Military tribute, dragon boats coming to Black River Landing

“If you can’t find something to do in Lorain, you’re not looking. Everybody wants waterfront access. It’s here.”

— Port Authority Executive Director Tom Brown

Two new events will land at Black River Landing this spring and summer.

Flags of Honor, a mobile tribute to Ohio’s fallen fighters in Iraq, Afghanistan and the global War on Terrorism, will be on display May 11-13.

Later this year, the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association will hold its annual festival and race Aug. 11.

The boats, about 40 feet long, carry teams of 22 people paddling for a 250-meter race on the water.

It will be the first time for both events at the Lorain Port Authority’s riverfront festival site, according to planners.

The events join a calendar quickly filling up with events and tours at Black River Landing and elsewhere in Lorain, said Port Executive Director Tom Brown.

“If you can’t find something to do in Lorain, you’re not looking,” Brown said. “Everybody wants waterfront access. It’s here.”

Flags of Honor

Flags of Honor began in May 2004.

On Memorial Day that year, Gino and Lisa Zimmer learned their son, Army Spc. Nicholaus E. Zimmer, was killed in Kufa, Iraq, according to the organization’s website.

The family established a nonprofit organization that became the Ohio Flags of Honor Foundation in 2005.

The idea to bring the tribute to Lorain came up in a brainstorming session with Joe Schneemburger, who works with fundraising for Lorain City Schools’ General Johnnie Wilson Middle School, said Principal Bryan Hilko.

School staff, Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer and the Lorain Port Authority embraced the plan, he said.

“They have graciously allowed us to use Black River Landing,” Hilko said.

“We immediately took it to our board,” Brown said. “Our board enthusiastically wanted that event, so we sponsored that event.”

The tribute will put about 800 American flags on display for 24 hours a day, from a 6 p.m. opening ceremony May 11 to a closing ceremony at 1 p.m., May 13.

“It’s only fitting that our closing ceremony is on Mother’s Day, too,” Hilko said.

The display is free and open to the public.

There already are plans for local singers, Boy Scouts, firefighters and the Lorain High School football team to participate in various ways, Hilko said.

He also thanked local veterans groups for their sponsorships to bring Flags of Honor to Lorain.

Cleveland Dragon Boats

The Cleveland Dragon Boat Association will ply the Black River with their craft Aug. 11, the same day as Lorain’s Brew Fest Waterfront District, the craft beer festival that will run noon to 6 p.m. that day.

Brown said he believes the events will be a good match, with participants in the dragon boat races possibly staying for the Brew Fest.

The Dragon Boat Association last year approached the Port about staging in Lorain, he said adding he has never seen a live dragon boat race and would love to get on one of the boats.

Brown, however, said he is not sure if he will have that opportunity.

The association’s website listed at least 12 teams and more may form.

For non-paddlers, the association seeks a number of volunteers to help with the races, according to its website.