Grove. Owners are required to clean up after their pets.
Evening is set aside for the Hayes Presidential Center’s largest annual fundraiser, Bid at the Grove Auction. Celebrity auctioneer Jerry Anderson of WTOL-11 and Fox Toledo TV headlines this adults-only ticketed event that takes place 6-10 p.m. in a reception tent located in Lucy Hayes’ Rose Garden.
The auction theme is “A Red, White Blue Celebration!” Guests are invited to wear patriotic clothing and enjoy hors d’oeuvres that were favorites of U.S. presidents. Food, wine, beer, and other refreshments are available all evening as guests bid on auction items, participate in games, and join in raffles.
Call (419) 332-2081, ext. 226 for ticket information and reservations.
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