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Visitors Bureau highlights events: Ice A Fair attendance, Leviathan FC season and skatepark plans
Summary
Director Garry Gibbs reported about 4,600 attendees at the Feb. 7 Ice A Fair despite frigid temperatures, previewed Leviathan FC's May 25 season at Forefront Field, announced a fully funded Lorain Skatepark estimated to break ground in 2026, and noted plans for Rocking on the River and Taste of History events.
Visitors Bureau Director Garry Gibbs gave a broad events update at the Feb. 19 meeting, reporting solid attendance and outlining marketing plans for several county events.
Gibbs said that despite "cold negative temperatures" on Feb. 7, the Ice A Fair in Vermilion drew about 4,600 attendees; the Visitors Bureau supported the event with paid Facebook promotions and 11 billboards across Erie and Lorain counties. He said the Sandusky Register ran positive coverage. Gibbs also previewed Leviathan FC's season opener May 25 at Forefront Field (formerly Crushers Stadium) in Avon and said the Visitors Bureau will run billboards and radio spots; many season tickets have already been purchased.
Gibbs reported the Lorain Skatepark has been fully funded and is expected to break ground in 2026; the City of Lorain will maintain the facility while the Visitors Bureau will market its events. For Rocking on the River at Black River Landing, Gibbs said the board is waiting for architectural drawings from the Lorain Port & Finance Authority to determine site placement. He also noted the Taste of History in Amherst (Sandstone Village) on June 12–13 will host about 300 reenactors.
These updates establish promotional priorities and near‑term marketing tasks for bureau staff ahead of the 2026 season.
