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Labor Day weekend perfect to enjoy boating close to home in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Labor Day holiday weekend is an excellent time to enjoy boating recreation close to home, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. Selecting among a diversity of boating destinations and special events, the final summer holiday weekend is a great time to enjoy a quick getaway boating vacation.
Here are some suggested getaway destinations that Ohioans can enjoy while boating during the Labor Day weekend:
Dillon Family Fest (740-453-4377); One of the largest community family festivals in the Buckeye State attracts thousands of visitors, boaters and campers to Dillon State Park near Zanesville each Labor Day weekend. Activities include boating, camping, hiking, swimming, live music, booths, crafts, games and fireworks on the beach. Parking and admission are free. Events begin at 11 a.m. August 30-31.
Lorain Lighthouse Tour (440-245-2563); Guided tours of the lighthouse, built in 1908, will be held from 12:30-7:30 p.m. on August 30 at the Black River landing. Admission is $20, parking is free.
Perch, Peach, Polka & Pierogi Festival (419-732-0941); The 4th annual festival is being held along the shores of Lake Erie on Madison Street in Port Clinton August 30 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and August 31 (Noon to 9 p.m.). The event features live polka music, a community bake sale, a special youth carnival and the Rotary Perch Wagon. Port Clinton also is the gateway to other Lake Erie destinations such as Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island.
Torch Light Canoe Trip (800-686-0386); The Hocking Valley Canoe Livery in Logan is hosting a unique nighttime paddling experience on the Hocking River on August 30 that features lighted torches mounted on the bows of canoes. The two-hour paddling experience is followed by a nighttime campfire, cookout and live entertainment. Cost is $35 per canoe, advance reservations are required.
Ohio Water Trails (877-4BOATER); Designated Ohio Water Trails are found along the eastern portion of Sandusky Bay in northwest Ohio, on the Muskingum River in southeast Ohio and on the Kokosing River in north-central Ohio. Labor Day weekend is an excellent time to enjoy a one-day or multi-day paddling experience. Try spending the entire weekend enjoying all three of Ohio's Water Trails.
Ohio State Parks (www.ohiodnr.com); Ohio's award-winning state park system offers excellent opportunities to enjoy recreational boating, fishing, camping, hiking and much more. While many state parks offer camping and cottage rentals, there also are nine state park lodge resorts that include Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Geneva, Punderson, Deer Creek, and Shawnee, Salt Fork and Burr Oak.
Recreational boating is a fun, family-oriented activity enjoyed each year by an estimated 3 million Ohioans. Boating safety begins with the choices boaters make before leaving the dock. To ensure your boating experience remains a safe one on state waterways, please follow these and other boating safety tips that can be found online at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/safety/tabid/2878/default.aspx.
- Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest while boating.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while boating.
- Keep a proper lookout for persons and objects in the water.
- Properly follow the navigation "rules of the road" to ensure boating safety.
- Be familiar with waterways and water conditions before getting underway.
