Geauga Happenings

May 7, 2026 by Staff Report

Route 66 Centennial Program

May 7, 6-7 p.m.

A program celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 will be held at the Burton Public Library, 14588 W. Park St., Burton.

Presented by the Victor Samalot Duo, the program will feature live music, storytelling and historical insights exploring the legacy of the iconic highway.

The event is free and open to the public.

For information, call 440-834-4466 or visit burtonlibrary.org.

PGC Plant Sale

May 9, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland will hold its annual plant sale, rain or shine, in the parking lot of Chester Town Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, where admission and parking are free. There will be a large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, house plants, herbs and annuals available for purchase. Plant sale attendees can also shop the “Garden Shed” and “Boutique” for unique home and garden items. Cash, credit card and check are accepted.

Saturdays in the Country

May 9, 12-6 p.m.

Saturdays in the Country will return to Burton Square, offering a vendor-focused event featuring unique shopping and locally made goods.

Sponsored by the Burton Chamber of Commerce, the event provides an opportunity to explore local artisans and find one-of-a-kind items in a relaxed, community setting.

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is serving chicken wing dinners every Wednesday in May at the canteen located at 752 Water St. The public is welcome. Call 440-285-3699 for carryout orders.

Genealogical Society Meets

May 12, 6:30 p.m.

The Geauga County Genealogical Society will meet at the Chardon Library for “Tell Ancestral Stories that their Descendants will Love,” with Sunny Morton, editor of the National Genealogical Society Magazine. The program begins at 7 p.m. following social time and a brief business meeting.

Preregistration is required at www.gcgsoh.org.

Herb and Plant Sale

May 15 and 16

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society is holding its annual herb and plant sale at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Hours are 1-3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Proceeds help to rebuild and maintain the Tea House and raised bed gardens at the library. For more information, visit chagrinvalleyherbsociety.org.

KIA Memorial Ceremony

May 15, 6 p.m.

A KIA Memorial Dedication Ceremony will be held, rain or shine, at the Geauga County Courthouse on Chardon Square to honor fallen service members.

The ceremony will recognize the addition of Staff Sgt. Sean G. Landrus, killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher H. Thibodeau, killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom. The event also will pay tribute to all Geauga County service members who have given their lives from World War I to the present.

The program will include opening remarks, a guest speaker, a KIA roll call, wreath-laying and taps.

Veterans, Gold Star families and community members are invited to attend. For information, call 440-279-1860.

Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour

May 16, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Destination Geauga’s 22nd annual Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour will return, inviting participants to explore 25 stops across Geauga County, including local shops, eateries, farms and historic landmarks.

The self-guided tour offers sales, giveaways, coupons and live demonstrations throughout the day. Participants can collect stamps at each stop, with those visiting at least 10 locations eligible for prize drawings. Guests taking a selfie at each stop will also receive raffle tickets for a special drawing.

The event aligns with America 250 celebrations and concludes with a grand finale from 2:45-4 p.m. at Adam Hall, 11455 Washington St., Auburn Township, featuring refreshments and prize drawings. All tour maps must be validated by 4 p.m. and participants must be present to claim prizes.

For more information and the list of participating businesses, visit www.destinationgeauga.com or call Kathy at 440-632-1538

Bloom & Browse Market

May 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ohman Family Living at Briar will host Bloom & Browse, a free outdoor green market, at 14820 N. State St., Middlefield.

The event will feature more than 20 local vendors offering flowers, handcrafted goods, artisan breads, specialty coffee, natural skincare and more, along with a food truck and live demonstrations. Vendor booths will include plants, handmade items, specialty foods and garden-related goods.

The market is part of Briar’s community engagement series. Cottage tours of The Cottages at Briar will be available during the event.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For information, contact Kristin Wallace at 440-261-4808 or visit ohmanfamilyliving.com.

Blessing of the Hot Rods

May 17, 10:30-11 a.m.

Mayfield Church invites riders, drivers and automotive enthusiasts to a special Blessing of the Hot Rods, held between services, in the west parking lot located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township

The event offers the community an opportunity to come together in celebration of a shared passion for the open road. Participants are encouraged to bring their vehicles as the church offers a blessing for safety, protection and guidance for the upcoming riding season.

Polka-Style Worship, Picnic and Concert

May 31

The Chardon Polka Band will lead a lively polka-style worship service at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon, beginning with coffee and donuts at 9:30 a.m.

Following the worship service from 10-11 a.m., a free picnic-style lunch will be provided by members of Celebration from 11 a.m. to noon., and the Chardon Polka Band will present a free concert in the sanctuary from 12-1 p.m. Activities for children will be available.

Monetary donations will be accepted during the worship service and concert to benefit Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance based in Painesville.

For more information, contact Paul at 440-897-0121.