Events abound for Erie MetroParks

Editor's note: Erie MetroParks officials previewed many events being put on by the park district in the coming weeks. HURON TWP. — It is hard to believe that August is already here. We had an excellent six weeks of nature camps and have been very active with the Nature on Wheels education trailer and public programming. We have also been working on the design of the new Erie MetroParks Nature Center and gearing up for the first-ever Osborn Fall Fest in September. There are so many exciting things happening at Erie MetroParks, and we want you to be part of the excitement. Osborn Fall Fest Erie MetroParks is proud to announce the first-annual Osborn Fall Fest. We want to celebrate fall with the community by hosting a festival with vendors, music and activities. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 Here are some of the activities planned: • DJ from Rock & Roll Express • Nature Education with live animals • Back to the Wild birds of prey • Tractor display by the Firelands Pioneer Power Association • Pumpkin painting with Friends of Erie MetroParks • Kids Games such as sack races, hula hoop contests and rope mazes • Petting zoo • Hayrides • Caricatures • Face-painting • Food trucks • Vendors for crafts, art, baked goods, clothing, collectible toys, and more • Prison farm tours • Photo contest display There will also be a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the building of the new Erie MetroParks Nature Center at 11:30 a.m. and an exhibit of entries to the second-annual Erie MetroParks photo contest. This will be a fun event for the whole family. We hope that everyone will mark their calendars and join in the festivities. We can not wait. We are also still taking vendor applications until Aug. 31. To be part of this amazing event, please fill out the application and email it to mknighton@eriemetroparks.org. You can also call mollie at 419-625-7783, ext. 223. You can find the vendor application at eriemetroparks.org/fallfest. Please share with your friends and family. Let's celebrate fall together. August programs There are a lot of free programs happening in August. People can visit eriemetroparks.org to view the programming calendar. New Erie MetroParks Nature Center We are making progress on the new Erie MetroParks Nature Center and will host the groundbreaking ceremony during the Osborn Fall Fest. We could not be more excited to share with you what we have planned. This is going to be huge for Erie County residents. Erie MetroParks is currently raising funds for the construction and are asking for the community's help. If you want to help build the new Erie MetroParks Nature Center, you can donate in several different ways, including via credit card. Please visit eriemetroparks.org/donate for more information. Controlled deer hunt The 2022 controlled deer hunt lottery for Edison Woods MetroPark is now open. People interested in entering the lottery should go to eriemetroparks.org/hunt to download an application and apply or visit the Frost Center at Osborn MetroPark. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1. For more information, call 419-625-7783, ext. 236. Photo contest It's back: We are now taking submissions for the second-annual Erie MetroParks Photo Contest, and we have some amazing prizes for the winners. This contest is for amateur photographers only. All entries must have been taken at one of your Erie MetroParks. There are three categories: landscape, wildlife along with flora and fauna. Only one photo submission per category. There will be a winner from each category and an overall best-of-show winner. The contest runs now until Tuesday, Sept. 20. Email all photos to mhensley@eriemetroparks.org. Include your name, phone number, email address, date and location the photo was taken and the category you are submitting to. If you'd rather drop the photo off, you can turn it in at the Frost Center at Osborn MetroPark. People can visit eriemetroparks.org for more information.