With school right around the corner for Northeast Ohio’s young people, this week’s Fresh Start looks to the primary colors for inspiration. First, paint the town red with a family friendly public arts happening and fundraiser. Then, pedal off to the Cuyahoga Valley for an eyeful of green from Valley View to Peninsula. Last, if you’re feeling the blues, Ohio City has all shades of it this weekend. All the events land on the same day, but with a little ingenuity, any Fresh Starter could mix things up for some bright new local colors.
Emerald Keepsakes
Hands down, one of the biggest jewels in this region’s “Emerald Necklace” is the Ohio & Erie Canalway. The “heritage greenway” is beloved by cyclists, who are known to spend large tracts of summer pedaling its wealth. If you’ve never done so before, we suggest Cycle Canalway. The event this Saturday, August 21 offers the opportunity for new and existing bike enthusiasts a chance to connect and ride 16-, 24- or 38-mile passages through the green, with a Cuyahoga Valley train ride to boot. Riders start at Quaker Steak & Lube in Valley View at 8 am, with each of the segments involving lunch, entertainment, a cool keepsake T-shirt and more. Note to ‘rents: “towed” children are free.
Landmarks Art
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve’s third annual Color Me Cleveland is an annual public art fundraiser, featuring a stable of well-known and promising artists creating art at landmark C-town locales. During August, artists have entertained onlookers by creating works for AAWR that will be auctioned, starting today, Monday, August 16 and through the week. The effort culminates with a Gala Celebration this Saturday, August 21, starting at 5:30 pm. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served while guests contemplate bids for “preserving Ohio’s visual art and art history.” Tickets can be ordered here, or at the door the night of… assuming they’re still available then. Call 216-721-9020 for more details.
Wendy’s Got the Blues
If your mood is indigo, The Ohio City Blues Fest is a must-do this weekend. A great neighborhood event, this all-day music shindig pairs hot regional blues music with cool local brews, great roots music-inspired food from Fat Fish Blue and more. Wendy Park on Whiskey Island hosts the annual event on Saturday, August 21 from 4-11 pm. This year’s lineup features the Real Deal Blues Band, Memphis Cradle, Frankie Starr, Wallace Coleman and Austin “Walkin’ Cane” (pictured). We can’t help but think a slate of supercool blues acts, nestled on the coast of Lake Erie, on one of the lakefront’s premier spots is about as good as it gets for a Saturday night.
