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Tag: APP Things to Do

  • Shoot 360 opens data-driven basketball facility in Vero Beach

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    VERO BEACH, Fla. — It’s a nondescript building where basketball players from around the area come to take their game to the next level.

    At Shoot 360 in Vero Beach, athletes of all ages step onto the court to train with a mix of traditional coaching and advanced technology designed to measure every move.

    What You Need To Know

    • Shoot 360 is bringing high-tech basketball training to Vero Beach, using smart sensors and real-time analytics to help players sharpen their skills

    • Coaches combine traditional instruction with video screens and machines that give athletes instant feedback on every pass and shot

    • Students say the technology helps them understand what they’re doing right — and wrong — so they can improve faster

    • Owners say the same technology is used by nearly every NBA team and is now accessible to everyday players on the Treasure Coast

    Coach and General Manager Charlie Miller says the instant feedback is what sets the program apart.

    “You’re going to get immediate, immediate reaction on how or when you pass the ball correctly or incorrectly on the screen,” Miller said.

    Large one-on-one screens guide players through drills, offering face-to-face instruction through video coaching.

    During workouts, Miller can be heard encouraging athletes, saying, “Good job, good job.”

    Miller says the system allows players to track progress over time.

    “You come in here, there are different levels, and you can always measure how much you’ve gotten better in here. So, this technology makes it a little bit different in play,” he said. “This measure has accuracy and precision right here.”

    Vittoril Mangieri, 13, has been playing basketball for nine years and has trained at Shoot 360 for the past two years.

    He says the technology has helped him improve.

    “As you can see here, this helps with your ball handling. And if you’re having a tough time getting better, if you’re having a tough time not knowing what you’re doing wrong. The machines here, the technology will really help you,” Mangieri said.

    Full- and half-court systems track every shot, showing players detailed data on their performance.

    Student Ryan Radocaj says the feedback helps her understand her success.

    “If I’m making them, you know, show me why I’m making them, and they’re all in the green. That’s a good shot,” she said.

    Owner Arthur Andrews says the technology matches what professionals use at the highest levels of basketball.

    “28 or 29 of the NBA teams use the exact same shooting technology. And so, these are billions of shots that have been loaded in, data analyzed,” Andrews said.

    Shoot 360 now has 60 locations across the country, including its Vero Beach facility.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Tampa Bay History Center explores 14,000 years of Florida history

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay History Center tells the stories of our area, starting with the first settlers.


    The history center teaches about the arrival of Europeans, North Africans and more Native Americans.

    “And what happens with Spanish Florida, English Florida and then eventually American Florida,” said Rodney Kite-Powell, Director of the Touchton Map Library.

    The native Seminole people survived multiple wars and removal efforts. They call themselves “The Unconquered.”

    The Tampa cigar industry brought new immigrants — Cubans, Spaniards, Afro-Cubans and Sicilians.

    “At its peak in the 1920s, it was about 500,000,000 cigars produced every year, all by hand,” said Kite-Powell.

    The next museum level offers a new historical timeline: war stories. Five-hundred years of Black history and a look at the pioneer life of Florida Crackers.

    At the Treasure Seekers gallery, young learners find out how explorers and pirates got here.

    Spoiler alert — it’s math.

    There’s recovered treasure, but all that glitters is not gold.

    They also have a rare map on display of St. Augustine in 1588.

    “The earliest view of any city in today’s United States,” said Kite-Powell.

    It’s courtesy of the center’s Touchton Map Library and includes a 1511 map showing the tip of South Florida, two years before Ponce de Leon arrived to explore Florida.

    They also have a 1524 map of Florida, the first time Florida is called “La Florida.”

    Together, these artifacts tell the story of the Sunshine State’s 14,000-year history.

    “But also how tied in the broader story of American History Florida really is,” said Kite-Powell.

    Florida history — our history — is American history.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • View wild birds at Marine Science Center’s expanded aviary in Ponce Inlet

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    PONCE INLET, Fla. — Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Marine Science Center, where birds native to Florida find a home to share their stories with visitors. 

    The expanded aviary allows guests to see seabirds up close, including pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds recovering from injury or illness, or those that can no longer go into the wild.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet has expanded its aviary and added a new education center
    • The aviary is home to birds recovering from injury or illness and those that can no longer survive in the wild
    • Visitors get rare, up-close encounters with pelicans, gulls, owls, and other Florida wildlife
    • The center has helped tens of thousands of animals while educating the public about conservation
    • MAP: View more Florida on a Tankful locations


    Nearly every day, education manager Shell Rossi introduces wildlife to guests, turning each visit into a hands-on learning experience.

    “Look what he’s doing with his head,” Rossi said during a presentation. “What’s he doing? Oh, look at that.”

    She encourages engagement, explaining animal behavior in real time.

    “He’s going to grab his food with his claws, and he’s going to squeeze it,” she said. “Everybody, give me your best squeeze.”

    Rossi said the Marine Science Center’s number of rescues speaks for itself.

    “Because we’ve helped 19,000 birds since opening, and 28,000 reptiles,” she said.

    While rehabilitation and release is always the goal, Rossi said some animals can’t return to the wild and instead become ambassadors for education.

    One of them is Bubba the owl.

    Pelicans are among the most common patients at the center’s animal hospital.

    “We get a lot of pelicans that come in — 90% have fishing line injuries,” Rossi said, highlighting the impact humans can have on wildlife.

    The Marine Science Center is more than just a bird sanctuary.

    Inside the new education center, visitors can meet snakes and gopher tortoises, study animals under a microscope, and attend a variety of presentations throughout the day.

    “Try and do animal presentations during the day,” Rossi said. “So, people could spend half an hour or three hours here.”

    Among her favorite moments is feeding the seahorses, and Rossi hopes visitors leave with a deeper connection to wildlife.

    “I hope that people would walk away with a newfound love of an animal that they have never seen before, and never been able to touch before, and then want to continue learning about it and wanting to help it,” she said.

    The Marine Science Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

    Admission is $8 for anyone older than 13, $5 for kids aged 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Treasure Island Kite Festival returns after 2024 storms

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The annual Treasure Island Kite Festival will return to the beach on Friday for the first time since a pair of hurricanes devastated the area in 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 29th annual Treasure Island Kite Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday

    • The event was canceled last year as the area recovered from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • The public can expect to see hundreds, maybe even thousands of colorful kites flying

    • The family friendly event is free to attend


    “It feels fantastic,” said organizer Torrey Lindemann. “Kite flying is all about community and bringing people together and having fun.”

    The organizer said the public can expect to see hundreds, maybe even thousands of colorful kites flying over the beach at the same time. Lindemann said he has 30 years of experience and enjoys flying a sports kite.

    “There’s also going to be a lot of giant inflatable kites,” he said. “We’ve got a kite flying team from Texas that just rolled in, and they have a 90-foot octopus.”

    The massive sea creature kites will be lit up with LED lights for the night fly on Friday and Saturday. The return of the kite festival is another sign that much of the area has recovered from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    The iconic Thunderbird Beach Hotel, which was the lead sponsor of the event, has been temporarily closed since being flooded by Helene. Instead, the Bilmar Beach Resort next door has taken over the sponsorship.

    “We’re so glad that we’re able to do that,” said Clyde Smith, Bilmar general manager. “We’re happy to pick up the ball and run with them.”

    Smith said dozens of rooms have been booked for the festival, which will be the first big event of the year in Treasure Island.

    “It’s definitely the best weekend in a little while,” he said. “It was a little soft this holiday period.” 

    Lindemann said players from all over the country have been arriving for the festival. The pro flyers will participate in stunt shows, battle in competitions and choreographed ballets set to music.

    “There’s over 10,000 people who said that they are interested in coming,” he said. “So we hope that that we get a lot of people to show up and help boost the economy here and get to learn about kite flying because it’s so much fun.”

    The 29th annual Treasure Island Kite Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday. The family-friendly event is free to attend, and the public can bring their own kites to fly.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • 2026 events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day around Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM ET Jan. 14, 2026
    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM EST Jan. 14, 2026

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Cleveland Museum of Natural History makes USA Today top 5 list

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    CLEVELAND — While it may not be brand new, visitors thought the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s $150 million renovation made it feel like new, according to USA Today Readers Choice awards.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was voted No. 4 on the list

    • “The Cleveland Museum of Natural History now tells Earth’s story through a visitor-centered lens,” USA Today said 

    • For more details, click here

    These museums were nominated by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best new or newly transformed venues on the scene, representing the top openings of the past two years. 

    The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was voted No. 4 on the list for its renovation and expansion. 

    “The Cleveland Museum of Natural History now tells Earth’s story through a visitor-centered lens,” USA Today said in its rankings. “The reimagined galleries place you inside prehistoric Ohio, where you can handle real fossils and gape at ‘Happy,’ the 72-foot-long Haplocanthosaurus, in a setting that matches the gentle giant’s magnitude.”

    The full list of museums includes:

    1. National Medal of Honor Museum: Arlington, Texas
    2. Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University: Mantua, New Jersey
    3. National Public Housing Museum: Chicago, Illinois
    4. Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Cleveland, Ohio
    5. Museum of Art + Light: Manhattan, Kansas
    6. Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream: Washington D.C.
    7. The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium: Paterson, New Jersey
    8. Door County Granary: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
    9. The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College: Lakeland, Florida
    10. Museum of BBQ: Kansas City, Missouri

    For more details, click here.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Live venom extractions at Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand

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    DELAND, Fla. — A DeLand operation is quietly doing life-saving work one venomous bite at a time.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Reptile Discovery Center and Medtoxin Venom Laboratory in DeLand houses some of the most dangerous snakes on Earth, extracting venom used for antivenom, pharmaceuticals, and global research
    • Director Carl Barden says venom from “about 25 or 30 different species” is processed and shipped worldwide, turning deadly toxins into lifesaving treatments
    • The work comes with real risk—Barden has survived 11 snakebites, including a cobra bite that nearly killed him—but he says the danger is comparable to other high-risk jobs
    • The center is also open to the public, offering live venom extractions, educational exhibits, and up-close views of snakes responsible for bite problems around the world


    The Reptile Discovery Center and Medtoxin Laboratory is home to some of the most dangerous snakes on the planet, where venom is carefully extracted, studied, and transformed into life-saving treatments around the world.

    When you visit this laboratory, it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance.

    Here, some of the world’s most deadly snakes are laid out, and venom is methodically extracted from one dangerous snake at a time.

    “Venoms are produced here from about 25 or 30 different species, and they are processed and shipped all around the world,” said Carl Barden, director of Medtoxin Laboratories at the Reptile Discovery Center.

    Barden and his wife, Mara Barden, work as a team, safely guiding the reptiles to naturally bite down so venom can be collected.

    “We’re passionate about the work that we do here. It has a real-world impact—antivenom and a lifesaving drug,” Carl Barden said.

    That venom is used for antivenoms, pharmaceuticals, and research, with refrigerators full of compounds ready to be shipped.

    “This is the antivenom refrigerator,” Carl Barden said. “And this is where we store snakebite serums — antivenom from all over the world.”

    Some of that serum is kept solely in case Barden himself is bitten, and antivenom he would take with him to a nearby hospital to save his life, and it’s happened before.

    “I’ve had 11 snakebites in the last 35 years of collecting snake venom,” he said. “One of those was a cobra bite. That particular bite almost killed me, put me on a ventilator for 14 hours.”

    Despite the danger, Carl Barden believes the risk is no different from other professions.

    “If you look at the deaths from snake bites and snake handlers, the numbers are actually fairly low,” he said.

    Medtoxin is more than just a snake lab.

    Visitors are welcome to learn about reptiles and their role around the world, watch venom extractions from a front-row seat, and explore an outdoor walking trail home to various creatures.

    “So, things like king cobras and black mambas, kaboom vipers, puff adders,” Carl Barden said. “All of those snakes are on display at the Discovery Center, so people can come and see animals that are responsible for snake bite problems around the world.”

    Snakebites are a fascinating paradox: Snake venom, while deadly, holds the key to its own lifesaving treatments.

    The Reptile Discovery Center is open to the public Thursday through Sunday.

    Admission is $13.50 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 4 to 17, and free for children 3 and under.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Bruno Mars to tour in Ohio this spring

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    OHIO — Bruno Mars slides into the Buckeye State this spring as he launches his first global tour in nearly a decade.

    What You Need To Know

    • “The Romantic Tour” will follow the launch of Mars’ fourth solo album, “The Romantic” which debuts on Feb. 27

    • Mars will be joined by Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee as a special guest, along with Leon Thomas, Raye and Victoria Monet

    • Tickets start being available on Jan. 14 with artist presale, while general sales start at noon on Jan. 15 

    “The Romantic Tour” will follow the launch of Mars’ fourth solo album, “The Romantic,” which debuts on Feb. 27. The tour marks Mars’ first global stadium outing.

    Mars will be joined by Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee as a special guest, along with Leon Thomas, Raye and Victoria Monet on select shows. 

    Tickets start being available on Jan. 14 with artist presale, while general sales start at noon on Jan. 15 at BrunoMars.com.

    The 2026 tour will span nearly 40 shows across North America, Europe and the UK, starting April 10 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

    On May 20, Mars will perform at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio show will also feature Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee and Leon Thomas. 

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Great Parks announces Community Days which require no motor vehicle permit

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    CINCINNATI — Great Parks visitors is expanding access by not requiring Motor Vehicle Permits on select Community Days throughout 2026. 

    What You Need To Know

    • These days only apply to motor vehicles, as admission to Great Parks is always free for anyone entering the park without a motor vehicle

    • Great Parks said the fees for Motor Vehicle Permits go toward safety and conservation efforts in Great Parks and cost $10 for Hamilton County residents and $16 for non-residents

    • Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Pernbank Park do not require permits

    These days only apply to motor vehicles, as admission to Great Parks is always free for walkers, joggers, bikers and anyone entering the park without a motor vehicle. 

    Permits will not need to be displayed on the following Community Days:

    • Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Feb. 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
    • April 22 – Earth Day
    • May 16 – Kids to Parks Day
    • June 6 – National Trails Day
    • June 19 – Juneteenth
    • July 17 – Great Parks’ Birthday
    • Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day
    • Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
    • Nov. 27 – Opt Outside Day

    Great Parks said the fees for Motor Vehicle Permits go toward safety and conservation efforts in Great Parks and cost $10 for Hamilton County residents and $16 for non-residents. Permits can be purchased by clicking here or at a Great Parks location.

    Permits can also be made available to certain visitors, such as active military and some armed forces veterans, participants in the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s Discovery Pass program, and Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card). Students at a Hamilton County college or university can also receive a discount.

    Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Pernbank Park do not require permits.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Weekend Pass: Events around the state Jan. 3-4

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    There’s always plenty to do in Ohio over the weekend, and Spectrum News 1 gathered some highlights around each major metropolitan area across the state.

    Here’s some of this weekend’s events:

    Cleveland

    Cleveland Home Show

    • When and where: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, located at  300 Lakeside Ave.
    • Cost: Free admission with online registration or $10 at the door
    • Info: This is the place to go for everything home improvement. Whether it’s discounts, advice from experts and more, there’s plenty to see

    50 First Jokes

    • When and where: 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, located at 2035 E 4th St. in Cleveland
    • Cost: $12
    • Info: Local comedians will gather at this event to tell their first jokes of the new year

    Columbus

    Healthy New Albany Farmers Market

    • When and where: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, located at 150 W. Main St.
    • Info: This event occurs on the first Saturday of the month during the fall and winter and includes an assortment of local vendors

    Holiday Blooms at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    • When and where: This exhibition lasts until Jan. 4, so this is your last weekend to check it out at the conservatory and botanical gardens, located at 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus
    • Cost: Included with admission
    • Info: The theme of this exhibition is Hues of the Holidays. The website calls it an “enchanting botanical experience is where color takes center stage.”

    Cincinnati

    Disney & Pixar’s “Toy Story” in concert

    • When and where: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 and 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra music hall, located at 1241 Elm St. in Cincinnati
    • Cost: Prices vary, see website for details
    • Info: This concert, conducted by Damon Gupton, will be a live performance that accompanies the playing of the film

    Festival of Ferns

    • When and where: This seasonal event lasts through Jan. 4 Cincinnati Parks’ Krohn Conservatory, located at 1501 Eden Park Drive
    • Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for kids age 5-17, free for kids 5 and younger
    • Info: This event includes a “botanical model of Cincinnati,” trains, landmarks and more. This is your last weekend to check out the event as it ends Jan. 4

    Dayton

    Pyramid Hill Lights

    • When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 4
    • Cost: $25 for a carload of non-members, $15 for a carload of members
    • Info: There’s plenty of holiday lights for the family to drive through

    Deck the Diamond

    • When and where: Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on select nights (including this Friday and Saturday) until Jan. 3 at Day Air Ballpark, located at 220 N Patterson Blvd. in Dayton
    • Cost: $14 for Friday through Sunday tickets, free for kids 2 and younger
    • Info: This event features light displays and shows, decorations and more “to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones!”

    Toledo

    Archery and Fireside S’mores

    • When and where: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at t Pearson Metropark, Sledding Hill, located at 761 S Lallendorf Road
    • Cost: $10
    • Info: If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to practice your archery and enjoy some s’mores at the same time, this event is surely for you

    Toledo Paint and Sip Party – Snow Globe

    • When and where: 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 3 at Wine & Canvas Toledo Studio, located at 5248 Monroe St. in Toledo
    • Cost: $40
    • Info: At this event, you’ll have the chance to have some drinks and create your own canvas, with guidance from a local artist

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • U.S. Air Force Band of Flight tickets remain available this week

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    DAYTON, Ohio — “Sounds of the Season” will fill the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force this year, with two free holiday concert performances this week. 

    Performed by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, tickets remain available for concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Wednesday, Dec. 17. Doors will open at 6 p.m. both nights at Center Stage in Building 2 of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and concerts begin at 7 p.m.

    Admission to the concerts is free; however, tickets are required and are still available for both performances. Reservations can be made by clicking here; seating is general admission.

    The shows feature a selection of seasonal favorites, and there will be a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. 

    Photographs with Santa will be available for an additional fee through Photogenics. 

    Visitors can also enjoy Holidays in the Hangars, a seasonal display of decorated trees found within the museum’s galleries. They will be on display through Dec. 31.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Ohio releases 2026 state fair schedules

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    OHIO — While the snow is falling, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is already laying out plans for next summer, including the official dates of the 2026 fair season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The schedule includes Ohio’s 94 county fairs, independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair

    • ODA said the season kicks off on June 6 and runs throughout the summer until Oct. 17

    • ODA helps assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitors livestock shows to assure honest competition and coordinates animal health efforts with local veterinarians

    The schedule includes Ohio’s 94 county fairs, independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair. 

    ODA said the season kicks off on June 6 and runs throughout the summer until Oct. 17. 

    “Ohio’s county and independent fairs are an important part of Ohio’s agricultural heritage and play a critical role in supporting youth leadership programs, like 4H and FFA,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “When people attend the fair, they are supporting their local community, the agriculture industry, and our next generation of responsible food producers.” 

    Beyond setting and approving dates for the fairs, ODA helps assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitors livestock shows to assure honest competition and coordinates animal health efforts with local veterinarians.

    Week of May 31

    • Paulding County Fair (Paulding): June 6-June 13

    Week of June 14

    • Pickaway County Fair (Circleville) June 20-June 27

    Week of June 21

    • Harrison County Fair (Cadiz) June 22-June 27
    • Putnam County Fair (Ottawa) June 22-June 27
    • Hamilton County Fair (Carthage) June 25-June 28
    • Marion County Fair (Marion) June 28-July 4
    • Clinton County Fair (Wilmington) July 11-July 18
    • Madison County Fair (London) July 11-July 18

    Week of July 12

    • Adams County Fair (West Union) July 12-July 18
    • Logan County Fair (Bellefontaine) July 12-July 18
    • Lawrence County Fair (Proctorville) July 13-July 18
    • Lucas County Fair (Maumee) July 13-July 19
    • Montgomery County Fair (Dayton) July 14-July 19
    • Trumbull County Fair (Cortland) July 14-July 19
    • Jackson County Fair (Wellston) July 17-July 25

     

    Week of July 19

    • Ottawa County Fair (Oak Harbor) July 19-July 26
    • Crawford County Fair (Bucyrus) July 20-July 25
    • Fayette County Fair (Washington C.H.) July 20-July 25
    • Perry County Fair (New Lexington) July 20-July 25
    • Warren County Fair (Lebanon) July 20-July 25
    • Franklin County Fair (Hilliard) July 20-July 26
    • Carroll County Fair (Carrollton) July 21-July 26
    • Clark County Fair (Springfield) July 24-July 31
    • Pike County Fair (Piketon) July 24-Aug. 1
    • Knox County Fair (Mt. Vernon) July 25-Aug. 1

     

    Week of July 26

    • Butler County Fair (Hamilton) July 26-Aug. 1
    • Shelby County Fair (Sidney) July 26-Aug. 1
    • Union County Fair (Marysville) July 26-Aug. 1
    • Seneca County Fair (Tiffin) July 26-Aug. 2
    • Clermont County Fair (Owensville) July 27-Aug. 1
    • Vinton County Fair (McArthur) July 27-Aug. 1
    • Lake County Fair (Painesville) July 28-Aug. 2
    • Summit County Fair (Tallmadge) July 28-Aug. 2
    • Ohio State Fair (Columbus) July 29-Aug. 9
    • Preble County Fair (Eaton) Aug. 1-Aug. 8

     

    Week of Aug. 2

    • Auglaize County Fair (Wapakoneta) Aug. 2-Aug. 8
    • Greene County Fair (Xenia)* Aug. 2-Aug. 8
    • Wood County Fair (Bowling Green) Aug. 2-Aug. 9
    • Gallia County Fair (Gallipolis) Aug.3-Aug. 8
    • Scioto County Fair ( Lucasville) Aug. 3-Aug. 8
    • Columbiana County Fair (Lisbon) Aug. 3-Aug. 9
    • Medina County Fair (Medina) Aug. 3-Aug. 9
    • Champaign County Fair (Urbana) Aug. 7-Aug. 14
    • Athens County Fair (Athens) Aug. 7-Aug. 15

    Week of Aug. 9

    • Hartford Independent Fair (Licking Co.) Aug. 9-Aug. 15
    • Richland County Fair* Aug. 9-Aug. 15
    • Ross County Fair (Chillicothe) Aug. 9-Aug. 15
    • Holmes County Fair (Millersburg) Aug. 10-Aug. 15
    • Erie County Fair (Sandusky) Aug. 10-Aug. 16
    • Attica Independent Fair (Seneca Co.) Aug. 11-Aug. 15
    • Ashtabula County Fair (Jefferson) Aug. 11-Aug. 16
    • Cuyahoga County Fair (Berea) Aug. 11-Aug. 16
    • Mercer County Fair (Celina) Aug. 13-Aug.19
    • Henry County Fair (Napoleon) Aug. 13-Aug. 20
    • Miami County Fair (Troy) Aug. 14-Aug. 20

     

    Week of Aug. 16

    • Huron County Fair (Norwalk) Aug. 16-Aug. 22
    • Muskingum County Fair (Zanesville) Aug. 16-Aug. 22
    • Meigs County Fair (Pomeroy) Aug.17-August 22
    • Jefferson County Fair (Smithfield) Aug. 17-Aug. 23
    • Allen County Fair (Lima) Aug. 21-Aug. 29
    • Darke County Fair (Greenville) Aug. 21-Aug. 29
    • Defiance County Fair (Hicksville) Aug. 22-Aug. 29

     

    Week of Aug. 23

    • Lorain County Fair (Wellington) Aug. 23-Aug. 30
    • Monroe County Fair (Woodsfield) Aug. 24-Aug. 29
    • Sandusky County Fair (Fremont) Aug. 24-Aug. 30
    • Portage County Fair (Randolph) Aug. 25-Aug. 30

     

    Week of Aug. 30

    • Noble County Fair (Caldwell) Aug. 31-Sept. 5
    • Morrow County Fair (Mt. Gilead) Aug. 31-Sept. 7
    • Hancock County Fair (Findlay) Sept. 1-Sept. 7
    • Richwood Independent Fair (Union Co.) Sept. 1-Sept. 7
    • Stark County Fair (Canton) Sept. 1-Sept. 7
    • Van Wert County Fair (Van Wert) Sept. 1-Sept. 7
    • Mahoning County Fair (Canfield) Sept. 2-Sept. 7
    • Geauga County Fair (Burton) Sept. 3-Sept. 7
    • Fulton County Fair (Wauseon) Sept. 4-Sept. 10
    • Washington County Fair (Marietta) Sept. 5-Sept. 8

     

    Week of Sept. 6

    • Highland County Fair (Hillsboro) Sept.6-Sept.12
    • Belmont County Fair (St. Clairsville) Sept. 7-Sept. 13
    • Morgan County Fair (McConnelsville) Sept. 8-Sept. 12
    • Hardin County Fair (Kenton) Sept. 8-Sept. 13
    • Wayne County Fair (Wooster) Sept. 12-Sept. 17
    • Williams County Fair (Montpelier) Sept. 12-Sept. 19

     

    Week of Sept. 13

    • Guernsey County Fair (Old Washington) Sept. 14-Sept. 19
    • Hocking County Fair (Logan) Sept. 14-Sept. 19
    • Wyandot County Fair (Upper Sandusky) Sept. 14-Sept. 19
    • Bellville Independent Fair (Richland Co.) Sept. 16-Sept. 19
    • Delaware County Fair (Delaware) Sept. 19-Sept. 26

     

    Week of Sept. 20

    • Ashland County Fair (Ashland) Sept. 20-Sept. 26
    • Tuscarawas County Fair (Dover) Sept. 21-Sept. 27
    • Albany Independent Fair (Athens Co.) Sept. 23-Sept. 27

     

    Week of Sept. 27

    • Brown County Fair (Georgetown) Sept. 28-Oct. 3
    • Barlow Independent Fair (Washington Co.) Sept. 30-Oct. 4
    • Coshocton County Fair (Coshocton) Oct 2-Oct. 8

     

    Week of Oct. 4

    • Loudonville Independent Fair (Ashland Co.) Oct 6-Oct 10
    • Fairfield County Fair (Lancaster) Oct. 11-Oct. 17

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild illuminates the season

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    TAMPA, Fla. — More than one million twinkling lights set the stage for ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild, on select dates in December.

    What You Need To Know

    • ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild includes over a million lights

    • Enjoy an “hymn-prov” show, stilt angel dancing, and cookies with Mrs. Clause

    • Proceeds support ZooTampa’s wildlife protection mission

    • Admission is $29.95, starting after 4 p.m. on select December dates


    Among the activities for the evening event, there is an “hymn-prov” show, with funny takes on favorite Christmas carols especially created for children and families.

    There is dancing with stilt angels, cookies with Mrs. Clause and visiting with Santa.

    Proceeds from every purchase go towards ZooTampa and their mission to protect and preserve wildlife.

    Admission to Christmas in the Wild is $29.95 and takes place after 4 p.m. on select dates.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • BalletMet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ returning to Columbus in December

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” will soon return to the Ohio Theatre with 22 performances. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The production will run from Dec. 11 to Dec. 28

    • The shows will feature nearly 300 costumes, 300 pounds of fake snow and 200 dancers

    • Tickets can be purchased online, at the CAPA ticket center or by calling (614) 229-4848

    The production will run from Dec. 11 to Dec. 28, and it will have two “My First Nutcracker” sensory friendly interactions, and it will feature more than 180 Academy students and trainees.

    “Since 1978, BalletMet’s The Nutcracker has been one of Columbus’s most beloved holiday traditions, and it is a joy for all of us at BalletMet to see it return,” said BalletMet’s Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer. “While the ballet will remain what Central Ohio knows and loves, we have a few surprises in store, making the overall Nutcracker experience even more exciting.”

    The shows will feature nearly 300 costumes, 300 pounds of fake snow and 200 dancers. 

    “Guided by Tchaikovsky‘s iconic score and Gerard Charles’s choreography, the two will weave together fantasy, adventure, and the spirit of the holiday season as the ballet follows Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and their unforgettable journey,” a press release states.

    Here are the dates and times you can see “The Nutcracker:”

    • Dec. 11 – 7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 12 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 13 – noon and 5:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 14 – noon and 5:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 16 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 17 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 18 – 7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 19 –7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 20 – noon and 7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 21 – noon and 5:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 23 – 11 a.m. (My First Nutcracker/sensory-friendly environment) and 7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 24 – noon
    • Dec. 26 – 11 a.m. (My First Nutcracker/sensory-friendly environment) and 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 27 – noon and 7:30 p.m. 
    • Dec. 28 – noon

    Additionally, the BalletMet has the Pay What You Want program, which allows people to see performances at the price they choose. The program is being offered for performances on these days and times: 

    • Dec. 26 – 11 a.m. (My First Nutcracker/sensory-friendly environment) and 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 27 – noon and 7:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 28 – noon

    Tickets can be purchased online, at the CAPA ticket center or by calling (614) 229-4848. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • New movie ‘Lost & Found in Cleveland’ paints ode to Ohioans

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    CLEVELAND — Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman’s new film “Lost & Found in Cleveland” is an ode to the city told by weaving the story of five residents together through the objects they bring to a fictional TV show.

    “I grew up watching Antique Roadshows with my dad. I just fell in love with the people on the show,” Guterman said, explaining she always wanted to make a movie centering on Antiques Roadshow. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The movie”Lost & Found in Cleveland” is in theaters nationwide November 7th
    • Filmakers Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak raised funding for the movie independently
    • The movie proudly features Cleveland, shooting in locations like Playhouse Square, the Hope Memorial Bridge and the West Side Market

    “They’re coming with these objects that they’ve collected that have been passed down to them that take on special meaning, and our own identities get wrapped up in these special objects that come into our lives,” Gerchak said. 

    Gerchak grew up in Cleveland, Guterman in LA, but now they both live in the movie’s titular city. 

    “Cleveland is the protagonist of the film, and we really celebrate it,” Guterman said. 

    They filmed scenes at iconic Cleveland locations.

    “We had 20 locations in 20 days,” Gerchak said, filming at places like Playhouse Square, University Circle and The Hope Memorial Bridge. 

    They shot at the historic West Side Market with actor Dennis Haysbert, who made his movie debut in another Cleveland classic picture, “Major League.”

    “In the first shot we’re inside there, and getting him standing here, with the ‘Go Tribe’,” Gerchak said, motioning to the Dionne’s Meats Booth the film used as a location at the market. The booth had a ‘Go Tribe’ sticker, a reference to the Cleveland Indians baseball team that was featured in the movie ‘Major League.’

    The movie features Clevelanders as extras, like Sam, an employee at the West Side Market. 

    “Taking this concept of what people think Cleveland is and showing you, it can feel different, it can be beautiful,” Guterman said. 

    Set during the holidays, the movie cast big names like June Squibb, Jon Lovitz and Martin Sheen. 

    “I think it is the perfect marriage of material and setting. There’s a Midwestern optimism, there’s an earnestness, an authenticity,” Gerchak said. 

    Directed, written and produced by Gerchak and Guterman, the film is a labor of love they worked on for over a decade, raising funds independently. 

    “We had a book club in Cleveland that invested in the film,” Guterman said. 

    Finally realizing their vision and getting to bring it to the big screen. 

    “People have an underestimation of the film and I think they also have an underestimation of Cleveland, and the Cleveland’s of the country, and I think that they’re gonna be in for a surprise when they come and see the film,” Gerchak said. 

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • Cincinnati Museum Center to offer free admission for veterans

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    CINCINNATI — In honor of Veterans Day, the Cincinnati Museum Center is offering free admission to veterans, active and former military for a limited time starting next week. 

    From Nov. 9 to Nov. 16, military members can enter any of the center’s three museums for free, and family members can receive a $1 discount. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

    Alongside CMC, joining in the discount, is the Nancy & David Holocaust & Humanity Center located in Union Terminal. 

    CMC is also offering $3 off admission for veterans and active military to the “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away” exhibition with the code “VETS” online. 

    The free admission does not apply OMNIMAX tickets.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Tour some spooky Halloween Homes around Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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    The Halloween season is here, and lots of homes are decked out with all sorts of spine-chilling decorations.

    Spectrum News got the chance to check out some of the best and scariest in Central Florida and around Tampa Bay.

    🔼 Check out the creepy compliation above! 

    And we’d love to see your home, too! Just fill out a form for Central Florida or Tampa Bay.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • St. Petersburg unveils walkable artwork in Sunset Park

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg unveiled a 175 foot long walkable mosaic aimed at drawing visitors to Sunset Park on Wednesday, which depicts the sunrise over Tampa Bay in the east and ends with a sunset on the Gulf beaches in the west.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Sunshine City Mosaic was unveiled on Wednesday in Sunset Park in St. Petersburg 

    • The artwork is made up of 15,000 pieces of porcelain tile and glass, which creates nine vignettes of Florida’s wildlife

    • It took three local and emerging artists two and a half years to complete the project  

    • The 175 foot long walkable mosaic aimed at drawing visitors to Sunset Park


    “The goal when we originally started was to make kind of an iconic piece for the city,” said artist Alex Kaufman. “Something that everyone would take pride in.”

    Kaufman, along with artists Laura “Miss Crit” Spencer and George Retkes, were commissioned by the city in 2023 to create the Sunshine City Mosaic for $50,000. The artwork is made up of 15,000 pieces of porcelain tile and glass, which creates nine vignettes of Florida’s wildlife.

    “The Sunshine City Mosaic is not just a public art installation, it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and natural beauty,” said Mayor Kenneth Welch. “It’s exciting to see such an ambitious project come to life, connecting our vibrant artistic culture with the stunning landscapes of our parks on the west side.”  

    Spencer called the two-and-a-half-year project, which endured some public delays, a “remembrance piece” and was still processing its completion.

    “When you’ve worked on a project for as long as this one, it becomes like a sibling or a family member,” she said. “I’m still going to be sneaking out here once a week to sweep her off and make sure she’s doing okay.”

    The artists were hoping it was going to be longest mosaic in Florida, but the Science Center has a mosaic that is 275 feet long which the city believes holds the record. Retkes said before the unveiling that the Sunshine City Mosaic had been getting a lot of buzz in the Old Pasadena neighborhood.

    “They’ve already expressed some gratitude for seeing a new piece and getting to walk through the park to enjoy it,” he said. “(It) should hopefully attract some more people over to the side of town.”

    Kaufman said the city got a great deal on the project, and he was grateful they were chosen through a program for emerging artists.

    “They took a chance on us, and we gave them something really special in return. So it’s beneficial to both parties,” he said. “This is an amazing deal for the city, but it’s also our hometown. So, it’s also our business card too.”

    The Sunshine City Mosaic joins the more than 90 pieces that make up St. Pete’s public art collection.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources unveils America 250 celebrations

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    OHIO — America is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year, and across the country celebrations are being planned for the nation. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has shared its schedule of events

    • The department has planned more than 50 events throughout the year

    • The first event begins in January

    Within Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has shared its schedule of events to commemorate the anniversary.

    “ODNR is absolutely thrilled to be hosting a variety of events across our state to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We invite visitors to join us on hikes, history tours, open houses, and so much more that will immerse people in nature while celebrating America’s history.”

    The department has planned more than 50 events throughout the year open to the public. 

    Events kick off at the start of 2026 and include: 

    “Jan. 2026:

    • Annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills State Park: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

    Feb. 2026

    • Annual Winter Hike at Clifton Gorge State Park: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026

    March 2026

    • Scavenger Hunt at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, March 7, 2026
    • Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve Wildflower Ramble: Saturday, March 21, 2026
    • St. Marys State Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, March 28, 2026

    April 2026

    • Steve Newman Audio Trail Opening at East Fork State Park: Wednesday, April 1,2026
    • Hebron State Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, April 4, 2026
    • Senecaville State Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, April 4, 2026
    • Castalia State Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, April 4, 2026
    • Floating Through History with the Goodyear Blimp at Wingfoot State Park: Saturday, April 4, 2026
    • America 250 Legacy Tree Celebration at Johnson Woods: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
    • Kincaid Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • America 250 Cemetery Tour at Salt Fork State Park: Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • London State Fish Hatchery Open House: Saturday, April 25, 2026
    • Lock Fest at Lake White: Saturday, April 25, 2026
    • America 250 Lighthouses of Lake Erie: Saturday, April 25, 2026
    • 250,000th Girl Scout Tree Planting: Saturday, April 25, 2026

    May 2026

    • Heart of it All Jamboree at Salt Fork State Park: Friday, May 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026 (Registration required)
    • Bird Ohio Day at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area: Friday, May 8, 2026 (Tentative date)
    • America 250 Arts at A.W. Marion State Park: Saturday, May 9, 2026
    • Birdwatching on the Lake at Buck Creek State Park: Saturday, May 23, 2026

    June 2026

    • Maumee Bay State Park BioBlitz: Monday, June 1, 2026
    • Great Council State Park Heritage Celebration: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Indian Lake State Park BioBlitz: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Furnace to Forest Hike at Lake Hope State Park: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Van Buren State Park BioBlitz: Thursday, June 11, 2026
    • Cranberry Bog Biennial Open House: Friday, June 12, 2026
    • Ohio Geology Discovery Day at Horace R. Collins Laboratory at Alum Creek State Park: Saturday, June 13, 2026
    • Freedom in Nature: Wildlife & Heritage Walk at Alum Creek State Park: Saturday, June 13, 2026
    • America 250 Kayak Cruisin’ at Madison Lake State Park: Sunday, June 14, 2026
    • America 250 Legacy Tree Celebration at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum: Thursday, June 18,2026
    • Movie at the Beach at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, June 20, 2026
    • Naturalist-Led BioBlitz Bonanza at Alum Creek State Park: Saturday, June 20, 2026
    • Appalachian Music Festival at Pike Lake State Park: Saturday, June 20, 2026

    July 2026

    • A Patriotic Fourth at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park: Saturday, July 4, 2026
    • 4th of July Fireworks at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, July 4, 2026
    • Maples & Manuscripts at Dillon State Park: Thursday, July 9, 2026
    • Learning Adventures: Based on the Book at Dillon State Park: Saturday, July 11, 2026
    • Food Truck Picnic at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, July 11, 2026
    • America 250 Deer Creek Beach Bash: Sunday, July 12, 2026

    Aug. 2026

    • Meteor Shower Campout at Caesar Creek State Park: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
    • A Walk Through History at Independence Dam State Park: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

    Sept. 2026

    • America 250 Legacy Tree Celebration at Goll Woods State Nature Preserve: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
    • Pickleball Tournament at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
    • America 250 Historical Firearms Demonstration and Education Open House at Delaware Shooting Range: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
    • Dr. E. Lucy Braun Lookout Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Shawnee State Park: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026

    Oct. 2026

    • Celestial Stories of the Underground Railroad at Caesar Creek State Park: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
    • Hollywood Returns to Malabar Farm State Park Movie Event: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
    • Native Edible Plants Hike at Indian Lake State Park: Saturday, Oct.10, 2026
    • Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike at Hocking Hills State Park: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
    • Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Annual Fall Open House: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

    Nov. 2026

    • Trail of Heroes Dedication at Cowan Lake State Park: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
    • Letters Home Trail Opening at Mohican State Forest: Date to be announced”

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Troll hunting: Danish artist brings installation to the Tar Heel State

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — The City of Raleigh is promoting sustainability, imagination and the power of public art.  

    This fall, Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his giant troll art installation to Dix Park. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his largest U.S. art installation to Raleigh

    • Seven trolls can be found in the state 

    • Five trolls are in the Oak City, one is in High Point and the other in Charlotte


    Five giant trolls made up of recyclables are being built and spread throughout the park.

    Parts of Dix Park have looked like a construction zone for the last couple of weeks.

    All for two words — giant trolls. 

    One of the trolls being erected at Dix Park in Raleigh by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. (Spectrum News 1/Jatrissa Wooten)

    “I knew what a troll was. I just didn’t know how we were going to build it,” said Habitat for Humanity volunteer Tim Woods.

    Dambo, an artist from Denmark, uses recyclables and nature’s gifts to create masterpieces all over the world.  

    He built the five giant trolls with the help of volunteers from near and far. 

    “Some of my trolls are really tall, so maybe they’re 30 feet tall,” Dambo said.

    The group also created a tail that spans more than 600 feet and will run through the park’s forest.

    “The tail is the most extraordinary thing out here,” said Woods.

    Woods said he’s been working for hours each day for about two weeks.

    Although he isn’t building a home, Woods said trolls are just as fulfilling.

    “I have eight grandkids. So, I can bring them out here and show it to them, explain it to them and tell them, ‘I helped,’” Woods said.

    These installations in other cities have drawn thousands of visitors daily and boosted tourism.

    Raleigh leaders and volunteers believe the same will happen here. 

    “I think it’s going to be a nice tour. An area. It would also allow people to understand and see what a life of a troll is about,” Woods said.

    Dambo said it will take at least an hour to find all five trolls in the park, and that’s all part of the fun behind “troll hunting.”

    These trolls in the Oak City are part of a larger family of seven coming to the Tar Heel state, one in High Point and the other in Charlotte.

    Together, Dambo said this will create his largest U.S. installation to date.

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    Jatrissa Wooten

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