Ottawa County Day in Lakeside

Lakeside Chautauqua is opening its gates and offering free admission and parking to Ottawa County and Kelleys Island residents on Thursday, July 27 from 5-10 p.m.

That evening, the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Daniel Meyer, will present a family concert at 7 p.m. in Hoover Auditorium; the perfect opportunity to introduce children of all ages to this unique cultural arts experience on Lake Erie.

The concert, titled “Our Amazing Earth,” celebrates Earth’s natural resources through orchestral music. Local science educator Matt Kovach joins the show to share information about resources found on the Lake Erie shore. Families can expect to hear classics like “This Land is Your Land” and the main theme from the movie “Jurassic Park.”

Prior to the performance at 6 p.m., there will be children’s activities to learn about the unique sounds of the instruments and the role they play within the orchestra. There will be music-themed games, art projects, a group mural, a music video station and an instrument petting zoo to learn more about the sounds of the symphony.

The Lakeside Symphony Orchestra has provided beautiful music memories for 60 years. This summer’s concert series spans three weeks from July 27-August 11, featuring performances for all ages, extraordinarily talented guest artists and new opportunities to share the love of music and the symphony.

In addition to this cultural arts experience, Ottawa County and Kelleys Island residents may take advantage of other Chautauqua programming in Lakeside, including shuffleboard, pickleball, tennis, swimming at the dock, parks and playgrounds, a nature/walking trail and a Roman Catholic Mass at 6:30 p.m. at the Train Station.

To obtain free admission and parking to Lakeside from 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 27, Ottawa County and Kelleys Island residents must present a valid driver’s license at the Fifth Street or South Gate entrances after 5 p.m.