ohio city run & crawl

The streets of Ohio City will be "crawling" with activity when Ohio City Inc. hosts the 8th Annual Ohio City Run & Crawl on Saturday, June 15.
 
The Ohio City Run & Crawl is a 5K nighttime run and post-race pubcrawl that shows off the artisan neighborhood in a unique light. The 3rd annual Ohio City Kid’s Dash -- a 130-meter dash for children aged 3-7 -- will be held in conjunction with the run.
 
“With support from many Ohio City establishments, we are excited to host the 8th annual Run & Crawl this Saturday,” shares Virginia Houston of Ohio City Inc. “This event is exciting for the neighborhood as it marries an active lifestyle with many of the celebrated restaurants in Ohio City.” 
 
At 7 p.m., the 5K race steps off from Market Square Park and continues on a course through the neighborhood. After attendees arrive back at Market Square Park, they are encouraged to hit neighborhood patios to celebrate a race well run. Official Crawl stops are listed on the back of participants' complimentary t-shirts.
 
The Kid’s Dash, sponsored by Near West Family Network and Near West Intergenerational School, starts at 6:30 p.m., with kids running a 130-meter dash with Run & Crawl attendees cheering them on from the start line.
 
Registration fees are $25 per person and $10 for the Kid’s Dash. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and post-race refreshments. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners overall and to the top male and female runners in various age groups.
 
All proceeds benefit Ohio City Inc.
 
Please visit here for more information and to sign up.

wildlife photographer of the year

BBC Wildlife Magazine founded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 1965, and in 1984 the Museum of Natural History in London joined forces to create the competition as it is known today. 
 
Now, thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, visitors can experience the splendor of the natural world through this collection of amazing photographs. The exhibit opened in early June and will run until September 15.
 
"In Wildlife Photographer of the Year, you are seeing the absolute cream of the crop of nature photography from around the world culled from over 48,000 entries,” shares director of exhibits Joel Alpern.
 
The exhibit features a wealth of awe-inspiring images that capture everything from fascinating animal behavior to breathtaking wild landscapes. It showcases the top 100 images from the 2012 competition, which drew from 98 countries around the world.
 
“What makes this exhibition so special is that it is open to anyone -- from professional photographers to amateur shutterbugs to a child with a camera and a discerning eye,” Alpern continues.
 
During the selection process, judges from around the world selected the winning entrees based upon three criteria: creativity, artistry, and technical complexity. The winning entries represent 28 countries worldwide.
 
“It amazes me to discover new and startling moments that have never been seen before,” said Jim Brandenburg, chair of the panel. “Secret moments in nature combined with a talented eye have given us rare photographs that will truly be enjoyed forever.” 
 
“One of my personal favorites, Caught in the Act, is from the 10 years and under category," explains Alpern. "It shows a fox emerging from a hen house with the most innocent of expressions -- and a mouth full of feathers to boot!"
 
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit is free with CMNH admission.

pitmen painters

“I am absolutely thrilled and amazed that we have been playing to mostly sold-out houses since we opened,” remarks acclaimed director Sarah May. “I should have known that Clevelanders always love to cheer for an underdog.”
 
Having opened on May 31, and running through July 7 at the Beck Center for the Arts in the intimate Studio Theater, The Pitmen Painters details a true story about a group of British coal miners whose lives were transformed by an art class.
 
Tony Award-winning author Lee Hall writes this comical play inspired by the book from William Feayer about the Ashington Group, a crew of Northern England coal miners who took an art appreciation class and became overnight sensations in the art world.
 
“This is a remarkable true story that reaffirms my belief that art can change lives,” continues May. “I am thrilled to be working with an excellent cast that is committed to be honoring these hard-working blokes who discovered their potential through the stroke of a paintbrush."
 
“Somehow Lee Hall's funny and charming play, like his film Billy Elliot, really appeals to our audiences,” May concludes. “Patrons just love watching this clueless bunch of working stiffs change before their very eyes as their world opens up and they blossom into real artists.”
 
Admission is $28 for adults, $25 for seniors (65 and older), and $15 for student with valid I.D. Tickets may be purchased here.
 
Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. 
 
Please be advised The Pitmen Painters contains brief nudity.

cleveland wine festival

Wine lovers can rejoice as it is once again time for the Cleveland Wine Festival, set for Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 at Voinovich Bicentennial Park in downtown Cleveland.
 
“This relaxed wine tasting event is designed not only for the novice wine consumer just learning about wine, but also for the experienced wine drinker looking for new, exciting brands,” shares festival organizer Scott Janess. “Festival guests can take advantage of the intimate setting to interact firsthand with wine experts while enjoying the dramatic downtown skyline and Cleveland’s lakefront.”
 
This year’s festival will offer samples of more than 350 wines from around the world (including Ohio) as well as award winning beers. Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to interact face to face with wine makers, gain knowledge, and celebrate wine, food, music, and friends at this two-day popular event.
 
Beer lovers will enjoy informative presentations while sampling Belgian beers at the Best of Belgium Tour presented by Stella Artois. Hoegaaeden, Leffe Blonde and Leffe Brune will also be represented. Belgian Master Beer Sommelier Mark Stroobandt will be on hand with interactive seminars that instruct attendees on food and beer pairing, pouring techniques, and the importance of using the correct glassware.
 
Tasting tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, 12 tastings (additional tasting coupons may be purchased at the festival), food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment from Lloyd Dobler Effect, and wine discounts.
 
Designated driver tickets are $10 (in advance and at the door) and include two non-alcoholic drinks and a souvenir wine glass upon departure. Purchase advanced tasting and designated driver tickets here.
 
Visitors under 21 are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult.
 
A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, which supports finding a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), widely known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
 
“The festival is truly a celebration of wine, beer, food, music and friends,” Janess adds.
 
The festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about all aspects of the event please visit here.