Oktoberfest: Got Beer?

Looking for a way to celebrate the end of summer? Search no further than Cleveland's Labor Day Oktoberfest. Held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, the seventh annual fest brings together food, music and beer.

The fest celebrates the Bavarian culture and history in the city of Cleveland. Aspects of the culture are exhibited through art displays, traditional music, and ethnic food and drinks.

The fest will be jam-packed with events. The Bier Garden will host a "Microbrew Competition" featuring 16 brewers from major cities. Authentic German food will be dished out throughout the fairgrounds, along with a clambake to usher in the fall season.

Traditional German music, polkas and big band songs will be heard as visitors pass by the various bandstands. Patrons will also have the chance to peruse the Bavarian Bazaar, a collection of fine art and merchandise created by local artists.

Stop by and cheer on your favorite pup during the "Sugardale Weiner Dog Races." Other contests include a "Bavarian Strong Man and Woman" competition and a cornhole tournament. In addition, a 5K charity run and 1-mile walk will take place with all proceeds going toward the Alzheimer's Association.

Admission is $10 for adults. Children under 12 years old are admitted free. Parking is free all weekend long.

Oktoberfest hours:
Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, Sept. 3 from noon-midnight
Sunday, Sept. 4 from noon-midnight
Monday, Sept. 5 from noon-9 p.m.

For more information, directions, or a schedule of events, visit
www.clevelandoktoberfest.com.

Lake County Fair

Continuing the trends of county fairs in the month of August, the 155th Lake County Fair kicked off Tuesday morning.

Taking place in Painesville, the fair brings a little bit of the country to the city. Saddle horse shows, chainsaw carving demonstrations and petting zoos will all be in full swing. A Jungle Terry show will take place each day introducing children to a variety of wild animals. Rides and concession stands will also be open every day.

For the adults, a demolition derby will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday night at 7 p.m. Tickets for the derby range from $5 to $15. A stunt show will captivate audiences Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for just $5.

A World Music Stage will be set up at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds. The stage will feature blues, jazz, country, bluegrass and 60s rock bands.

Admission to the fair is $6 per day. Children 12 and under are free and parking is free the entire fair. Tickets for rides are an additional cost.

Lake County Fair hours:
Gates open at 8 a.m. daily
Exhibit buildings open noon-10 p.m.
Midway open from noon-11 p.m.

For more information, a schedule of events, and directions, visit
www.lakecountyfair.org.

Hunting Ghosts in Akron

Take a trip to Akron tomorrow to get a jump start on the Halloween season. The Akron Civic Theatre will open its doors to ghost hunters for a free tour of the historic building.

Built in 1929, the Civic Theatre is one of the last remaining theaters from the Depression-era. The building is rumored to be home to three separate ghosts: "Fred the Janitor" who has been spotted mopping the aisles and bathroom floors, a well-dressed man who lurks the upper balcony, and a young girl who reportedly committed suicide in the canal behind the theater and who now walks up and down the banks.

Visitors who are interested in going on a tour of the theater should gather in the lobby at noon.

The Akron Civic Theatre is located at:
182 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44308

Feast of the Assumption

Besides Italian food, Little Italy is known for its annual Feast of the Assumption festival. Celebrating its 113th year, the event is expected to bring in over 100,000 people throughout the weekend.

The festival began as a way for the Little Italy community to commemorate the holy day of the Feast of the Assumption, which takes place this year on Aug. 15. The event has since grown into a weekend-long festival that celebrates the culture and history of the community, as well as the holy day.

The festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Live bands will perform throughout the weekend, along with the St. James Italian Heritage Dance Company. Carnival rides will be available for children and vendors will sell a variety of handcrafted goods. And of course there will be plenty of authentic Italian food for everyone.

Visitors are invited to attend the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Monday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. A procession throughout Little Italy will take place after the Mass and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk.

Feast of the Assumption hours:
Friday, Aug. 12 from 6 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, Aug. 13 from noon-midnight
Sunday, Aug. 14 from noon-midnight
Monday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

For more information, and a list of events, visit
www.holy-rosary.org.