Memorial Day weekend gateway to summer fun
May 27—Memorial Day weekend serves as both a time to remember the sacrifices of veterans throughout the nation's history, and also a long weekend for friends to get together and set the pace for an active summer.
While services are scheduled throughout the county today, area residents got a head start on the summer fun part throughout the area this weekend.
One of the places the tourists and locals gathered Saturday was the Bum Boat, docked on the Ashtabula River across from Sutherland Marine in Ashtabula.
Four friends dropped by the boat on a small rubber raft to grab a beverage and enjoy some sun. "I've been coming here on Memorial Day weekend for 25 or 30 years," said Bill Woodley of McDonald.
Kat Thorr, manager of the Bum Boat, said Saturday drew a nice crowd, as the warm weather heated up interest in being near the water after a mid-morning storm hit the area.
Thorr said a pontoon boat is going to be available for tours along the Ashtabula River and a food truck is expected to be opened by the end of June.
She said the boat was built in the 1950s, and serves traveling customers like a drive through. Thorr said some kayakers came by for a cool drink while touring the river.
The dockage area around the boat has grown with numerous charter boats docked adjacent to the Bum Boat, Thorr said.
Early on Saturday morning, hundreds of people checked out the merchandise at a "Fat Sally's" event in Ashtabula Harbor.
"It's definitely a kick off to the summer. We always have it on Memorial Day weekend," said Cory Nagle, who owns the business with his wife Amy Nagle.
Seventy vendors were on hand for the event, which was scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Amy Nagle said there was a huge turnout, and many shoppers were there before the 8:30 a.m. opening.
Kirsten Boczar, of Jefferson, was already leaving with a purchase just before 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. "[I'm] always coming looking for random things, little treasures," she said.
The event is the first of a number planned at Fat Sally's throughout the summer and fall.
Geneva-on-the-Lake got things rolling on Mother's Day weekend with a parade, but GOTL Mayor Dwayne Bennett said Memorial Day weekend is when almost all the businesses are open and ready for the summer.
Area residents were also prepping for cookouts throughout the weekend, and families of graduates were celebrating big accomplishments with their children about ready to take on the world.
Other people were sprucing up grave sites in preparation for Memorial Day, where many will visit their loved ones resting place on Monday. Ceremonies are planned at cemeteries in small townships, and parades in larger cities.
Some honor guards expect to do five to 10 events on Monday morning.
