clickbait250Made you click!  But seriously, if you’re a resident or just in town for a couple of days, here are nine terrific, family-friendly events we hope you’ll enjoy.

64th Annual Mentor Headlands 4th of July Parade
12-1 PM. Parade route will be running from Forest Drive and east onto Garden Drive turning north onto Corduroy Road ending at the Mentor Headlands Community Center located at 9096 Lake Overlook.

Fourth of July Fireworks
Lake County’s biggest and best display will take place over Civic Center Park at 9:50 PM on the Fourth of July. Click here for parking, traffic and other event details.  Free event.

Mentor Rocks
Civic Center Park rocks every Tuesday night from 7 – 9 PM as the best in local music takes the stage. Free admission and parking. Food vendors. Beer garden. Contests and activities. Complete details at www.mentorrocks.info.

July 5 – Victory Highway (Rock & Country)
July 12 – Post Road (Today’s Country)
July 19 – Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute)
July 26 – Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd Tribute)

Mentor Farmer’s Market
Shop under the trees at Garfield Park Fridays from 2 – 6:30 PM. Over 30 vendors are on hand offering the best in farm-to-table freshness as well as crafts and more. Vendor list, directions and additional details at www.mentorfarmersmarket.com. (No market July 1st)

Headlands BeachFest
The ULTIMATE Beach Party will be held at Headlands Beach State Park on July 16th from 11 AM to 7 PM. BeachFest features an all day schedule of activities and entertainment. Five master sand sculptors. Precision kite displays.  Kids activities. Interactive displays. 12 food trucks. 20+ crafts vendors. Live music and much, much, more!  www.headlandsbeachfest.com

Garfield Gallop
Maybe the most fun you’ll have at a 5K this summer. To be held on July 24th at the James A Garfield National Historic Site.  Participants will receive a free t-shirt, commemorative bib, custom participation medal and a beard in honor of President Garfield.  Plus, participants and guests will have free access to the Garfield home immediately following the race. Take part in some hometown history and have some fun with a couple hundred of your bearded friends. Registration is just $20. Details and registration at www.garfieldgallop.com

Shakespeare in the Park
Enjoy the traditional works of William Shakespeare on July 24th on the scenic grounds of Wildwood Cultural Center with this professional production from the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. Free admission. Vendors will be onsite for food and beverages. Bring a lawn chair. Two presentations!

11 AM – As You Like It (Youth Production)
4 PM – Twelfth Night

Christmas in July
The annual Christmas in July party will be held on July 25th from 1-2 PM at Garfield Pool and features specials games, prizes and a visit from Santa! Free with regular pool admission.

Matt Henk Memorial Softball Tournament
Matt was a career Firefighter/Paramedic with Mentor Fire Department from 2000 to 2009 who passed away from cancer. This tournament honors his memory and service. Hundreds of ballplayers and their families from across the region come to Mentor each year for this great event. Learn more at www.matthenkfoundation.net.

Learn more about these and other great events by visiting our calendar.