Welcome to the Huron Chamber of Commerce!

Wine, Roses, Tastes Of Fine Food:

Make For Memorable Summer Eve

            Picture this! On a balmy summer evening you take a stroll through gardens filled with lush flowers and enjoy a glass of award-winning Pinot Grigio while sampling a treasure trove of delectable snacks.

            If this sounds appealing, you’d better hurry and get your tickets for “A Taste of Wine, Roses & Tapas.” This 8^th annual event, sponsored by the Huron Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Barnes Nursery, is planned from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, June 21 on the nursery grounds, 3511 Cleveland Road W.

            Last year the event was “changed up” to include “tapas.” This is the Spanish word for small plates. Noted area chefs will be providing samples of their greatest gourmet treats. They include: The Kitchen’s Bounty, The Lodge at Sawmill Creek, Kalahari Resorts, Marconi’s Italian Restaurant and Mesenburg Creative Catering.

            Enjoy many of Ohio’s award-winning wines that have made their mark in the U.S. wine industry. Bottled wines will also be available from Chateau Tebeau Winery, Firelands Winery, Hermes Vineyards, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards. There will be live entertainment, a silent auction and raffle, as well as a scavenger hunt.  

            Tables for 8 can be reserved for $220, including signage and two complimentary bottles of wine. A commemorative etched wine glass is included in the $20 pre-sale ticket. They are available at the Chamber office, 509 Huron St., 419-433-5700 and at Barnes Nursery, 3511 Cleveland Road W.

Landmark Showboat Is Theme For Huron Recognition Banquet

A full-house crowd turned out to share their reminiscences of the Showboat recently. The landmark restaurant with the panoramic view of Lake Erie and the Huron River was the theme of the Huron Chamber of Commerce’s “Celebrate Huron” recognition night at Mesenburg’s Plaza Place. Chamber president Matt Cummings and director Sheila Ehrhardt introduced the honorees.  

Honorees at the Huron Chamber of Commerce’s annual recognition night were, (l. to r.) Sharon Barnes, Andy White, Kelli & Chris Wechter, Mike Heydinger, Christine Crawford and Dr. Marianne Socha.

            Members of the Claus and Mesenburg families, who operated the Showboat for more than two decades after its opening in 1971, were honored for their part in Huron’s rich history. They displayed photos and memorabilia from their archives. Former employees and people who have fond memories of  life events that were held at the restaurant shared  several large outdoor signs, the actual front door, and even a red leather menu featuring a seafood buffet for $5.95 and a top sirloin dinner and wine for two, at just $8.95.

            Winners of the “Bright Star 2013” awards included: City Manager Andy White honored for his vision, enthusiasm and hard work in forging a new and better community, one in which all residents can thrive and enjoy this “Great Lake Place.”

            Two longtime businesses were recognized: the Pied Piper ice cream stand operated by the Wechter family for 61 years and Marconi’s Italian Restaurant, founded by the Martello family half-a-century ago.

            Christine Crawford, a Huron transplant who has enthusiastically pitched in to help numerous civic organizations was cited for her work in establishing Water Safety Day in 2007, an annual outdoor field day for all of the city’s third- and fouth-grade students. After visiting a Coast Guard helicopter, actually rescuing a member of local dive team and completing seven different teaching pods, each student receives a life vest. More than 1,600 of them have been distributed to date.

             Dr. Marianne Socha was lauded for her countless hours of veterinary service donated in caring for creatures great and small, whether they be patients of abandoned and  abused animals. She volunteers her expertise and the Erie County Dog Pound and to the Back to the Wild organization.

            Veteran English teacher, Mike Heydinger retired in 2002 after influencing the lives of many Huron High School students during his 37-year tenure. A year later, he established the HHS Alumni Association, an active group of thousands that generates funds for scholarships and plans reunions for classes going back to the 1940’s. He publishes a 38-page quarterly newsletter filled with photos of HHS happenings. He is also a member of the boards of the McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands and the Huron Education Foundation.   

            A woman who has quietly pitched in to help with most of the civic projects that have gone on in Huron for half-a-century received the Unsung Hero Award. Sharon Barnes, a longtime member of the Huron Board of Education, is well known nationally for her work in plant composting and food recycling programs, but always finds time to work on local efforts, such as the Huron Historical Society and the city’s Bicentennial Celebration.

            Committee members included: Bruce & Sharon Miller, Christine & Randy Crawford, David & Jacquie Clark, Doug & Gretchen Studer, Matt Cummings, Jackie Gebelle, Joe Dike, John Ehrhardt, Sandy & Wayne Foster, Rhonda Funderwhite and Sharon & Chuck Malone.