Mentor, Ohio, less than 30-minutes from Cleveland is a city with great neighborhoods, an excellent educational system, and tons to do. The northern boundary of Mentor lies along the shore of Lake Erie and offers Ohio’s longest public swimming beach. Also, the city has a vast system of parks, pools, skate parks, nature preserves, ice arenas, and an extensive Bikeway System of walking and biking trails. Because of Mentor’s dedication to its residents, businesses, and visitors, the city was named to the list of the 100 Best Places to Live by Money magazine in 2006 and 2010, and to Smart Money’s Best Places to Retire in Ohio in 2012.
So, whether you’ve settled down in Mentor or you’re just planning a visit, be sure to check out some of these upcoming events!
Chalk Art Contest
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (rain date August 15)
Where: Civic Center Park Bike Path
What: Mentor invites students of the school district to share their artistic talents with the community in this annual art contest. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. and this event is free to all. Each contestant will be given a section of the bike path that is approximately 4’ x 5’ to work on. Prizes will be awarded in four age groups: 5- 7, 8-10, 11-12, and 13-16. Judging and awards follow the completion of the contest. Chalk will be provided, but contestants are allowed to bring special/additional colors. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday, City of Mentor!”
Mentor CityFest presented by Lake Health
When: Friday, August 23, 2013 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park
What: This year’s festival includes a parade, festival food, live music, local exhibitors, local food, a beer & wine garden, dozens of activities, and many new, exciting attractions and activities for everyone. Also, Mentor is hosting a huge concert Saturday night with their featured Chicago-based musical group BritBeat, a Beatles cover band, with fireworks as the finale! And Disco Inferno, a local favorite, is sure to get the crowd dancing on Friday night! The Cincinnati Circus Company will be in attendance as well with its flying trapeze show, stilt walkers, acrobats, flame throwers and more. Those who come to the festival will a chance to swing through the air on a flying trapeze and help pick a winner in our high school Battle of the Bands! See innovative displays from Mentor’s largest manufacturers in our Business Expo tent, ride a trackless train through Civic Center Park, grab friends for a game of indoor laser tag, climb a 20’ rock wall, stop by the arcade tent, and try out more than a dozen reasonably priced community-run games, and a big assortment of giant inflatables. The entire grounds of Civic Center Park will be filled with something for everyone this year!
Mentor CityFest 5-Mile Run / 2-Mile Walk
When: Sunday, August 25, 2013, Registration is from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Where: Veteran’s Park
What: At 8:30 a.m. the 5-Mile Run starts, at 8:45 a.m. – 2-Mile Walk starts. The Mentor Rotary Club hosts this challenging, scenic race along bike paths, trails, and through Veteran’s Park. There are 8 Men’s & Women’s divisions with awards going to the top three overall male and female winners, top three male and female age division winners, and $200 prize for establishing a new 5-mile race course record (current records: male – 24.07/female 27.27).
12th Mentor Cruise-In
When: Sunday, August 25, 2013, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park
What: Mentor invites residents and visitors to enjoy music & refreshments while strolling the grounds and taking a look at the classic vehicles. No pets, alcohol, rollerblades or bicycles. Vehicles may set up beginning at 8 a.m. Vehicle registration begins at 9 a.m. Day of the event questions? Call (440) 255-1100.
Doggie Dip Day
When: Monday, August 26, 2013 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Pool
What: The Civic Center Pool will officially be going to the dogs! Bring your favorite four-legged pal for a dip and enjoy some good family fun! Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, leashed when not in the pool, and owners must be prepared for cleanup duty (extra bags will be available). You are welcome to bring dog toys. The cost is $3 per dog with fees going to dog park improvements.
For a list of all of Mentor’s upcoming events, check out their community calendar here!
