Strongman flexing muscles around city

SANDUSKY — In the days leading up to the Strongman Champions League debut in the U.S. — happening Saturday, Sept. 20 in Sandusky — participants and ambassadors made several stops to city businesses, promoting the event. Stops made included Sandusky City Hall, Small City Taphouse, Mr. Smith's Coffee House, the Sandusky Pedal Co. and the Emporium at West Market Street. With the two-day event kicking off in Toledo on Friday, Sept. 19, the weekend "will bring together the strongest athletes on the planet with entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities and a full lineup of competition and surprises," according to an event statement. The Sandusky portion, a free event, takes place from 1-6 p.m. along Shoreline Drive in downtown Sandusky near Jackson Street Pier. It will showcase "jaw-dropping feats of strength and crowd-favorite challenges, like the truck pull, atlas stones and a few surprises with a unique twist that have yet to be revealed," according to an event statement. Now in its 17th season, the league is known for "blending elite athleticism with iconic locations, cultural storytelling and jaw-dropping challenges," an event statement read. The debut of Strongman Champions League USA is made possible through the support of regional partners, including Shores & Islands Ohio, the Greater Sandusky Partnership, Destination Toledo as well as many other event partners and sponsors. People can learn more by visiting strongmancl.com and/or shoresandislands.com. Shoreline Drive closure Due to the Strongman Champions League event on Saturday, Sept. 20 in downtown Sandusky, city crews need to close Shoreline Drive to all traffic. The closure, spanning Jackson Street Pier and Wayne Street, begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. "Access to Jackson Street Pier will remain open for vehicles approaching from the west on Shoreline Drive," the statement read. "Please plan ahead and use alternate routes when traveling in the downtown area."