–by Jennifer Alexander Ruple
Two signature Sylvania events return this month to downtown Sylvania. Hosted by Red Bird Arts District Downtown Sylvania, Local Fest and Ridin’ Late in County 48 will be held Saturday, Aug. 28. Local Fest kicks off at 4 pm and Ridin’ Late begins at 8 pm. Both events were put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Local Fest is a celebration of all things local and will be held in the parking lot next to J & G Pizza Palace/Upside Brewing until 11 pm. Partygoers will have the opportunity to purchase beer from Inside the Five Brewing Company and Upside Brewing. A variety of food will be available onsite from The Loaded Chicken, Deet’s BBQ, The Leaf and Seed and Mayberry Ice Cream. Musical entertainment will be provided by Kyle Smithers, John Barile and Ella Cole, Athens Wheeler and headliner, Out of The Blue.
“Local Fest is a great night out in downtown Sylvania. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our fabulous businesses,” said Dani Fuller, president of Red Bird Arts District Downtown Sylvania.
All ages are welcome and there will be a kid’s corner offering activities. Admission is $5 per person.
Ridin’ Late
Brightz-Ltd., a local company that specializes in battery-powered LED light accessories, will provide bike lights to the first 400 participants to register. “When you see all of the lights and riders at one time circling around Olander Lake, it’s a magical moment,” commented Cappellini. Brightz will fit any bike and can be installed the night of the ride. Brightz is considered an accessory and all bicycles will still be required to have headlights and taillights.
Families may participate in the event with their children. The event committee recommends children be strong riders and are used to cycling 10 miles at a time. Bike trailers for small children are also welcome.
The registration cost for Ridin’ Late is $20 per person and includes an event T-shirt. To register, visit ridinlate.redpodium.com/ridin-late-in-county-48-2021. There is no rain date.
Proceeds from both Local Fest and Ridin’ Late are reserved for downtown Sylvania improvement projects such as the bike rack in front of Chandler Café and the fixit station at the Sylvania Branch Library.