Author: Marisa Stephens

Courtesy of Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and City of Tiffin Press Release —

Santa Monica, California-based Bird Rides, Inc. has announced it is now offering its e-scooters in the City of Tiffin. Bird announced in April its intention to add Tiffin to its list of cities. With the help of the newly-established Entrepreneurial Opportunity Clearinghouse through the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, a local company who will oversee the operation was identified. The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15mph.  Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz was excited about Bird’s announcement. “We’ve been working with Bird for a while, and I’m looking forward to having this fun, environmentally-friendly mobility solution in our community. They will make a great addition to the City of Tiffin.”

Guidelines:

Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways. Riders are required to be 18 years-old and above to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road. For more information, including an opportunity to receive a free helmet (only pay for shipping and handling), visit www.bird.co/safety-mobile.

How to Ride:

Users who want to rent the scooters will need to install the Bird app, where all available scooters are displayed. Before starting, the user supplies payment information, scans the QR code on the scooter, and begins the trip. To end the trip, the user must take a photo of the parked scooter. The price of the trip is immediately withdrawn from the user’s credit card.

Bird offers the following programs that are available for all who qualify: 

• Community Pricing – Bird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micromobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
• Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel – Bird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis.

About Bird:

Founded in September 2017, Bird operates shared electric scooters in more than 100 cities in North America, Europe and the Middle East with 10 million rides in its first year of operation. The company was founded and is run by Travis VanderZanden, formerly an executive at Lyft and Uber. Notably it became the fastest startup to ever reach $1 billion in valuation.  If a resident sees an issue with a Bird scooter or would like to contact the company, call 1 (866) 205-2442, email hello@bird.co or use ‘Community Mode’ feature in the Bird mobile app. More information can be found at www.bird.co and on their blog, www.bird.co/blog.

About the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership:

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.org.

Over this past weekend, a group of 40 individuals were able to experience Seneca County.  These visitors belong to The Airstream International Club (Wally Byam Caravan Club International) and travel to different cities around the country to stay and experience unique opportunities that each city has to offer. 

In Seneca County, our guests were able to receive the VIP treatment and witness behind the scene experiences.  They spent their weekend at Walnut Grove RV Resort and kicked off their visit with a tour of The America Civil War Museum of Ohio.  At the conclusion of the tour and an inside look into the past, the next stop was the Tiffin Glass Museum and Shoppe.  At the Tiffin Glass Museum, guests heard about the rich history of glass in Ohio and also about the story behind Tiffin glass while having the opportunity to purchase beautiful pieces to take home.  In downtown Tiffin, the 3rd Thursday event “Cruisin’ into Summer” was in full swing with a free car show, DORA drinks, and later hours and discounts at local shops.  Our adventurers were able to explore this awesome event, grab a bite to eat, and end their day with a presentation at The Seneca County Museum.  

On Friday, that day started off with a visit to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Libraries and Museums in Fremont, OH.  From there, our visitors experienced a live glass cutting demonstration from the brilliant cutter and designer, Aidan J. Scully from Hawkes Crystal.  After seeing how the beautiful pieces were created, the group traveled to explore and shop at Hawkes Crystal in downtown Tiffin.  Rodgers Flowers provided snacks and refreshments for guests while they shopped in store.  To wrap up Friday, the group ended at Ralph’s Joy of Living.  At Ralph’s they were given an interactive shopping presentation where the top 8 kitchen items from the last year were reviled to them with an opportunity to also win prizes for participating. 

To top off the weekend, Saturday included a special trip for each the gals and guys of the group.  Then ladies were invited to Rustic Flair & Brush, a DIY workshop, where they created custom airstream themed welcome mats to add to their personal airstreams.  The men traveled to Old Fort, OH to Gillmor Ordnance where they saw learned about the history of cannons and even got to see one fired off. After each trip, guests met back at The Renaissance of Tiffin for a roaring 20’s atmosphere, drinks, and to chat with owner, Dave Spridgeon. 

It was a packed weekend full of just some of the things that makes Seneca County special and the place many call home.  We absolutely loved having this amazing airstream adventure group in our community and cannot wait to welcome them back soon! 

 Looking to have a custom itinerary made for you when you stop in Seneca County?  Destination Seneca County is your one stop shop, let us help make your experience great! 

Want to see more?  Check out pictures from the weekend on our Facebook page.   

• Courtesy of Destination Toledo
• Media Contact: Cathy Miller
• Destination Toledo Email:  info@visittoledo.org

Destination Toledo to kick-off 419 Ale Trail on June 18, 2021

Destination Toledo, the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Toledo and northwest Ohio, is launching the 419 Ale Trail on Friday, June 18, 2021. The objective of 419 Ale Trail is to promote Northwest Ohio’s thriving beer and craft beverage scene and entice people to get out and experience it. A total of 29 breweries and craft beverage makers, all located within the 419 area code, including 10 counties, are participating in this inaugural year of the 419 Ale Trail.

Complete details on how to sign up to begin the adventure can be found at 419AleTrail.com. Destination Toledo has partnered with technology company Bandwango to create a free, mobile-exclusive digitized passport that will allow visitors and locals alike to check in at participating craft beverage partner locations. The Trail will be gamified, meaning customers can earn prizes and redeem discounts with the goal of completing the Trail. Brochures will be available at all participating breweries that will include sign up instructions, a QR code, a map with brewery locations and a complete list of participating businesses.

“We are excited to launch the 419 Ale Trail to coincide with the summer travel season,” said Cathy Miller, 419 Ale Trail Ambassador for Destination Toledo. “With restrictions lifting, now is the perfect time to give people a new and exciting activity to get out and explore Toledo and northwest Ohio and spend money in our communities.” Guests who sign up for the 419 Ale Trail will receive a sticker upon their initial stop, followed by halfway prizes, completion prizes and entries into grand prizes drawings. Participants have until June 17, 2022 – one full year – to complete the Trail. A number of breweries will provide special discounts to redeem along the Trail.

Participating breweries and craft beverage makers include: 1820 BrewWerks, 60cc Brewing (opening soon), Aistear Brewing, Black Frog Brewery, Bowling Green Beer Works, Buffalo Rock Brewing Co., Carey Brewing Station, Catawba Island Brewing Co., Drop Tine Winery & Tap House, Earnest Brew Works, Findlay Brewing Co., Findlay CRAFTed Nano Brewery, Four Fires Meadery, HEAVY Beer Co., Inside the Five Brewing Co., The Laird Arcade Brewery, Maumee Bay Brewing Co., Modcraft Brewing, Moeller Brew Barn, Neon Groundhog Brewery, Patron Saints Brewery, Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co. (opening soon), Six Fifths Distilling, Toledo Spirits Company, Twin Oast Brewing, Two Bandits Brewing Co., Upside Brewing, The UrbanWoody Brewery and Wild Side Brewing Co.

About Destination Toledo Destination: Toledo is the driving force behind the tourism experience in the Toledo region. According to the most recent statistics from Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), tourism in Lucas County welcomed 14 ½ million visitors, driving $2.5 billion in business sales, and supporting 23 thousand jobs. $155 million dollars in state and local taxes were collected supporting essential local services and infrastructure.

A summer tradition is back in Downtown Tiffin with the Summer Stroll. The annual event, which was cancelled in 2020, returns 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 31.

Walkers can collect summer-themed treats at 25 participating locations and explore everything Downtown Tiffin has to offer.

Tickets are limited to 300 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 ticket purchase, walkers will receive a ticket with map and a bag.

Online sales are at Eventbrite, or by clicking here. A confirmation email will be sent after ticket purchase, which can be presented at The Renaissance of Tiffin, 129 S. Washington St., starting at 9:30 a.m. July 31 for walkers to receive their ticket and a bag.

Walkers are asked to follow all CDC guidelines and respect the masking policies in place at individual businesses. For more information about the event, find Downtown Tiffin Summer Stroll on Facebook, and like the page for updates.

Participating businesses include:

• B.E.S.T. Tacos
• 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
• The Poignon Project
• Ralph’s Joy of Living
• ReClaim it 127
• Reino’s Pizza
• The Renaissance of Tiffin
• Rustic Flair & Brush
• Simply Susan’s
• SOUL BoutiqueSlate Real Estate
• SSG Ink
• Tiffin Glass Shoppe
• 22mrkt (Record Store)
• UIS Insurance & Investments
• Washington Street Outfitters

This year, the event is being sponsored by Nicole Miller – State Farm.

About Downtown Tiffin

The revitalization of downtown Tiffin began in 2011, when a group of community members came together to for “Tiffin Tomorrow”, with the goal of promoting and encouraging economic development in downtown Tiffin, and creating plans, programs and actions to ensure long-term vitality and prosperity. In 2014, the city of Tiffin contracted with SIEDC to act as the downtown organization and “Tiffin Tomorrow” came under the SIEDC umbrella as the “Downtown Development Committee,” which serves as the governing board of the downtown organization. In 2015, Tiffin joined Heritage Ohio’s Ohio Main Street Program. For more information, click here.

This year’s Independence Day celebration is to be the biggest there has ever been.  From live music to food trucks to fireworks that will light up the town, be sure not to miss it!  Check out events to celebrate America’s birthday in Seneca County below.  

Tiffin, OH 

Date: Sunday, July 4th 

Location: Hedges-Boyer Park (491 Coe St. Tiffin, OH 44883)

Schedule: 

Food Vendors – All day 

Free Swimming and Pool Games – 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Live Music from Jake Heil and Bigfoot’s Brother – 6:00pm – 10:00pm 

Fireworks Display – 10:00pm (Rain out date is Monday, July 5)

Learn more at: http://www.tiffinohio.gov/city-of-tiffin-to-celebrate-fourth-of-july/

Fostoria, OH

Date: Saturday, July 3rd

Location: Foundation Park (1225 S Union St. Fostoria, OH 44830)

Schedule: 

Fireworks Display – Beginning at dusk  

Green Springs, OH 

Date:  Sunday, July 4th 

Location: Green Spring Community Park (499 E. County Road 113, Green Springs, OH 44836)

Schedule: 

Fireworks Display – Beginning at dusk 

* Know of other events happening the county that we may have missed?  Please contact Marisa Stephens at 567-220-6387. *

Every Friday this summer, Ironwood will be hosting a Party on the Patio! They will have the grill going with burgers and more, outdoor games available, drinks, and live entertainment.

The party starts at 5:00 pm, stop out after work or after a round of golf! Bring a friend and start the weekend off right with a night on the patio.

The live entertainment schedule is as follows: 

• 6/18 Char Pope
• 6/25 Mimi Johnston
• 7/2 Char Pope
• 7/9 Mimi Johnston
• 7/16 Char Pope
• 7/23 Mimi Johnston

Ironwood Steakhouse which features the Black Birch Bar is a Tiffin, Ohio restaurant and bar.  Ironwood Steakhouse and the Black Birch Bar are open to the public and welcome both walk-ins and reservations. To reserve a table you can call 419-447-8325 or reserve on OpenTable.  They create culinary innovations by preparing perfect cuts of tender steak, seafood and unique entrees in sync with their hand-picked wine and dessert menu. 

Locally owned, the owners make an amazing experience for each guest. The restaurant was completely renovated in July of 2017 when new ownership took over. The atmosphere is both elegant and inviting, providing an unforgettable experience for dinner, private events or on-site catered events.

Check out Ironwood and get a taste this summer at the Party on the Patio.  See you there! 

This Saturday’s Farmers Market will see the first children’s activities since before the pandemic. Activities will kick off this week with a bingo contest and coloring pages and will continue for the rest of the market season. Activities will include crafts, games, contests, education and more. Many local organizations are coming together to create family-friendly fun this season including Seneca County Common Ground, local churches, the SNAP educators of Seneca County’s OSU Extension office, the All Patriots Memorial group, and many others.

For the bingo contest this week, children are encouraged to visit different vendors and put a sticker on their card when they find the items listed on their card. All participants who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a small prize. Bingo sheets will be located at the Market Bank table. In the following months, a multitude of community organizations will come to the market to provide special activities for children. Some of these organizations include the SNAP Education leaders, from Seneca County’s OSU Extension Office. The SNAP Educators will be at the June 26, July 10, August 14, and September 11 markets and will be providing education, answering questions and engaging children with scavenger hunts. On September 11, the Tiffin Police and Fire All Patriots Memorial committee will be bringing supplies for people of all ages to make appreciation cards for soldiers, veterans and first responders. The Friends of the Tiffin Seneca Public Library also will be attending the fourth Saturday of each month. They have books available to take home for donation only. This book program is a great way for children to obtain new reading materials this summer.

The 2021 season of the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market continues this Saturday, June 12, 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.

The list of vendors for this week includes: Adah Glee’s Garden, Baked By Bells, Bella Cuisine, Bear Haven Bakers, Bella Cuisine, Buckeye Star Alpacas, Catawba Island Juice Co., Countryside Acres, Clayhill Organic, Countryside Acres, Creative Pottery, Drowns Produce, Hopes Landing, I Love Cupcakes, LB’s Ectilict Eats, Me and the Boys, Miss Cindy’s Cookies, Project Noelle, Put Your Name on it, Raizen Girls Cookies, Riehm Produce Farm, Roseleaf Flowers, Sister Jenna Fanbert, Smith Brothers Sweets, Spirit Space Gallery and Gifts, Subtle Verse Photography, and the Tiffin Lions Club.

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.

Seneca Caverns is open for the 2021 season and will now be operating seven days a week.  You can explore the Ohio registered natural landmark everyday from 9am – 7pm, with the last tour departing at 6pm.  No reservation is needed and the facility offers a one-hour guided tour of the cave, gem mining, a clean shaded picnic area, and a gift shop. 

Seneca Caverns is located in Bellevue, OH and is one of the area’s largest underground caverns, and one of America’s most fascinating geological wonders.  It was discovered in June of 1872 by two boys while they were hunting rabbits with their dog.  Their dog chased a rabbit into a brush pile, and then both disappeared.  When both boys went searching for their dog, the cave was discovered.  In 1931, Mr. Bell (owner of the cave) discovered a series of passageways and rooms not previously known to exist, which led to an underground river, which was the water table.  Following toe and a half year’s improvement efforts, Seneca Caverns was opened to the public on May 14th, 1933. 

Retained close to its original, natural, and wild state, this subterranean tour is a truly unique and educational experience you will always remember.  Stop in today! 

Go back in time at the Friends of the Old Northwest Rendezvous

Everyone is invited to take a break from present-day life and go back about 200 years.  Step through this portal of time by visiting the Friends of the Old Northwest Rendezvous. 

The Friends of the Old Northwest Rendezvous is a living history event that will take place from Saturday June 26th, 2021 to July, 1st 2021 at Miller Conservation Farm with operating hours from 10am – 4pm.  Visitors will be able to get a taste of life as it was lived when pioneers settled in Seneca County and Northwest Ohio.  You can spend a few hours walking the nature trails that Miller Conservation Farm has to offer, explore the nature area of Seneca Conversation District’s Proving Ground Farm, and make your way back to an encampment of white canvas tents and the smell of campfires. 

The Friends of the Old Northwest gather once a year to live a primitive lifestyle for ten days and travel from around the country and surrounding areas to participate.  This is the first time the Rendezvous will be hosted in Seneca County and will feature anywhere from 50 to 60 camps.  In addition to being able to ask questions about life pre 1840, visitors will also be able to witness archery, candle making, hawk and knives, shooting, and a blacksmith at work.  Participants will also be cooking at their camps, have hand-made furniture and candles available for purchase, and be dressed in the attire from that era. 

There is no cost to attend this living history event, but donations are accepted to help cover the costs of the event.  All are welcome, so be sure to go back in time while you can! 

Riehm Farm Gears Up for 2021 Roadside Stand Season Opener

Join Riehm Farm on Saturday June 5th, 2021 from 10am – 2pm to celebrate the season opening of their Roadside Stand. You can check out everything that Rhiem Farm has to offer while getting to experience other local vendors and businesses.

Businesses from around the area will have booths set up to help ring in the new season!  Purchase local and gather FREE samples from the following vendors who will be in attendance…

• Farmers Co-Op (Propane specials for Home Consumers in out area by Central Ohio Farmers Ohio) 
• Buckeye Star Alpacas (Alpaca Yarn and Clothes, Hardwood items made from Buckeye Star Alpaca Fiber) 
• Bella Cuisine Cooking & Catering (Homemade Cookies and Bread by Bella Cuisine) 
• Betsy’s Freshies 
• Subtle Verse (Inspirational Photography) 
• Salt & Light Botanicals (Homemade Goat Milk Soap) 
• Gracie’s Goodness (Homemade Treats) 
• Creative Pottery Tiffin (Handmade Pottery) 
• Farmer John from Riehm Produce Farm (Samples to try) 

During the season opener you can get your questions answered about Riehm Farm’s Weekly Veggie boxes and purchase their beef and pork cuts that can be customized so you can grab them from the freezer anytime.  

Riehm Farm has a five generation family legacy and has been growing produce since the mid 1950’s.  The roadside stand has grown to present day to include a wide variety of produce, fresh eggs, and cuts of frozen beef and pork.  

See you Saturday June 5th, 2021 from 10am – 2pm for an event that will be hard to “beet.”