Author: Bryce Riggs

Go back in time for the evening at the Fostoria Learning Center on March 23 at 7:00 PM! Introducing “An Evening with Laura Ingalls Wilder”.

The Fostoria Area Historical Society and Judy Green will allow visitors to explore the real life of the famous Wisconsin author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, who will be on hand to tell stories of the past, show photographs and artifacts, and more! 

About the Fostoria Area Historical Society

The Fostoria Area Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of all things Fostoria. They are also committed to the education of the public on the history of Fostoria and its surroundings. The society operates two museums. The main branch is located at 123 West North Street in an 1875 fire station, Fostoria’s oldest public building. It features a Fostoria-manufactured Allen Car and a WWII era Seagrave fire engine. The other museum branch is located at 105 North Main Street. It is called Foster’s Museum, named after Fostoria’s native son and two-time Governor of Ohio, Charles Foster. This museum contains many of the Foster family belongings and other displays related to Fostoria. Both museums are open Saturdays 1-4 p.m. from May through October.

To learn more about the Fostoria Area Historical Society, visit their Facebook page.

About Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867 – 1957) has a permanent place in the American imagination for her Little House series of books for young readers. Born in a log cabin on the edge of an area called “Big Woods” in Pepin, Wisconsin, her life was the inspiration for her semi-autobiographical novels.

Laura’s publishing career began at the ripe age of sixty-five and consisted of the 8-volume set of Little House books (9, if you count Farmer Boy) and a small number of autobiographical volumes. The first installment, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1931; the best known of the series, Little House on the Prairie, was published soon after. 

Though the family depicted in the stories was idealized, the hardships and joys of pioneering the Great Plains in the mid-1800s were based on Laura’s actual experiences.

Her tales immediately appealed to readers of all ages, immediately popular with readers and well-received by critics. Perhaps the timing of the publication of the first books in the series — during the Great Depression — resonated with their message of resilience during hard times.

The Little House books continue to be read from one generation to another, and her life continues to be a source of fascination. Here are several biographies of Laura Ingalls Wilder (including autobiographies) for those who can’t get enough of America’s favorite “pioneer girl.”

Fostoria Farmers Market

Exciting news! In addition to the Saturday Fostoria Farmers’ & Artisans’ Markets, they are introducing two Thursday late afternoon/evening markets in 2022!

Mark your calendars and plan to join them at the grass lot at E. Tiffin and S. Main Streets on the following days. Check back throughout the season to see what special activities will be happening at each market!

Saturday, May 7 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Celebrating Moms & Kids” – sponsored by Geary Family YMCA

Saturday, May 21 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Let’s Go Gardening” – sponsored by Don Cochran, Realtor: Dye Real Estate and Land Company

Saturday, June 18 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Celebrating Dads & Kids” – sponsored by Clouse Construction Corp.

Saturday, July 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Healthy Living” – sponsored by ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital

Thursday, August 4 – 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – “Harvest Happenings” – sponsored by Mennel

Saturday, August 20 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Good Old Summertime” – sponsored by Great Lakes ACE Hardware

Thursday, September 1 – 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – “Fall Is In The Air” – sponsored by Flippin’ Jimmy’s

Saturday, September 17 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Creative Arts & Crafts” – sponsored by Fostoria Community Arts Council

For more information, including the Market Rules and Vendor Application, see www.fostoriaohio.org/fostoria-farmers-market. See what vendors are participating by following Fostoria Farmers’ Market on Facebook.

Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market

Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market dates: May 21st & 28th, June 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th, August 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, September 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th and October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th. The Market will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information about the market and to stay up to date on upcoming announcements, follow the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe on their website at www.tiffinsenecafarmersmarket.com. If you’d like to join the market as a vendor, please email manager@sccommonground.org.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem nestled in Downtown Tiffin, look no further than the Tiffin Glass Museum and Shoppe, located at 25-27 S. Washington Street. 

The Tiffin Glass Museum opened in November of 1998 and now displays more than 1000 pieces of Tiffin Glass. The exhibit presents examples of the glassware produced at the Tiffin factory from its beginning in 1889 through 1980.

Visitors come from across the world to see the glassware, and in the past year, they had more than 1,400 visitors from 32 states and six foreign countries.

The Tiffin Glass Museum honors the heritage of the original workers in Tiffin’s Glass House. With preservation and education, they focus on maintaining a collection of historic glassware from the factory’s almost one hundred year history. 

The museum focuses on preservation work, including acquiring glass, historical documents, and memorabilia from the Tiffin Glass Company and all its iterations. 

In July 1888, A.J. Beatty & Sons glass factory in Steubenville announced it would be relocating to Tiffin. The city of Tiffin offered five years of natural gas, $35,000 in cash, and land valued at $15,000.

In September 1888, construction of a three-furnace glass factory at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Vine Street began.

Check Out These Other Glass Destinations to Visit

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Production continued until January 1, 1892, when A.J. Beatty & Sons merged with the United States Glass Company and the Tiffin factory became one of nineteen factories under the U.S. Glass name.  

The Tiffin factory—Factory R—was destroyed by fire barely two years later, and the factory was rebuilt. After changing hands a few times, the factory shut down on May 1, 1980. 

Volunteer Paul Coffman said the museum is definitely a “can’t miss” spot in the community due to the variety of pieces made. 

“The variety of glass made comes from all genres, with a concentration in stemware,” he said. “People don’t realize how big the factory was.”

The glass factory peaked in the 1920s, Coffman said, in terms of production. 

“900 employees were making about 100,000 handblown pieces a week,” he said. 

To identify a piece of Tiffin Glass, one can find various paper labels that were used intermittently through the 1970s, along with an acid stamp. 

Volunteer Nancy Coffman said that when people get through to the end of the tour, they realize the draw of the museum. 

“It’s a hidden gem in our community,” she said. 

 Paul Coffman said the key to telling the story of Tiffin Glass was focusing on the people. 

“The hidden gems are the stories of the people who made them,” he said. 

In addition to the museum, the gift shoppe features products from the original glass factory, along with other glass collections, collectibles, and books available for purchase.

The museum and shoppe are open 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.  Donations of glassware, time, and memorabilia are welcome. They also greatly appreciate monetary donations. Building is handicapped accessible with parking in the rear. Group tours are available.

For more information, call 419-448-0200, visit their website or Facebook page.

Seneca County Records All-Time High in Lodging Tax

Lodging Tax in Third Quarter Surpasses Previous Record

Destination Seneca County is pleased to announce that Seneca County had an all-time record high in lodging tax collections for the third quarter of 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, which was recorded pre-pandemic. The lodging tax collection for the third quarter of 2021 was $48,755.81 compared to the previous high of $47,690.40 in 2019.

Lodging taxes are charged to travelers when they book accommodations in hotels/motels throughout the county. These taxes serve as the funding source for Destination Seneca County, with the money being used to promote the community.

“The increase in lodging tax revenue is an indicator that more people are visiting Seneca County. Seeing this number continuing to grow is proof that Seneca County is coming back from the pandemic stronger than ever. It also tells us we’re on the right path of marketing our growing community as a destination. Tourism is truly a community effort and we’re proud to be a part of this positive trend,” said Executive Director Bryce Riggs.

“We’re thrilled to see that visitors are choosing to stay here and take advantage of everything that Seneca County has to offer,” said Anthony Paradiso, County Commissioner and Seneca County Tourism Council Member.

The Heartland-Approved Epic Group Experience Designation Programs Aims to Strengthen Tourism Partners

Destination Seneca County and the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau have announced a partnership to host a new program through the Ohio Travel Association: The Heartland-Approved Epic Group Experience Designation Program. The program will be offered through a one-day workshop at The Renaissance of Tiffin on December 9 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. To reserve a spot for the workshop, attendees must purchase a ticket at www.destinationsenecacounty.org/Epic by November 24 to receive the early bird special of $150 per person. After this time, the price will increase to $250 per person. The cost of the workshop is being supplemented by bed tax dollars by Destination Seneca County and the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau.

Designation as an Epic Group Experience creates a competitive advantage in the group travel market. Seneca County tourism partners will rise to the top of competition. Designation shows the group tour operators that our community is committed to epic group experiences. Destination Seneca County, the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau and the Ohio Travel Association will ensure that over 1,500 tour operators and groups nationwide see the designation achievement.

The Epic Group Experience program was developed with input from more than 275 group travel operators, receptive operators and visitor bureaus. Standards and best practices were approved by three teams of tour operators and suppliers.

The designation process opens up a wide range of tools, trainings and information on how to deliver and market group experiences. Your staff will have an operator-approved checklist for servicing groups, taking the guesswork out of the process. Tourism partners receive standards and best practices based on what tour operators and their customers want.

Only two market Saturdays remain in 2021 including October 9 and October 23. With the season coming to a close, the Seneca County Common Ground Board has taken a look at all of the changes that took place during the 2021 season.

 Over the past year the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market has witnessed a surplus of changes. One of the main goals for the 2021 season was to implement the Market Bank program. The Market Bank gives everyone, no matter their situation the opportunity to purchase fresh produce and other cottage foods. In addition to being able to accept SNAP Benefits/EBT/P-EBT, Produce Perks, Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers (SFMNP) and Women Infants Children Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers (FMNP), the market bank was also able to accept credit.

 The Downtown Punch Card was also implemented this year. The punch card offers rewards for customers that shop at other downtown locations. Those who redeem their punch cards at the farmers market are given a free $5 token to use to shop around the market as well as a chance to win local gift cards. Cards can still be picked up at the market and at the 13 participating downtown businesses. This is part of an initiative to bring deeper partnership and collaboration between the Farmers Market and downtown businesses.

 Another one of the goals set by the Seneca County Common Ground Board was to have vendors that can sell meats, eggs, and dairy products. This year, the market was able to add the Kiesel family who are selling frozen chicken.

 “Now that the market has been able to have a local meat producer selling meat at a farmers market we are looking to expand into beef, pork and other meats along with dairy products and eggs. If there are any local producers out there that are interested in selling any of these products at the farmers market please reach out to us and we will be able to point you in the right direction to make is happen,” said Kirsten Ameling, market manager.

 With the 2021 season starting to wind down, the Seneca County Common Ground Board and the Market Manager are beginning to look ahead at the improvements that can be made for next season. Some future goals of the market include incorporating food trucks, live music, more children’s programming, increased food selection and more ways to include downtown businesses with the market. As always, the farmers market would like to thank Sutton Bank for sponsoring the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market.

The vendors for this week includes: Ada Glee’s Garden, Baked By Bells, Bella Cuisine, Catawba Island Juice Co., CASA, Countryside Acres, Clay Hill Organic, Creative Pottery, Drowns Produce, DJ’s Honey, Enders Maple Treats, Flo’s Homemade Pies, JP’s Carvings and Designs, Kisler Farms, Hopes Landing, LB’s Eclectic Eats, Me and the Boys, Project Noelle, Put Your Name on it, Raizen Girls Cookies, Riehm Produce Farm, Rose Leaf Flowers, Smith Brothers Sweets, the Tiffin Lions Club, The Tiffin 200 Club, and The Tiffin Elks.

To learn more about the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market and about the Market Bank programs, visit and subscribe at www.tiffinsenecafarmersmarket.com/. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or have questions, you may contact the Market Manager, Kirsten Ameling, at manager@sccommonground.org. 

The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society will host the 19^th annual Rail Festival on September 25, 2021, in Fostoria, OH.  The Rail Festival will be held at the Fostoria Junior/Senior High School (1001 Park Avenue. Fostoria, OH 44830) from 10am – 4pm.  There will be more than 150 tables that guests can visit during the Rail Festival that will include vendors and displays.  The Rail Festival will offer train memorabilia and merchandise for sale, toy trains, a swap meet, model train displays, a photo contest, historical rail tours, coloring pages for kids, food, and more.

Admission to the Rail Festival is $5 for adults and children 10 years of age and younger get in free.  Parking is free for both the Fostoria Rail Festival and the Fostoria Iron Triangle Swap Meet.  In previous years, the Fostoria Rail Festival has brought in more than 1,000 people to attend the event.  Of these attendees, they have represented 18 different states, hundreds of cities, and two different countries.     

In addition to attending the Rail Festival, guests can visit the Fostoria Rail Park, which includes the Iron Triangle. The Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park is a 5-acre tract directly inside the three double-track mainline freight rail lines that meander through Fostoria. Open 24/7, this park provides a 360-degree viewing platform that allows one to experience the sights and sounds of the 60-plus trains that pass-through Fostoria daily.

For more information on the Fostoria Rail Festival and the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, visit: www.fostoriairontriangle.com.

Come on down to Riehm Produce Farm and enjoy the day exploring, racing, sliding, jumping, and making memories with over 20 fun activities for all ages. If you haven’t already, it’s time to make coming to the farm your new favorite fall tradition!

Riehm’s Barnyard Fun and Corn Maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from September 25 through Halloween. This year’s Corn Maze design is celebrating Jeep’s 80th anniversary. Try your hand at solving the Jeep trivia this year.

Mazes from the past include Ohio State, Scooby Doo, Dinosaurs, Star Wars, and Charlie Brown.

New this year pedal carts and corn barn! The pig races run every two hours during the weekend, and you can cause the goats to walk the planks for food! Sling shot several different vegetables destined for the trash at the targets, then see the large-scale launcher—the pumpkin cannon. The pumpkin cannon will be shot off in the back hayfield, while hayrides will give you a behind the scenes look at Riehm’s cattle operation. Hayrides circle through about every twenty to thirty minutes.

Try your hand at milking-a-cow or challenge someone at the duck races. Take your turn on the Giant Hill Slide. Play games such as steer roping, Checkers, or the giant games, like giant Jenga, peg game or Connect 4.

When you’ve had your fill, make sure you take home purchases, including pumpkins, cider, apple dumplings, kettle corn and other fall treats. You can also enjoy farm fresh and finger-licking good food, from the concession stand: farm raise beef and brat burgers, Johnny Fries – farm grown potatoes with all the fixn’s, and hot dogs for the youngsters.

General admission is $10. Children up to two are free. Event hours are 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.

No pets, please.

Read more at FunAcres.net/event

The Seneca County Tourism Council in partnership with Destination Seneca County has announced a new grant program that looks to enhance the tourism environment in the community. The Seneca County Grant Assistance Program (GAP), sponsored by tourism dollars through Destination Seneca County, aims to assist organizations with advertising and promotion of activities, create positive image building publicity for the Seneca County area, and enhance the tourism environment of the area.

The Seneca Council Tourism Council was formed in early 2021 and provides full transparency to tourism partners on how Destination Seneca County utilizes bed tax dollars to promote destinations and Seneca County. The main goal of this group is to collaborate to maximize the impact of tourism dollars. The council meets quarterly and is made up of representatives of destinations and partners in Seneca County.

“The council is pleased with the progress that has been made in promoting Seneca County as a destination and we feel as this program will support many of our partners who help make our community the best place to live, work, play and visit,” said Michael Strong, Executive Director of The Ritz Theatre and Chair of the Seneca County Tourism Council.

The Seneca County Tourism Council has allocated $5,000 to be used for the remainder of the 2021 calendar year. Grants are available for a minimum of $250 and up to $2,500. Those eligible to apply include any not-for-profit group or organization doing business in the Seneca County area. Such parties may apply for the GAP program online at www.DestinationSenecaCounty.com/GAP-Application.

Come on down to Riehm Produce Farm and enjoy the day exploring, racing, sliding, jumping, and making memories with over 20 fun activities for all ages. If you haven’t already, it’s time to make coming to the farm your new favorite fall tradition!

Riehm’s Barnyard Fun and Corn Maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from September 25 through Halloween. This year’s Corn Maze design is celebrating Jeep’s 80th anniversary. Try your hand at solving the Jeep trivia this year.

Mazes from the past include Ohio State, Scooby Doo, Dinosaurs, Star Wars, and Charlie Brown.

New this year pedal carts and corn barn! The pig races run every two hours during the weekend, and you can cause the goats to walk the planks for food! Sling shot several different vegetables destined for the trash at the targets, then see the large-scale launcher—the pumpkin cannon. The pumpkin cannon will be shot off in the back hayfield, while hayrides will give you a behind the scenes look at Riehm’s cattle operation. Hayrides circle through about every twenty to thirty minutes.

Try your hand at milking-a-cow or challenge someone at the duck races. Take your turn on the Giant Hill Slide. Play games such as steer roping, Checkers, or the giant games, like giant Jenga, peg game or Connect 4.

When you’ve had your fill, make sure you take home purchases, including pumpkins, cider, apple dumplings, kettle corn and other fall treats. You can also enjoy farm fresh and finger-licking good food, from the concession stand: farm raise beef and brat burgers, Johnny Fries – farm grown potatoes with all the fixn’s, and hot dogs for the youngsters.

General admission is $10. Children up to two are free. Event hours are 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.

No pets, please.

Read more at FunAcres.net/event

The Seneca County Brewery Tour has been announced to take place on Saturday August 14, 2021, beginning at 3pm. The Brewery Tour is put on in partnership with Bliss Charters, Destination Seneca County, Downtown Tiffin, Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, and Shuff Consulting.

The Seneca County Brewery Tour will include stops at four local breweries throughout Seneca County. Breweries include The Laird Arcade Brewery, The Tiffin Brewery, The UrbanWoody Brewery, and Hoptometry Brewery. Learn more about the participating breweries below. Participants can register at: https://tinyurl.com/SenecaBrewTour and will receive information on their starting location via email one week prior to the event. Participants will be shuttled around via a Bliss Charters Bus and participating breweries will offer live music, food from local establishments, and food trucks.

The Laird Arcade Brewery: A 3.5 BBL brewhouse focusing mostly on taproom sales, with some local distribution. Their emphasis is to promote as much local business as we can.  They strive to keep their ingredients as locally sourced as possible.  It is their sincerest hope to help with the downtown revitalization of Tiffin.

The Tiffin Brewery: Producing quality beers for Tiffin, Ohio and the surrounding community. Quality beers start with superior water profiles and dedicated sanitation throughout the brewing process. A brewer’s production brewery to offer peer brewery services and quality customer product. The Tiffin Brewery is the production end of AH Brewing, LLC.

The UrbanWoody Brewery: The Urban Woody Brewery is family and veteran owned and serves locally crafted beer brewed in house using mostly Ohio grown ingredients.  The Urban Woody Brewery offers a rotating seasonal tap list and special events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest which highlights other Ohio breweries and brings visitors to Downtown Fostoria.

Hoptometry Brewing Co: Downtown Tiffin’s newest brewery coming in 2022! Check out their renovations as they prepare to launch.

The Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market is expanding to Court Street. This weekend’s market on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 9am to 1pm will feature vendors filling South Washington street between Market and Perry streets and moving onto Court street for the first time in history.

The 2021 Farmers market season has been one of the largest yet with more and more vendors applying to join the market. One of the main goals of Seneca County Common Ground, the organization that operates the market, this year was to increase the number of vendors and bring a wider variety of products to the farmers market. The vendors work diligently to ensure they are providing the highest quality locally made products. This week there will be fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, juices, baked goods, honey, maple products, soaps, tumblers, pottery, cleaning supplies, jellies and jams, wool products, along with other homegrown and handmade products.

The mission of Seneca County Common Ground is centered specifically around local food. To ensure that the majority of the products at the market are truly “local,” the board has implemented a “sixty-forty” rule.  Vendors must have grown, raised or created at least 60% of the products that are brought to the market. 40% of the produce are allowed to be purchased outside from other growers to ensure customers have access to a multitude of fruits and vegetables that are not grown in our area or are not in season. This means that customers will only see certain products at specific times of year and they won’t typically see exotic products like bananas or oranges.

“Cucumbers are one of the newer vegetables that will be at this week’s market as they are now coming into season locally,” said Market Manager Kirsten Ameling. “Cucumbers can quickly be used with a dip, create a refreshing drink, spice up a boring salad and help add crunch to a sandwich. They are currently being harvested now from Riehm Produce Farm for the next several weeks.”

Riehm Produce Farm also plants a wide variety of strawberry plants that grow at different times of the season to provide locally grown strawberries for a longer period of time. Other produce that producers work with similarly include sweet corn, tomatoes, melons and more.

In addition to all of the produce and goods vendors, the market is bringing back hot, ready-to-eat food with the addition of a food truck. This week, Delicious Food Truck will be operating at the market to serve lunch to market customers. This truck provides a wide variety of food items such as  Italian Beef, Fried Chicken, Gyros, and Deep Fried Cheesecake.

“We love to see our local farmers market continuing to grow as an attraction and a destination not only to increase the quality of life for Seneca County residents, but to draw outside visitors into our community as well,” said Bryce Riggs, Executive Director of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services. “I’m looking forward to supporting the future growth of the market and increasing the synergy with local businesses.”

The 2021 season of the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market continues this Saturday, July 24, 9am-1pm. The market will occur on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month now through October and is located on South Washington Street between Perry  and Market streets. In addition to the vendors, there are also children’s activities available and the Market Bank program is fully operational which allows customers to utilize credit cards, SNAP Benefits/EBT/P-EBT, Produce Perks, Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers (SFMNP), Women Infants Children Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers (FMNP).

The list of vendors for this week includes: Baked By Bells, Bella Cuisine, Buckeye Star Alpacas, Catawba Island Juice Co., Countryside Acres, Clay Hill Organic, Creative Pottery, Delicious Food Truck, Drowns Produce, Enders Maple Treats, Friends of the Tiffin Seneca Public Library, Flo’s Homemade Pies, Hopes Landing, LB’s Eclectic Eats  Me and the Boys, Miss Cindy’s Cookies, Project Noelle, Put Your Name on it, Raizen Girls Cookies, Riehm Produce Farm, Roseleaf Flowers, Seneca County SNAP-ED, Smith Brothers Sweets, Spirit Space Gallery and Gifts, the Tiffin Lions Club, Tiffin Elks, and Windy Hill Berries.

To learn more about the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market and about the Market Bank programs, visit and subscribe at www.tiffinsenecafarmersmarket.com/. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or have questions, you may contact the Market Manager, Kirsten Ameling, at manager@sccommonground.org. 

Tiffin East Green Concert Series Season Lineup Announced

The Tiffin East Green Foundation has announced their season’s lineup that will kick off on June 26. The Concert Series is free and open to the public thanks to the many corporate sponsors of the foundation. You can bring blankets and chairs along with pets on a leash to these family-friendly events. Please be respectful of your neighbors by following the park rules that can be found here. For more information on the Tiffin East Green Concert Series, check out their website and Facebook page.

Lost State of Franklin

June 26  8:00 to 10:00 PM

Lost State of Franklin is a “pure Americana” band that throughout Europe and North America has performed music, “Made with our own hands”. Born in foothills and surviving the cities, Lost State of Franklin is glory and grit, dirt roads and triumph, gone days and tomorrow’s dream, overcoming and succeeding when no one expects you still exist. They are the story of lost love and a love you’ll never leave, coal mines and shiny cars, rusted trucks and relentless steam trains. They are the American story, a one-of-a-kind band which performs unforgettable songs for audiences loved like family.

LowDown Brass Band

July 10  8:00 to 10:00 PM

The LowDown Brass Band is a uniquely strong representation of Chicago Music culture. The all horn band leans heavily on dancehall and street beat rhythm, with the energy of conscious hip hop, jazz, reggae, and soul. Its two albums have received rave reviews nationwide, and the band’s appearances have included the Montreal Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, World Music Fest, Lagunitas Beer Circus, Chicago Jazz Fest, Alaska’s Salmon Fest, and many others. The Chicago Sun Times calls the band, “Not exactly Slipknot, but not exactly John Philip Sousa either. What it is, exactly, is AWESOME!”

Barn Quilt Festival Coming to Fostoria Farmers Market

The upcoming Fostoria Farmers Market on June 19 will include a Barn Quilt Festival. The Barn Quilt Festival will include a hands-on barn quilt demonstrations from Barn Quilt Painting by Beverly. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a custom barn quilt from Brady’s Delicate Creations during the market. Guests can take a self-guided PocketSights walking tour of Downtown Fostoria to see the temporary and permanent displays of barn quilts, including: a 32-2′ x 2′ quilt on Main Street, a 4 – 2′ x 2′ quilt on Center Street and a 6-4′ x 4′ at R-Place Bar & Grill. They will have a special guest lecture from 2:00 to 3:00 from nationally-known author Suzi Parron Smith that will present: “Following the Barn Quilt Trail” at the First Presbyterian Church (201 West Fremont Street). To reserve a seat, RSVP to development@fostoriachamber.com. This event is being hosted by the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commence & Visitor’s Bureau.

Splash Pad and East Green Concert Series Set to Return 

Splash Pad

The East Green Foundation is pleased to announce a 2021 season for the splash pad located at National Corner on the East Green complex.  The splash pad was closed completely during 2020 for health precautions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The exact opening date is undetermined at this time because of major system renovations taking place in June.  The Foundation is investing in a recirculating water system similar to what the city pool has at Hedges Boyer Park. Foundation president Mike Klepper stated that the clear goal is to open the splash pad to the public this June, but the pump manufacturer cannot commit to a more specific delivery date.

Once the splash pad is up and running it will be spouting forth daily through Labor Day, then it will be operational on weekends through the first weekend in October weather permitting. Hours will be 11am to 7pm on weekdays, and 11am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. The restrooms will be open during those hours, as well as when performances of the East Green Summer Concert Series are taking place.

Trustee Andrew Kalnow noted that the lighted fountain shows with music that took place in August last year will again happen this year thanks to a sponsorship by National Machinery.

East Green Concert Series

The East Green Concert Series is excited to announce concerts are back for their third season. John Kerschner, Executive Director of the East Green Concert Series, stated the season will kick off on June 26^th at the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green. Additional concerts are planned for July 10^th & 24^th, August 7^th & 21^st and September 4^th. Concerts are free and family friendly, and start at 8:00pm. Reineke Family Dealerships once again is the general season sponsor, while individual concerts will have event sponsors or co-sponsors.

A further announcement will be coming soon about the performers for the June 26 concert, as well as the additional performances for the season. Kerschner also suggested that the public can monitor the website www.EastGreenConcerts.com for further information about the upcoming performers, as well as their Facebook.

The Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater is part of the East Green park complex located at the corner of West Market and Jefferson streets. The East Green park is managed by the City of Tiffin Department of Parks & Recreation, which also handles booking reservations for events at the Amphitheater.  Park rules and regulations are posted at on the Concert Series website. 

HD Cameras Now Offers Railfans 24/7 Streaming of Trains in Fostoria

Virtual Railfan, Inc., the leader provider of 24/7 live streams of popular railroad locations for train fans, is proud to announce the installation of two high-definition cameras at the Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park. Installed inside the world-famous triangular intersection of two CSX lines and a Norfolk Southern (NS) line, the cameras offer spectacular views of the more than 80 freight trains that roll by the rail park every day.

Ellen Gatrell, Secretary/Treasurer of the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, was first approached by Virtual Railfan a couple years ago. The rail park was the company’s number one requested location, and an anonymous donor had come forward to sponsor the Fostoria cams. Gatrell immediately recognized the value of broadcasting the park to the 16 million monthly viewers of the Virtual Railfan’s YouTube channel. “We can spread the word about the rail park, the city, and everything we offer visitors with much greater reach than conventional advertising.”

Mike Cyr, the President and CEO of Virtual Railfan, couldn’t agree more, “Instead of chasing potential supporters and tourists, you have an audience of millions flocking to you and discovering why Fostoria is such a great place to visit.” When internet was finally installed at the park by the city earlier this year, the high-definition cameras went in quickly, including a pan/tilt/zoom model controlled by a team of operators.

Although the viewers turn in to watch trains, he says, the live chat which accompanies each feed provides a unique opportunity for people to converse about the area, and its history and events, while they wait for the next train. With the rail park already a popular destination, Cyrl expects Fostoria to be one of the top five locations in viewership.

The Fostoria live steam can be found here.

Car Show Announced To Kick Off Third Thursdays in Downtown Tiffin

Reineke Family Dealerships in partnership with Downtown Tiffin has announced that Third Thursdays will kick off on June 17 with Cruisin’ into Summer from 5:00 pm until dark. Rev up your engine and discover Downtown Tiffin in style! Take a drive or a grab a DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area drink) and stroll through Downtown Tiffin to the retail businesses and restaurants for a fun evening the whole family can enjoy. Each participant will receive a free t-shirt and dash plaque and they will also have special sponsor giveaways. You can register your car here. Donations and non-perishable food items are requested as well that will be donated to St. Paul’s Church and The Salvation Army of Tiffin.

The remaining Third Thursday Series will consist of:

Sweet Summertime on July 15 – “Perfect song on the radio. Sing along ’cause it’s one we know. It’s a smile, it’s a kiss. It’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime… Sweet Summertime” Channel Kenny Chesney and enjoy sweet summertime in downtown Tiffin!

Taste of Tiffin on August 19 – Food and drink vendors will be set-up in the parking lot between the splash pad and the library.  Most will be selling food items for $1. Many downtown retailers and restaurants will be offering specials that night as well.

Seneca County Young Professionals Pizza Party on September 17 – Bring the whole family to enjoy a taste of Tiffin and Seneca County! The event will take place throughout Downtown Tiffin. Attendees can purchase $1 tickets that can be redeemed for a pizza from any vendor. Half of each ticket sold will go toward charity. 

Downtown Trick or Treat on October 22 – Bring the kids for the annual downtown trick-or-treat from 3:30-5:00. Then grab your friends for an early Halloween fun night out. Shop, grab a drink… and maybe dinner and dessert too!

You can check out other Downtown Tiffin events at DowntownTiffinEvents.com.

Tiffin Drive-In Theater Begins Second Phase of Major Renovation

New Concession Stand Building to House State-Of-The Art Movie Projectors

The Tiffin Drive-In Theater has commenced construction on another major upgrade project for the theater.

Last week construction began on an all-new concession stand building, replacing the old concession stand which had stood on the property since 1956. The old structure underwent demolition in January of this year, making way for the totally new building. In addition to an upgraded concession food operation, and new restroom facilities, the new building will bring state-of-the-art large screen projection capability to the drive-in as well.

The Tiffin Drive-In Theater’s new owner, Michael Cole, is working with the design team of RCM Architects and the building firm of Alvada Construction on the project. Many of the workers for both firms, as well as the project’s various subcontractors hail from the Tiffin/Seneca County area.

The project represents a 2nd phase of major renovation to the Tiffin Drive-In Theater since Cole took over the theater last August. In October of 2020, the original 1949 movie screen was brought down, and a new all-steel screen was erected in its place by Jerry Selby, whose company has built more than 2,000 drive-in screens over the last 50 years. A second all-steel screen was also erected at the rear of the lot.

The new concession stand building will house everything the theater needs to conduct a drive-in theater business for many years to come — the concession food operation, new restroom facilities, offices, even a gift shop. The most noticeable structural departure from the old building will be the addition of a partial second story — the location for two elevated projection booths for the theater’s two screens. These booths will house two all-new state-of-the-art laser cinema movie projectors, which will project the brightest, sharpest image available today in the movie industry.

The project will likely not reach completion until late August or early September, leaving only several weeks at the end of the season to debut the new building and its capabilities. An extension of the season is possible. Regular updates on the project will be posted on the theater’s website www.tiffindriveintheater.com and its Facebook page.

This is a major investment in the Tiffin Drive-in Theater, with the goal of providing quality outdoor entertainment and refreshment in a family atmosphere for many years to come.

Tiffin Pedal Company Launches New Bike for Third Season

The Tiffin Pedal Company is up and running for their third season! This year they begin their season with a new pedal bar bike, completely redesigned by Tiffin’s own Sarka Conveyor and Automation. The new bike includes a heavier frame, improved motor and battery, a built-in cooler in the back benches, a TV that can be hooked up to karaoke and the driver now powers the bike, instead of the pedalers.

The Tiffin Pedal Company is an entertainment service that features a 15-seat party bike. It consists of 10 pedaling seats and two back benches that can seat 5 more people. They supply a driver so all you must worry about is pedaling and having fun! They are a “go to” for your entertainment needs in Seneca County.  The bike is available to rent for events such as: bachelor/bachelorette parties, bar crawls, birthdays, anniversaries, beer/wine tastings and many more!

Guests over the age of 21 may bring alcohol on board the bike. Wine bottles and growlers are the only glass allowed on the bike and must be poured into a cup to be enjoyed. Each person is allowed 36 ounces of beer and 18 ounces of wine on the bike at one time. If you run out, you can restock at one of your many stops along the way. The bike has an 8-person minimum and runs rain or shine. To book your next ride click here.

Largest Flea Market in Northwest Ohio in Full Swing

The largest flea market in Northwest Ohio, the Tiffin Flea Market, kicked off their 43^rd year the weekend of April 24th at the Seneca County Fairgrounds (100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, OH 44883). The handicap accessible market is open to shoppers from 9:00 am to 4:00 on Saturday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, rain or shine. Parking and admission are free. Food is also provided by a variety of vendors at the fairgrounds. The Tiffin Flea Market ranges from 250 to 400 dealers that draw 5,000 to 10,000 customers per show. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and to social distance. The remaining Tiffin Flea Market schedule is May 15 – 16, June 12 – 13, July 3 – 4, August 14 – 15, September 11 – 12 and October 2 – 3.

The Tiffin Flea Market, established in 1978, is sponsored by the Seneca County Junior Fair Foundation and brings guests from far and near to visit the market. The Seneca County Junior Fair Foundation, a non-profit tax-exempt organization is dedicated to providing opportunities for Seneca County youth to learn and develop leadership skills through participation in activities and programs. The funds raised through the Tiffin Flea Market help pay for improvements on the fairgrounds and other projects that benefit the Junior Fair youth.

Those are who are interested in becoming a vendor can click here.

The American Civil War Museum of Ohio to Host Prolific Author

The American Civil War Museum of Ohio has announced that prolific author, Brad Quinlin, will be at the museum for a book signing on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

Quinlin was born in Monmouth Illinois and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana at age 6. At 13 years of age he moved to Massachusetts. In 1982 he moved with his family to Georgia. Quinlin has always loved the study of American History. Moving to Georgia he took the path to study the American Civil War. He has been a reenactor for 33 years, worked on 32 movies and TV shows. He was a background artist in Glory, Gettysburg, Andersonville, and an actor in the TV show Perfect Tribute. On the TV show “Who Do You Think You Are” he showed the actor Matthew Broderick the last three days of his gr-gr-grandfathers life. Robert Martindale of the 20^th Connecticut Infantry was killed July 23, 1864 near Atlanta. Quinlin showed Matthew where Martindale is buried in the Marietta National Cemetery. Quinlin also was the research advisor on three more “Who Do You Think You Are” shows. Brad was the lead researcher and advisor for the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield film called “One Last Mountain”, the film has now received three awards. Quinlin was a researcher on the TV documentary “The Untold Story of the Civil War”. He also worked as an advisor for the National Geographic show “Diggers”.

Quinlin is a master volunteer for the National Park Service with more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work.

Quinlin’s research is being used in the new exhibits for the new Cyclorama Building at the Atlanta History Center and he has researched five new wayside exhibits for Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park.

Quinlin has written or co-written 21 books on the American Civil War. By the end of 2022, Quinlin and two of his friends will have seven books finished for the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center. These books will be the rights and profits for the center.

Quinlin is also planning the funeral for a Union Civil War Soldier. The remains were discovered recently, and Quinlin was asked to plan the funeral and burial in Marietta National Cemetery. The event will take place in Marietta, Georgia between July 9 through July 11 that will have programs on the life and death of this soldier.

Seneca Caverns Prepares for 2021 Season

Join us for a unique experience at Seneca Caverns – Ohio’s Greatest Natural Underground Adventure as they kick off their 2021 season on May 1! Their hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday with the last cave tour departing at 4:00 pm. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day they are open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with the last cave tour departing at 6:00 pm.

Get a peek at what is under the ground that we walk on every day. Walk the natural stone steps and pathways that will lead you through seven rooms or levels. Feel the temperature cool as you progress into the cavern. The largest room is 250 feet in length. At the lowest level, 110 feet below the surface, see Ole’ Mist’ry River; the crystal-clear flowing stream which is part of the vast groundwater system underlying the surrounding region. You will be amazed as you enjoy this very unique tour!

Seneca Caverns has been retained close to its original, natural, wild state, this subterranean tour is truly a unique and educational experience you will always remember.

After the tour, try your hand at mining just like they did in frontier days at the Seneca Mining Company. This “gem” is a fully operational sluice with flowing water. Here you can pan for gemstones, minerals, crystals, arrowheads, and fossils.

Seneca Caverns may be the only cave of its kind open for public visitation. Seneca Caverns is a Registered Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Seneca Caverns is open from May through October, rain or shine. Visit www.SenecaCavernsOhio.com to plan your underground adventure!

Fostoria Rail Preservation Society Announces Newest Addition and Spring Open House

The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society (FRPS) has announced their newest addition, the C-3008 Caboose, to the Fostoria Iron Triangle Park, 499 South Poplar Street. The Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park is a 5-acre tract directly inside the three double-track mainline freight rail lines that meander through Fostoria. Open 24/7, this park provides a 360-degree viewing platform that allows one to experience the sights and sounds of the 100-plus trains that pass-through Fostoria daily. Their Spring Open House, that will feature their newest addition, will be held on Wednesday, April 28 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.

The B&O 3000 series cabooses were built by the International Car Company in Kenton, Ohio. The cabooses were built in the from 1965 to 1966, as the B&O received its first Class I-18 cabooses. They were the first B&O cabooses in almost 60 years to be purchased from an outside builder. The International Car Company built 46 cabooses numbered C-3000 to C-3045. These cabooses had fewer bunks (2), more seats (6), an automatic oil stove, 70-gallon water tank with a stainless-steel sink, electric refrigerator and a flushing toilet. The Class I-18 cabooses were the last B&O cabooses to be built with roof walks a classified under the B&O system. All future cabooses would be classified under the C&O/B&O classification system.

The B&O experimented with deadheading crews to their work assignments in cabooses which is why the extra seats, up to six. The cabooses that remained in serve in 1982 were renumbered to the 903000 series. They dropped the “C” prefix and added the “90” at the beginning of the number. Thus, the C-3008 would become the 903008.

The B&O C-3008 had serviced the northern Ohio area as we they have train orders reflecting the locations. They are not certain when this caboose was taken out of service but was eventually placed in the Carlisle Railway Museum. They know this caboose was one of five on display there. The C-3008 was there in September 1995. Due to vandalism the Carlisle Railway Museum disbanded the caboose park. The C-3008 was purchased in 2004 by Richard Craig and moved to his home approximately 10 miles south of Fostoria near Alvada, Ohio. Upon his death the caboose was again sold in May 2016 with the FRPS receiving the winning bid. In 2016 BMP Maintenance placed ballast and rail ties for the caboose at the rail park. A volunteer crew led by Alan Stouder, NS Road Crew employee, installed the rail. DSM Ventures, based in Romulus, Michigan, moved the caboose from its rural home to the rail park in May 2017. Hill Construction built and completed the ADA ramp and platform in September 2021. The total investment into the project totaled more than $58,000 and was covered by generous donations and FRPS.

The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services and Destination Seneca County are pleased to announce that Marisa Stephens has been hired for the position of Stakeholder Relations and Marketing Manager. Stephens, a Seneca County native, brings a strong relationship building background with her passion for the community that helped raise her. Stephens will begin May 24, 2021.

The selection was the result of an extensive recruitment process. “We worked with our stakeholders to narrow down the field of 50 applications to find what that we felt was the right candidate for our growing organization and the individuals we have the pleasure of serving,” Chamber Executive Director Bryce Riggs said. “Deb Martorana and I are excited to have Marisa on the team, her skill set combined with her passion and energy for Seneca County will be a welcome addition to our organization.”

Stephens is eager to move back home, “After graduation I was offered the opportunity to gain experiences away from Seneca County, but I am excited to come home and serve the community that I love.”

“We are excited about the Chamber’s selection of Marisa Stephens to assist them in taking tourism to the next level and we know that she will make a difference in Seneca County,” said Michael Strong, Executive Director of The Ritz Theatre and Chair of the Seneca County Tourism Council.

Stephens has spent the last three years in sales and recruiting roles with Qualtrics, an experience management company that helps organizations improve and create world class experiences throughout their business through data driven decisions with headquarters in Provo, Utah and Seattle, Washington. Stephens is a 2014 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and a 2018 graduate from Kent State University.

A local tradition returns with the Downtown Tiffin Chocolate Walk, set for 10 am- 4 pm on Saturday, May 8. Enjoy a sweet stroll through Downtown Tiffin, with stops at 25 participating locations and collect a unique treat at each stop.

This year’s event is being generously sponsored by Chamber member, Superior Credit Union.

To maintain social distancing, walkers may start anytime and at any stop you wish — there is no registration on the day of. Some businesses will have tables set up outside their stores the day of the walk.

Tickets are limited to 500 and are available at Simply Susan’s, 70 S. Washington St., and Washington Street Outfitters, 186 S. Washington St., for $25 – cash or check only at this time. At ticket purchase, walkers will receive a map and a bag. This year, ticket prices will used to support participating businesses.

To purchase tickets online, click here. A confirmation email will be sent after ticket purchase, which can be presented at Washington Street Outfitters for walkers to receive a map and a bag before the event.

Walkers are asked to wear masks when in doors and to maintain social distancing. For more information about the event, find Downtown Tiffin Chocolate Walk on Facebook, and Like the page for updates.

Participating businesses include:

• Burns Electric Inc.
• Cabin Creations Art Supplies
• Cabin Creations Gift Store
• Clover Club
• GW’s Fine Food & Spirits
• FroZone
• Hawkes Crystal
• JAM’s Monthly Markets
• Jolly’s
• JT’s Bagel Bar
• Laird Arcade Brewery
• Locks by Cactus Hair Salon
• Ralph’s Joy of Living
• ReClaim it 127
• Reino’s Pizza
• Releve Bar Studio
• The Renaissance of Tiffin
• Rustic Flair & Brush
• Simply Susan’s
• Slate Real Estate
• SSG Ink
• Tiffin Glass Shoppe
• 22mrkt
• UIS Insurance & Investments
• Washington Street Outfitters