Party On: Festivals Galore

Bunchs Lunchbox  |  08/11/2010 7:00 am

It's near mid-August and that means summer is winding down. School starts back in the next couple of weeks, and before you know it, you'll be eagerly awaiting Christmas and scrapping ice off your car.

Did you get the willies? Well, make what's left last. There are only a few more good weeks of official summertime left, and though I personally am awaiting the comfortable chill and absence of humidity of autumn, I'm dreading the comming of German-American Festival (Aug. 27 - 29), because that means Toledo's great summertime festivities circuit is officially closed for the year.*

Luckily, you can really pack it in this weekend with five fantastic festivals celebrating a mixture of ethnic heritage, food, art, and more. Here's the haps, the choice is in your lap. Don't do something you'll regret (like lay around doin' nothin' bitchin' about the heat).

Have a great weekend.

* I'm not really dreading it, actually, I'm so freaking excited I can't wait!

Jai Ho! Festival of India 2010
@ Tam-O-Shanter & Hindu Temple of Toledo
Friday, August 13th thru Sunday, August 15th; Fri. 6-10pm, Sat. 2-11pm, Sun., 9am-2:30pm
www.hindutempleoftoledo.org

Admittedly, I don't know much about Indian (as in Asian Indian, not Native American) culture, but over the past few years, I sure have been learning a lot about their crazy delicious food. The first thing I learned, India has the best food on the planet. This weekend, The Hindu Temple of Toledo opens its doors to the public with a festival that is based on both the rich culture and heritage of the Indian people, and their scrumptious delicacies.

The festivities begin on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Temple, followed by a catered dinner from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. ($10 adults, Children under 12, $5). Music and songs follow until 10 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, the party moves to the nearby Tam-O-Shanter parking lot for a day filled with Indian food, deserts, dances, a fashion show, live music, costumes, jewelry, cooking demos, bridal dresses, henna, children's activities, and much more. Three hour-long cultural programs will also be offered at 4, 6, and 8 p.m. Saturday hours are 2 - 11 p.m. On Sunday, the gathering will be held again in the Temple, with a catered lunch at 1:15 p.m. ($7 adults, children under 12, $4). Attendees may combine the price of Friday's Dinner and Sunday's lunch for a discounted price of $12 (adult, regular $17).

Birmingham Ethnic Festival
@ Consaul & Front Street
Sunday, August 15th; Noon-10pm
www.birminghamethnicfestival.org

Get a little taste of the old country this weekend at one of Toledo's longest-running ethnic festivals. Also known as "Hunkie Fest," this day-long treasure takes place in the historically Hungarian neighborhood of Birmingham, home to the world famous Tony Packo's Cafe. On Consul St., you'll find a smorgasbord of delicious eastern-European treats, such as pierogies, brats, cabbage, and traditional desserts. You'll also find lots and lots of beer, entertainment, rides, and good, fun-loving people. It seems most of Toledo is rooted in Hungary, Poland, or Germany, if you're not, then you know someone who is, so come out and celebrate your heritage by getting hammered drunk and full on Sunday.

GlassFest
@ Toledo Museum of Art
Sunday, August 15th; Noon-6pm
www.toledomuseum.org/events/glassfest2010

The Toledo Museum of Art celebrates the Glass City's heritage on the occasion of the Glass Pavilion's anniversary. This family-friendly event features a variety of glass-oriented events and activities throughout the day, including opportunities to create Chihuly-style chandeliers out of recycled materials, making glass magnets, creating mosaic garden art, chances to make a glass flower and to paint a glass tile. The day will also feature live Dixieland Jazz outside under the trees by New Orleans Party Asylum from 1 - 4 p.m., a silent auction, tours of the Pavilion, and glassblowing demonstrations in the hot shop. Snacks will be available from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 members and $25 non-members).

27th Annual Northwest Ohio Rib-Off
@ Lucas County Fairgrounds
Thursday, August 12th thru Sunday, August 15th; Thu. 3-10pm, Fri. 3-11pm, Sat. Noon-11pm
www.nwohioriboff.com/

There's no such thing as too many delicious, slide-off-the-bone, sloppy, sauce-covered ribs. Luckily, in Toledo, we have not one, but two weekend-long homages to the tasty tummies of pigs. At this one, enjoy the usual mouth-watering selection of some of the finest ribs from across the country, as well as corn, corn bread, pulled pork, baked beans, and anything else you can safely cook over an open flame. With just a $5 entry Thursday, and $7 advance/$10 at the door Friday and Saturday, the longest-running rib event in Toledo serves up some big name acts and a steal on live entertainment. Acts include country star Phil Vassar (Thurs.), classic rock god/guitar genius, Peter Frampton (Fri.), and blues-rock's original bad boy, George Thorogood and his Destroyers (Sat.). The Toledo Blade will also be wrapping up their annual Battle of the Bands, so be sure to come out and eat strong, drink strong, and vote strong this weekend. Proceeds benefit Make a Wish Foundation. VIP concert tickets available for $25/$35 advance, and $30/$40 at the door.

Ohio’s South of the Border Festival
@ Perrysburg Heights Community Park
Friday, August 13th & Saturday, August 14th; Fri. 4pm-Midnight, Sat. 2pm-Midnight
www.myspace.com/ohiosouthoftheborder  

This Latino-themed festival celebrates its 15th Annual Fundraising Festival with tons of Latin bands, traditional and contemporary alike, traditional food, dancing, and games, as well as rides, raffles, and kids games. The South of the Border Festival is presented by the Perrysburg Heights Community Association, which has worked to promote and improve pride for residents of the Perrysburg Heights community since 1991. Visit the website for a complete entertainment line-up, free shuttle information, and event contact info. Feliz festivales! Admission is $10 ages 13+, $2 kids 6-12, children free.

River Raisin Jazz Festival / Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair
@ St. Mary's Park / Downtown Monroe
Friday, August 13th & Saturday, August 14th
www.monroeinfo.com
www.monroemainstreet.com

The quaint little town of Monroe, MI (the way-back stomping grounds of yours truly) is admittely a sucky place to grow up, but it is a comforting place to visit. Monroe is small Michigan town with a big, rich history and proud heritage. As the for-a-while hometown of one of the most evil bastards of America's yesteryear, General George Custer, Monroe has some serious historic claim to fame, such as hosting the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812, which lead to the battle cry "Remember the Raisin!" None of that has anything to do with jazz or art, it's just the reason why when you attend this weekend's festivities, you'll find yourself surprised at the rich soul that emanates from the picturesque little down.

Two separate festivals work together to make this weekend pleasant for culture seekers, the Jazz Festival, and the Art Fair. Held at St, Mary's Park on the ever-scenic River Raisin, the Jazz Fest this year features a slew of reputable talent, including Larry Lee & Back in the Day, The Sax Pack, and Alexander Zonjic & Friends with the Motor City Horns and special guest Jessy J (all Friday), as well as Tumbao Bravo, Urban Jazz Coalition, and heavyweights Chuck Loeb and (6 time Grammy winner) David Sanborn (all Saturday). Not too shabby for a rinky-dink little town that nearly killed me in my youth ... culturally, that is. The Art Fair coincides with the musical festivities, and features an abundance of artists and arts and crafts makers. Toledo's own Shine Ceramics will be on hand selling one-of-a-kind pottery (mugs, vases, plates, platters, etc.). Enjoy, and if you see my grandparents, tell them hello for me.

Want More?

Check back to my Lunch Box soon, but put these on your radar in the meantime.

Weekend 8/20 - 8/22:
Swanton Corn Festival
http://www.swantoncornfest.com/

Maumee Summer Fair / Taste of Maumee
http://www.maumeesummerfair.com/

Weekend 8/27 - 8/29:

6th Annual Sunset Jazz & Art Festival
www.grandrapidsohio.com/JazzArtFestival.htm

45th Annual German-American Festival
www.gafsociety.org/fest.htm