Are Needed for “Grand” Events this Month
Lace up those running shoes, and get ready for the annual Grand Lake Marathon . This fast, flat, Boston Marathon qualifying course begins and ends at Lake Shore Park in Celina, Ohio along the shores of beautiful Grand Lake St Marys.
Rookie or experienced runners, escape the concrete jungle and head to the countryside to enjoy a quick loop around the Grand. It’s almost as if Grand Lake was designed to have a Marathon around it…the course is that smooth & flat! While in the country, enjoy friendly, entertaining groups cheering the runners on. For short distance runners, there will also be a Half Marathon, the Grand Lake Marathon 5K, or runners can even choose to do a relay option with their running buddies. There is also a Senior Marathon and a kids’ run. The Grand Lake Marathon truly has a race for everyone and every caliber of runner.
Enjoy music along the journey. When runners get to Lakeshore Park they will be greeted by family, friends, and fellow runners. There’s a terrific after-party filled with music, drinks, great local food, and brews at the annual Taste of the Marathon! The entire community is encouraged and invited down to Lakeshore Park from 10am-2pm on race day not only to watch and support the participants as they cross the finish…but to also enjoy in the celebration with some great live music while sampling local delicious eats and ice-cold brews from different restaurants around the Greater Grand Lake Region. And it’s all at one convenient location. Also, enjoy bounce houses for the kids… and check out the new Splash Pad & Playground while in the Bryson Park District! Complete details for the Grand Lake Marathon are at GrandLakeMarathon.com.
The following weekend is the time to put on lederhosen and do the “Chicken Dance” at the region’s largest German heritage festival, the Minster Oktoberfest in Minster, Ohio. This annual celebration attracts more than 60,000 people each year and is rated as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation. From singing and dancing to the taste of hearty German foods, the annual edition of this event will provide a fun-filled time for all. Topping the list of free entertainment this year includes popular bands such as The Klaberheads, Autobahn, Zinzinnati Beir Band, Reflektion, Karmas Pond, & Steve Rosenbeck!
Mark your calendar, come to Oktoberfest, and watch the spectacular gala parade, featuring colorful floats and marching bands. Take part in the beer tray relay, the 10K run, the Jug Hoist and a number of other games and competitions. Enjoy the car show, the arts and crafts booths and the Miss Oktoberfest Pageant. German heritage or not, everyone usually does the Chicken Dance before the evening is over. For more information, check out MinsterOktoberfest.com for a complete schedule of events.
