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Media releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS Dennis E. Eckart • Ellen Foley Kessler • Frank J. Polivka
	HorseFest Lake Metroparks Farmpark May 19 & 20 • 9 am to 5 pm Click here for more information
	Working Dog Weekend Lake Metroparks Farmpark June 9 & 10 • 9 am to 5 pm Click here for more information
	Spring Art Show Woven from Nature Penitentiary Glen Reservation March 10 - May 13, 2012 • 9 am to 5 pm Click here for more information
	Registration for Summer Day Camps: Underway for Lake County residents Open registration begins March 8 Click here for more information
	2012 Picnic Shelter Reservations Click here for more information
Other Media releases

Discover the magical beauty of the horse during

KIRTLAND – The magical beauty of the horse is yours to discover during HorseFest at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Meet more than 20 breeds of horses of all shapes and sizes at HorseFest including Clydesdales, Belgians, Friesians, Miniatures, and the gentle giant Percheron draft horses. Throughout the event, get up close and personal and meet these breeds and many more at Showman's Circle. Saddle up for family fun during HorseFest - presented by Schneider’s – at Farmpark May 19 and 20. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.

FEATURED PRESENTER

Hear and feel the thunder of 24 hooves as six mighty Percheron draft horses enter the arena driven by Sam Rettinger.

For more than 30 years, Sam and his grandfather have owned and operated "Whispery Pines Percheron" in Kingsville, Ohio. They are very active in the draft horse show circuit, traveling to ten different shows per year from Pennsylvania Michigan, and the Ohio State Fair. Locally, they show in the Jefferson, Great Geauga County, and Lake County fairs.

EQUINE PRESENTATIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EXHIBITS

At HorseFest, experience the splendor and versatility of the horse, and discover how they have been used throughout history. Get a hands-on appreciation for the horse at HorseFest. Young horse lovers can meet, groom, and drive miniature horses and learn the art of roping. Pony rides are available for an additional fee. All ages can experience the power of a draft horse as you take the reins and drive through the field, with staff supervision (10 am and 4:15 pm both days).

Jumping demonstration by Maypine Farm (Saturday Only)

Learn about various techniques of horse jumping in this exciting presentation. Maypine Farm is a locally owned, national/international hunter-jumper show and school stable.

General’s Horse Guards Cavalry Squadron

The mastery of weapons proficiency can mean the difference between life and death, victory and defeat. A skill-at-arms competition will be demonstrated by The Governor General’s Horse Guards Cavalry Squadron . This skill is a basic requirement for all members. Skill-at-arms competitions are a way of encouraging excellence within the unit while skill-at-arms demonstrations are a way of engaging the public support.

Janet Tenney, along with her beautiful Spanish Lusitanos will present a Baroque managé. The Lusitanos are often considered the most romantic looking animals because of their flowing mane & tail and noble confirmation. The term Baroque generally describes the descendants of athletic war horses in the Middle Ages, with muscular hindquarters an arched neck and a powerful presence.

Throughout the event, enjoy a variety of equine activities including:

• Drive a draft (10 am & 4:15 pm both days)
• Dave Davis — Roman riding & trick training
• Horse and hound competition
• ounted unit competition
• Cowboy field challenge
• Jumping demonstration (Saturday only)
• Freestyle costume contest
• Various breed highlights
• 4-H musical ride
• Driving obstacles demonstration
• • Driving cavalcade
• Live music noon to 4 pm in the Courtyard
• Pony rides ($4) and children’s activities

During HorseFest visit vendors offering various equine-related products and services.

Admission to HorseFest is $6; $5 for ages 60 and over; $4 for ages 2 to 11; and children younger than two are free. Members of Lake Metroparks Farmpark receive free admission. 4-H groups receive discounted admission. For more information please call (440) 256-2122 or (800) 366-FARM (3276), or visit lakemetroparks.com.

HorseFest 2012 is presented by Schneiders. Supporting sponsors include Tractor Supply Company, Western Reserve Farm Cooperative, Purina.com, Discount Drug Mart, and Big Creek Veterinary Hospital.

During your visit to Farmpark, milk a cow, take a horse or tractor-drawn wagon ride, make ice cream, meet farm animals in the Well Bred Shed and Barnyard, plus visit the Plant Science Center to explore The Great Tomato Works, solar and wind power, and hydroponics displays. Visit Farmpark’s Gift Shop for a great selection of unique gift ideas. Enjoy lunch or snack at the J & J Cafe.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Directions: Take I 90 to the Rt. 306 exit; head south on Route 306 five miles to Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6); turn left on Route 6, and head east one mile. Entrance to Farmpark is on the right.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark barks up the right tree

It’s a dog’s world at Farmpark during Working Dog Weekend. Discover the many roles that the versatile canine has played in our lives. From the tiny terrier hunting rodents underground to the Newfoundlands, the gentle giants, rescuing boaters stranded in the water. Throughout history, dogs have assisted man in his daily life as hunters, herders, guard dogs and draft animals. They are partners in law enforcement, guide the blind and provide therapy by visiting hospitals and nursing homes.

Watch dogs play and show off their skills during Working Dog Weekend at Farmpark June 9 and 10. The park opens at 9 am; activities run 10:30 am to 5 pm. Due to the nature of the facility and event, please do not bring your pets.

New this year is “Work like a Dog, Play like a Dog.”
Experience the world as a dog and try your “paw” at herding “sheep,” guiding the blind, pulling a cart or sled, and solving a mystery with Ranger Donaldson and his K-9 partner Carly using only your nose. You can also play some doggie games like agility, flyball & Frisbee. Real dogs will be on hand to show you how they work and play.

Another new feature is the “Working Dog Weekend Pet Hospital.” Doctors Wendy and Tom Frankmann or Jessica deMarco from the Animal Clinic of Chardon will guide you through a wellness exam on a real dog. Hear its heartbeat through a stethoscope and learn to check eyes, ears and teeth. Bring your favorite stuffed toy dog to our clinic for a checkup too. Look through a microscope at a flea, see x-rays of puppies before they are born, discover how a microchip works and make a cone collar for your stuffed dog. You can also make a dog toy to take home to your favorite canine friend.

There will also be plenty of jumping, flying, and splashing in the pond as The Buckeye DockDogs return to demonstrate dock diving. Watch as these canine athletes exhibit their techniques for success in big air, equivalent to a long jump for their human counterparts.

4-H clubs and representatives from a variety of canine organizations will be present with their dogs to provide information about their services. Shop the many vendors offering pet-related items and services, plus make a craft at the kids’ activity area in the Plant Science Center.

Reading to Rover, a program developed to help children improve their reading and social skills, builds self-confidence by providing a fun, non-judgmental and comfortable environment where children read to dogs. Stop by the Grain Room (located in the Arena) between 1 and 3 pm and read to one of these wonderfully trained, gentle therapy dogs. Children’s books will be provided for our younger guests by the Geauga West Library.

Other guests & demonstrations throughout the weekend include:

• Chagrin Valley Hunt Club
• Canine Freestyle Federation
• Great Dane Club of Cleveland
• Ohio Search & Rescue
• Field & water skills
• Horse & hound relay
• Parade of breeds
• Police K-9 units
• Sheepherding
• Sled dogs
• Obedience & agility
• Rescue groups
• Service dogs
• Pony rides ($4)
  

Pick up something special for Rover in the Farmpark Gift Shop and treat yourself to a tasty bite in the J & J Café at Farmpark.

Admission
Admission to Working Dog Weekend is $6; $5 for ages 60 and older; $4 for ages 2 to 11; and children younger than 2 are FREE. Farmpark members receive FREE admission. For more information about Working Dog Weekend, visit lakemetroparks.com or call (440) 256-2122 or (800) 366-FARM (3276). All Farmpark daily activities are included with admission to Working Dog Weekend.

Directions
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd in Kirtland.
Take I-90 to the Rt. 306 exit. Head south on Route 306 five miles to Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6); turn left on Route 6, and head east one mile. Entrance to Farmpark is on the right.

KIRTLAND –Nature offers us an endless variety of raw materials in different shapes, colors, and textures. Woven from Nature, Lake Metroparks’ Spring Art Show will allow you to discover how artists have taken natural and recycled materials and transformed them into wonderful and whimsical works of art. Artwork on display will be available for purchase; proceeds benefiting the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center.

Woven from Nature will be on display in the Nature Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland. The show opens March 10 and runs through May 13. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily. Visitors are invited to meet the artists at a free opening reception on Saturday, March 10 from noon to 4 pm.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd in Kirtland. Take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right (east) onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right (south) side of the road.

Hey moms and dads: let your children explore the outdoors this summer at a summer day camp with Lake Metroparks. Children ages five to 16 will experience the outdoors this summer while participating in one or more of the 50 offerings available. Lake Metroparks summer day camps offer hands-on fun and educational activities including nature, farming, fishing, wildlife, boating, field trips, and so much more. Camps are held at various parks throughout Lake County and are led by qualified staff. Extended care is available for some camps.

A complete listing of Lake Metroparks summer day camps is available online at lakemetroparks.com and in Parks Plus!

Pre-registration is required to participate in Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps and/or the extended hours offerings. Registration is currently underway. Registration for camps is available online at lakemetroparks.com or by calling 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. In person registration is available at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office located at 11211 Spear Rd in Concord Twp. Registration for extended care is available by phone or in person only.

KIRTLAND – Indulge your sense of sight with the bountiful colors of more than 200 quilts on display during Quilts 2012, the 21th annual quilt show at Lake Metroparks Farmpark.Explore more than 200 quilted featuring works from internationally acclaimed visiting artists and a judged show by regional artists in one of Ohio’s finest quilt shows!  

Quilts 2012, presented by Red Roof Inn of Willoughby, opens February 10 and runs through March 21; hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The show is also open on Presidents’ Day, February 20. The show showcases a variety of works including traditional bed quilts, contemporary wall art, to apparel is on display. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites Visitors may participate in the People’s Choice Awards by voting for your favorite hand- and machine-made quilts.

Workshops

Quilts 2012 internationally acclaimed featured visiting artists are known for their works, writings, and workshops. Workshops and lectures offer a deepened appreciation for the art of quilting.  Workshops led by featured artists Cynthia England (February 21-26) and Joen Wolfrom (March 13-18), plus regional quilt artists offer people of all ages and quilting abilities a chance to discover new and sharpen their skills on a wide variety of quilting techniques.

For a complete listing of workshops or to register, log on to lakemetroparks.com or call the Lake Metroparks Registration Office at 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Quilt Vendor Event

The Quilt Vendor Event (March 2 - 4) features demonstrations and shopping at quilt vendor booths. Find unique shopping opportunities with variety of different quilt shops gather together under one roof to sell quilting products and supplies. Shops vary by fabrics, styles, techniques or product lines. The presence of the vendors integrated into the Quilt Show broadens the appreciation for quilting and the quilting experience. Informational demonstrations are provided by representatives from each shop. The Quilt Vendor event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

Admission

Admission to Quilts 2012 is $6; ages 60 and over, $5; ages 2 to 11, $4; Farmpark members and children under 2 are free. For more information about Quilts 2012, log on to lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-2122 or 800-366-FARM (3276). Admission includes all of Farmpark attractions including wagon rides, calves, piglets and baby lambs, and a chance to learn how maple syrup is made. Check out the gift shop and find a wide variety of gift ideas including Farmpark’s very own maple syrup and honey. Stop in the J & J Cafe for lunch, coffee, or a quick bite to eat.

Sponsors

Quilts 2012 is presented by Red Roof Inn of Willoughby. Supporting sponsors are Pat Catan’s, the Lake County Women’s Journal, and Cleveland.com. Sponsoring the prizes for the award winning quilts entries are A Piece In Time, Cottonpickers, Just Quilt It, Mara’s Fabric & Gifts, Mary Huey Quilts, Polka Dot Pincushion, Quilters Source, Quilts & Sew Forth, Quilts And Kreations, and The Craft Cupboard

Directions

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd in Kirtland.
Directions: Take I-90 to the Rt. 306 exit. Head south on Route 306 five miles to Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6), turn left on Route 6, and head east one mile. Entrance is on the right.

Quilts 2012 Featured Visiting Artists Bios

Cynthia England of Dickinson, Texas

Cynthia’s stunning quilts have been winning local and national quilting events since 1991 and have graced the pages of many quilting publications. Her most recognized quilt, Piece and Quiet, was chosen as one of the “The 20th Century’s Best American Quilts” in 2000. Cynthia has also won Best of Show twice at the IQA show at the International Quilt Festival in Houston for Piece and Quiet in 1993 and Open Season in 2000.  To learn more about Cynthia England, visit www.englanddesign.com

Joen Wolfrom of Fox Island, Washington

During a span of 15 years, Joen created traditional quilts and commissioned textile art for private clients and corporations throughout the world. Joen has taught throughout the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Germany, Holland, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  To learn more about Joen Wolfrom, visit www.joenwolfrom.com.

Quilts 2012 Winners

BEST OF SHOW
Amazon Star
Sue Wilson (Huron, OH)

BEST HAND QUILTING
Les Bergers/The Sheperds
Christine Saletes-Allchin (Willoughby, OH)

BEST MACHINE QUILTING
My Fractured Waterfall (AKA The Fish)
Kathryn Gostola (Chardon, OH)

BEST TRADITIONAL
Ann's Flower Garden
Lin McQuiston (Solon, OH)

COLOR AWARD
Canicas
Nelly Vileikis (Aurora, OH)

Click here for complete list of Quilts 2012 winners

Come on…get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter woodlands on a guided nature hike with Lake Metroparks naturalists. What could be better than a hike, campfire, warm food and music to cure your cabin fever! Winter Hike activities will step off at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19.

There are four hikes, varying in length and terrain, from which hikers may choose.

1. An interpretive hike about three miles long with a few stops along the way.
2. A shorter and easier hike for novice hikers.
3. Fast walkers who want to get some fresh air and enjoy the park.
4. A self-guided short trail option for families with young children or more limited mobility. Easy-to-follow trail maps are available in the Nature Center.

Enjoy hot soup and beverages served inside the comfortable Nature Center after the hike and enjoy live folk music, all included in the program fee. Outdoors, the warmth of a roaring campfire will be ready with s’mores for everyone.
All participants receive a Winter Hike patch and an add-on year patch.

Hikers are reminded of the importance of wearing comfortable footwear which is sturdy, warm and water-repellent. Hiking boots are recommended as the trails maybe snow- and/or mud-covered. Remember to dress in warm, comfortable layers. For more winter safety tips, visit lakemetroparks.com.

Registration Information

Pre-registration is required for participation in the Winter Hike at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Register online at lakemetroparks.com or call registration at 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. Program is $8 per person, all ages welcome, under 18 with an adult, please.

Directions
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd in Kirtland. Take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right (east) onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right (south) side of the road.

Are you planning a picnic, reunion, graduation party or special gathering next year.  Make your plans now to hold your event at one of Lake Metroparks’ 13 reservable picnic shelters. 

Lake Metroparks invites people to register for picnic shelter reservations for 2012.  Reserve your shelter online through the park website, lakemetroparks.com, or by calling the Lake Metroparks Registration Department at 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226.  Reservations may also be made by phone, mail, and in person at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office.

A new shelter available to reserve in 2012 is at the new Gully Brook Park in Willoughby Hills.  The shelter overlooks a beautiful brook and is located next to the trail.  An elaborate playground is located nearby.  New playground equipment was also installed this year near the shelter at Hidden Valley Park. All shelters provide picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and other amenities and are great for family reunions or other special gatherings.   Some of the shelters include power, nearby trails, playground equipment, and volleyball courts for additional fun. For a complete listing of the shelters and their amenities, visit lakemetroparks.com.  Shelter reservations may be made for the following park locations:

Chagrin River Park (Reeves Road Entrance)
3100 Reeves Rd., Willoughby. Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include playground equipment, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, fishing in the Chagrin River, a recreational field, and electricity.

Chagrin River Park (Rural Drive Entrance)
1000 Rural Drive, Eastlake.  The shelter capacity is 75 and has electricity. Park amenities include hiking trails, and a recreational field.

Chapin Forest Reservation - Twin Ponds
10381 Hobart Road, Kirtland.  Shelter capacity is 75 and has electricity.  Park amenities include a playground area, recreational field, volleyball, hiking trails, cross-country skiing, ski rental, fishing, and a fireplace in the shelter.

Chapin Forest Reservation - Quarry Shelter
10090 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306), Kirtland.  The shelter capacity is 75, and overlooks a small pond. Park amenities include hiking trails and fishing.

Concord Woods Nature Park
11211 Spear Rd, Concord Township. Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include playground equipment, electricity, hiking trails, fishing, and a fireplace in the shelter.

Girdled Road Reservation
Located on Radcliffe Road in Concord.  The shelter capacity is 250 and overlooks a pond. Park amenities include electricity, ball field, playground, hiking trails, and fishing.

Gully Brook Park
Located on River Road in Willoughby Hills. The shelter capacity is 75 and has electricity. Shelter has grills. This park offers a hiking trail, playground, and three additional picnic areas with grills.

Helen Hazen Wyman Park
6121 Painesville-Warren Road, Concord Township (alongside Big Creek). The shelter capacity is 75.  Park amenities include water, (May - October), playground equipment, fishing, and game field. 

Hidden Valley Park
4880 Klasen Road, Madison, (alongside the Grand River). Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include electricity, ball field, hiking trails, and fishing.

Lakeshore Reservation
4799 Lockwood Road, Perry (on the shores of Lake Erie).  Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include electricity, sundial, gazebo and paved All Peoples Trail.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland. Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include hiking trails, Nature Center with gift shop, Wildlife Center, and fishing.

Riverview Park
4895 Bailey Road, Madison (alongside the Grand River). Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include electricity, and winter sledding.

Veterans Park
5740 Hopkins Road, Mentor.  Shelter capacity is 75. Park amenities include electricity, playground equipment, fishing, hiking trails, and a fireplace in the shelter.

For Lake County residents wishing to reserve a picnic shelter, a $50 refundable deposit (payable by credit card, check or cash in person/phone and via credit card online) is required at the time of reservation.  Residents living outside Lake County pay a $25 non-refundable rental fee in addition to the $50 refundable deposit.  Payment can be made in person, or mailed to Lake Metroparks Registration Department, 11211 Spear Road, Concord Township, Ohio 44077.   For more information, call the Lake Metroparks Registration Department at (440) 358-7275 or 1-800-669-9226.  The office is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.