The Fairport Mardi Gras has long been a Fourth of July tradition in Lake County.
As a kid I would hop a boat ride from Ram Island Boat Club to the Mardi Gras, often climbing off the boat onto the inner harbor breakwall and walking to the festival. Times have changed and boating is just a fond memory.
If you are a veteran, it does not matter how you get there.
But make it a point to go when the Mardi Gras will honor veterans beginning at noon July 4.
A ceremony honoring veterans will start at 12:30 p.m., with
members of veterans groups participating in the presentation of colors, music and an honor guard.
All veterans and their families will be treated to free hot dogs, chips and souvenir bottled water. Mardi Gras vendors will offer food and drink specials throughout the day.
July 4 is a day to celebrate the country and the freedoms we all enjoy. It is also a time to thank those who fought for those freedoms.

Young Marines looking 
for additional staff
The Greater Lake County Young Marines is looking for additional staff members. A few staff positions are available and need to be filled.
If you enjoy working with kids and want to help mold the future leaders of America, we need you.
Prior service in any branch of the military is preferred, but not necessary.
Female volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested, download an application at www.glcyoungmarines.org.
A background check and references are required as part of the application process.
For questions or more information, email xo@glcyoungmarines.org.

AMVETS offer free membership
AMVETS Perry Post 1971, Eastlake Post 946 and Willoughby Post 942 are offering free membership to any veteran who signs up through July 7.
For details, call the post at 440-259-5131.

Catholic War Veterans 
membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 will host a membership and poppy drive at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, which runs July 10-13 on the church grounds in Mentor.
Membership requires that a member be a practicing Catholic and an honorably discharged or active duty veteran.
Associate membership requires the member to be a practicing Catholic and have a direct relative or family member who served honorably in this country’s military.
For details about membership, contact Ken Kirchner, second vice commander at http://post1959.cwv.org/

Legion Riders host 
Fifth Annual Pig Roast
American Legion Riders Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, is getting ready for its fifth annual Pig Roast beginning at 2 p.m. July 12 at the post.
Tickets are $15 per person and serving will begin at 3 p.m. There will be a live band, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle.
For more information, call Tom Tamborski at 440-724-6871.

Summer craft and vendor 
show at AMVETS post
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a summer craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at the post home.
There will be more than 20 crafters and vendors offering a variety of items for sale.
The event also will include a Chinese raffle. For more information, call Cody Hall, AMVETS Post 40 second vice, at 440-381-2997.

Summer picnic dinner 
free to veterans
A veterans hospitality dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. July 16 at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland.
The free dinner will be a summer picnic-style meal with barbecue, salads, beans and desserts. This is a free dinner for veterans and their families.
Please register at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com to assure adequate food.

Korean era featured at air show
Gathering of Eagles XVIII Air Show will be July 19-20 at Lost Nation Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby. This year, the show will feature “Korea — the Forgotten War,” with many aircraft of that era.
Tickets are $13 per person, $25 for couples, and children ages 4 through 12 years of age will be admitted for $7.
Proceeds of the show benefit the restoration of the last known restorable-to-flight B-29 “Doc.”
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20.

Color Guard hosts garage sale
The Color Guard of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 24-26 at the post home.
Space is available in the pavilion and outdoors.
For more information, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Chinese auction at Chardon post
The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 at the post home. All are welcome.
For more information, call the post home at 440-285-3699.

D-Day re-enactment in Conneaut
D-Day Conneaut will return Aug. 22-23 to Conneaut Township Park to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
The event is free and open to the public. Conneaut Township Park is located off of Interstate 90 (Exit 241) halfway between Cleveland and Erie.
D-Day Conneaut offers free parking and shuttles.
For details, visit www.ddayohio.us.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.