Fun so hot it’s cool…
Whether you’re into basking in the hot summer sun (maybe a day at the zoo or at one of the local county fairs), or looking to stay cool inside (maybe at the Toledo Museum of Art or at Imagination Station), there are plenty of ways to pass the August days away.

Ongoing:
Through Sept. 18: Watch and Wager on Live Harness Racing, Raceway Park, 5700 Telegraph Rd., Toledo, 7 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. www.racewayparktoledo.com or 419-476-7751.

Through Sept. 18: Bodies Revealed exhibition, Imagination Station, One Discovery Way, downtown Toledo. Featuring real human bodies meticulously prepared and respectfully displayed. www.imaginationstationtoledo.com.

Friday Night Auto Racing, ARCA/Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Rd., Toledo. Gates at 5 p.m.; trials at 6:15 p.m.; racing at 7:30 p.m. www.arcaracing.com or 419-737-1100.

Through Jan. 29, 2012: Civil War: Battlefield & Homefront, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Hayes & Buckland, Fremont. The exhibit interprets the war years using the letters of Northwest Ohio residents who served in the war and those who stayed behind. For hours & info, call 419-332-2081 or visit www.rbhayes.org.

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Toledo Museum of Art – Various exhibits at the museum, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo:

Through-Aug. 7: What’s Wrong with Me? Art and Disease, Hitchcock Gallery. Is disease limited to a particular pathogen invading an unwitting host? Or can it be understood as a social construction arising from a complex series of factors? Art history students at the University of Toledo selected works from the TMA collection and designed this exhibition that explores the relationships between art, disease, and human civilization.

Aug 26-Sept. 25: 93rd Annual Toledo Area Artists Exhibition, Canaday Gallery. A juried show featuring works by 65 artists.

Through Jan. 8, 2012: “The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb” Exhibit, Lower Level Egyptian Gallery, Main Museum. TMA’s popular mummies return to public view for this exploration of ancient Egyptian beliefs about life and the afterlife.

August
Aug. 1: Spider Quest White Star-Doug Haubert Wetland, 1330 CR 66, Gibsonburg, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Trek along and learn how spiders are different from insects. Free Ohio Spider Field Guides available. Bring small nets and magnifying lenses. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 2-8: Wood County Fair, Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. Featuring Chris Young & Steel Magnolia, demolition derby and more. www.woodcounty-fair.com.

Aug. 3: Bob Dylan, Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, 2700 Broadway, Toledo, 7:30 p.m. 800-745-3000.

Aug. 3: Verandah Concert, featuring The Toledo Swiss Singers, Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 6:45-8 p.m. Concert is preceded by an ice cream social. Free. 800-998-PRES or www.rbhayes.org.

Aug. 4: Downtown Walking Tour, noon-1 p.m., downtown Toledo. Visit Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza (415 Emerald St.-Meet at Amtrak Station on lower level). Free. 419-530-3591.

Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25: Jazz in the Garden, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy cool jazz in the lush garden setting Thursday evenings throughout the summer. www.toledogarden.org or 419-536-5566.

Aug. 5: Happy Together Tour, Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial, Sylvania, 7:30 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com.

Aug. 5-7: Smoke on the Water Ribs for the Red Cross, Promenade Park, Water Street, downtown Toledo. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sample mouth-watering BBQ ribs from vendors while helping the American Red Cross. www.ribs4redcross.com.

Aug. 6: Fremont Speedway Burger King Night, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, corner of Rawson & North St., Fremont. Gates open at 4 p.m.; racing starts at 7 p.m. 410 sprints, 305 sprints & dirt trucks with stocks. www.fremontspeedway.com or 419-332-0478.

Aug. 6: Stargazing, Wolf Creek Park Campground, 2701 SR 53, Fremont, sunset. All ages are welcome to view the night sky with telescopes set up by Sandusky Valley Amateur Astronomers. www.sanduskycounty.org.

Aug. 6-7: 28th Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale, Sauder Village, 22611 SR 2, Archbold. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 800-590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

Aug. 6: Dance Party with Eddie & the Edsels, Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial, Sylvania, 7 p.m.-midnight. Featuring the hardest working oldies band in Ohio. $10 at the door. www.sylvaniarecreation.com.

Aug. 6-7: Arts in the Park, Lakeview Park, E. Perry St., Port Clinton. Over 125 vendors display their works in the park. 419-797-3313.

Aug. 7: Arts in the Garden, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring art for sale, entertainment, arts & crafts for all ages and more. Free and open to the public. www.toledogarden.org.

Aug. 10: Lady Antebellum Concert, (rescheduled from July 15), Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, 2700 Broadway, Toledo, 7:30 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com.

Aug. 10: Puddle Jumpers: Beach Party, White Star Park, 925 S. Main St, Gibsonburg, 10 a.m. Ages 5 and under with an adult companion are invited to splish and splash with games and activities on the beach with naturalist Linda Rose. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 11-14: 28th Annual Northwest Ohio Rib-Off by Yark Automotive, Lucas Co. Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. A pure taste of hog heaven. In addition to ribs, the event offers children’s activities and a slab of smokin’ good entertainment provided by a number of the area’s best bands. www.dotoledo.org.

Aug. 11: Downtown Walking Tour, noon-1 p.m., downtown Toledo. Visit Extreme Restoration-The Casey Pomeroy House (Meet at 802 Huron St.). Free. 419-530-3591.

Aug. 12: Music in the Park concert featuring Sleek Brothers Band, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friendship Park, 27975 Cummings Rd. Hot dogs, brats, root beer floats & soft drinks available. In the event of rain, concert will be held in the township hall.

Aug. 12-14: Ohio’s South of the Border Festival, Perrysburg Heights Community Park, 12282 Jefferson St. (off SR 25), Perrysburg. Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat. 2 p.m.-midnight. Food, dancing, rides & games, raffles, kids’ games. Free parking & shuttle from Perrysburg High School. www.myspace.com/ohiosouthoftheborder.

Aug. 12, 13 & 14: Moonlight Canoeing, Sandusky Co. Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place, Fremont, 8 p.m. Perfect for couples; registration with a partner required. Open to ages 18 and over. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 13: Fremont Speedway JHL Construction Night, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, corner of Rawson & North St. Gates open at 4 p.m.; racing starts at 7 p.m. www.fremontspeedway.com or 419-332-0478.

Aug. 14: AAA Classic Car & Truck Show, AAA Northwest Ohio, 7150 W. Central Ave., Toledo, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. www.AAA.com.

Aug. 16: Sensory Hike, White Star Trail by the Tracks, 4899 CR 65, Gibsonburg, 11:a.m.-12:30 p.m., Come and compare your sense of smell, touch, and hearing to those of our native wildlife. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 17: Meet Me at the Cabin: Soap-Making, White Star Log Cabin, 5013 CR 65, Gibsonburg, 5 p.m. Join Naturalist Linda Rose and learn the basics of cold process soap making and make some to take home. All ages welcome. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 17-20: 15th Annual Rug Hooking Exhibition, Sauder Village, 22611 SR 2, Archbold. Highlights include hundreds of rugs on display, a featured guest teacher, rug-hooking demonstrations, workshops & vendor booths. www.saudervillage.org or 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 17-20: Pemberville Free Fair, Memorial Park, Pemberville. One of the last free fairs in Ohio, includes two parades and offers the usual mix of animals, flowers, produce, quilts, needlework, bingo, hobbies and food. www.pembervillefair.org.

Aug. 17: Verandah Concert, featuring the North Coast Big Band, Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 6:45-8 p.m. Concert is preceded by an ice cream social. Free. 800-998-PRES or www.rbhayes.org.

Aug. 18: Downtown Walking Tour, noon-1 p.m., downtown Toledo. Discover Major Oliver’s House (27 Broadway St. (Meet in the Maumee Bay Brewing parking lot). Free. 419-530-3591.

Aug. 19-21: National Tractor Pulling Championships, Wood County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green. www.pulltown.com.

Aug. 20: The Green Bay Packaging Dog Days of Summer, downtown Fremont, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Furry friends are invited to join dog owners at the monthly Farmer’s Market. Pet fashion show, contests, groomers, pet supplies & trainers. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Aug. 19-20: Taste of Maumee/Maumee Summer Fair, Uptown Maumee. Taste of Maumee Fri. evening & all day Sat.; Street Fair & arts & crafts Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; live bands Sat. 5-11 p.m.; Kids’ Fun Zone Fri. 5-9 p.m. & Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Lot Party (adults), 5-11 p.m. Fri. & Sat. www.maumeesummerfair.com.

Aug. 20: Lake Erie Waterfowlers Festival, Magee Marsh, 13229 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Duck calling, retriever trials, decoy contest, fishing pond and vendors. www.friendsofmageemarsh.org.

Aug. 20-21: 7th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair, the Town Center at Levis Commons, Perrysburg. More than 125 artists and artisans will take part in this juried fair that will feature jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, photography, fiber and more. Free admission & parking. www.theguild.org.

Aug. 20-21: 37th Annual Birmingham Ethnic Festival, Consaul Street between Front and Milford in Toledo’s Birmingham neighborhood. A weekend in the Old Country! www.birminghamethnicfestival.org.

Aug. 20-21: Life In Early Ohio (formerly Frontier Skills Weekend), Fort Meigs State Memorial, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg. A blast from the past featuring blacksmithing, coopering and other lost skills, with a special emphasis on Native American skills. www.fortmeigs.org.

Aug. 20 & 27: Downtown Oak Harbor Farmer’s Market, Flat Iron Park, corner of SR 163 & Benton St., 8 a.m.-noon. 419-898-0479.

Aug. 21: 55th Annual Halupki Festival, Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, 114 E. Main St., Marblehead, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Divine liturgy at 9:30 a.m., followed by halupki & ham dinner. Refreshments, raffles, craft vendors, church tours & more.

Aug. 22, 24 & 27: Canoe 101, White Star Quarry, 901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg. Learn how to enter & exit a canoe, paddling techniques & safety. Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet and sandy. Open to ages 10 and up. Bring a lifejacket for ages 13 and younger; jackets will be provided for all others. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 23-29: Sandusky Co. Fair, Sandusky County Fairgrounds, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. www.sanduskycountyfair.com.

Aug. 25: Downtown Walking Tour, noon-1 p.m., downtown Toledo. The Huntington Center Arena (meet at the corner of Jefferson Ave. & Huron St.) $2 per person. 419-530-3591.

Aug. 25-27: ESPN Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open Tournament 2011, Lake Erie, Sandusky. The popular tournament features three qualifying series in a Southern, Central and Northern Division. Bassmaster.com.

Aug. 26-28: German-American Festival, Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon. Northwest Ohio’s oldest ethnic festival featuring non-stop music & entertainment. Shop at the Import Haus, dance or watch the stone-throwing contest. Enjoy traditional and modern German music, German-American foods and baked goods, continuous entertainment, a children’s Hummel look-alike contest, live glockenspiel, soccer games, free parking, children’s rides, Volkswagen raffle. http://www.gafsociety.org.

Aug. 27: Barbershop Sing, 1 p.m.-midnight, Sauder Village, 22611 SR 2, Archbold. An annual event combining barbershop music & baseball. www.saudervillage.org.

Aug. 27: Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Sandusky Co. Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place, Fremont, 1 p.m. Help local researcher Tom Kashmer with Monarch migration studies by netting, tagging and releasing butterflies. Nets and instructions provided. Open to age 6 and up. Registration required. 1-888-200-5577.

Aug. 30: Classic Car Show, downtown Genoa, 5-8 p.m. Cars and `50s and `60s music by Zeake and his Oldies Machine. 419-855-4170 or genoachamber.com.

September
Sept. 3-5: Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power, Inc. (S.C.R.A.P.) 23rd Antique Tractor & Engine Show, White Star Park, SR 300, a mile south of Gibsonburg. Displays of antique tractors, engines, cars, trucks, motorcycles and farm equipment, demonstrations, live entertainment, food, a large flea market and more. s-c-r-a-p-inc.org.

Sept. 3-4: 75h Annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi & Polka Festival, Knights of Columbus, 109 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. Free polka lessons Sat. at 5 p.m., pierogi-eating contest 4 p.m. Sun. 419-373-3743.

Sept. 3-5: Milan Melon Festival, Village Square, Milan. Rides, games, contests, antique car show & live entertainment. Milanmelonfestival.org or 419-499-3254.

Sept. 4: Butterfly and Bug Festival, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. Visit Nature’s Neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of fun dedicated to little creatures that creep, crawl, float and flutter plus crafts and activities. www.toledozoo.org or 419-385-4040.

For more events, be sure to visit www.presspublications.com, www.do-toledo.org, www.lake-erie.com or www.lakeeriesfavoriteneighbor.com. Submit event information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Doll enthusiasts from across the country will be gathering in Archbold Aug. 6 & 7 for the 28th annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show and Sale at Sauder Village.

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