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Joke: Why did the Christmas Ale show up in July?
Answer: Because it couldn’t wait for the holiday cheer, it was "hopping" to get the party started! 🍻🎅
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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition:
Roosters, demolition derbies, elephant ears? It’s county fair season
An early present: Christmas Ale in July
Undefeated in July: Browns training camp is here and you’re invited
Wait, Donald Trump tried to buy the Cleveland Indians?
John Petkovic, Jude Perez & Victor Takakura
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IN THE NEWS
Roosters, demolition derbies, elephant ears? It’s county fair season
Photos courtesy Lake, Cuyahoga and Geauga county fairs
It used to be that they were mere livestock – showcased, bought and sold. My, my, how times have changed.
Now, animals are the star entertainers at county fairs – which kick-off their season today with the Lake County Fair (through Sunday) and the Ohio State (through Aug. 3).
Roll out the blue-ribbon rabbits and roosters, racing pigs, bleating goats and galloping horses. Bring on the demolition derbies, tractor pulls, bands and silly human tricks. And, of course, don’t forget the elephant ears, corn dogs and rides.
The area boasts some of the oldest and biggest fairs in Ohio and the Midwest:
Lake County Fair (today through Sunday): All kinds of motor races (dirt bikes, half car and pick-up truck) served with bands, performing critters and carnival stuff. Info.
Medina County Fair (July 28–Aug. 3): A tradition since 1845, it features a KOI drag race, live entertainment, and traditional fair activities. Info.
Cuyahoga County Fair (Aug. 5–10): Celebrating 128 years, it boasts eating contests (pickles, donuts, and watermelons), a crazy demolition derby, fireworks, animal and vegetable contests, even a drone show. Info.
Great Geauga County Fair (Aug. 28–Sept. 1): Ohio’s oldest fair (started 1823) boasts a chicken flying contest, horse racing and traditional and off-beat entertainment. Info.
An early present: Christmas Ale in July
Photo courtesy Great Lakes Brewing Company
The Christmas in July thing is perplexing. Why rush through summer to get to December?
To drink beer, says Great Lakes Brewing Co.
At 11 a.m. Thursday, GLBC will roll out a fresh-brewed batch of Christmas Ale on tap at its Ohio City brewpub, along with a festive afternoon of entertainment and specials.
The bash includes a live honey extraction demonstration from our sponsored beehives; a pig roast; music by DJ Sayword and beer-infused donuts from Brewnuts. More info.
Undefeated in July: Browns training camp is here and you’re invited
Photos courtesy Cleveland Browns
The Browns open training camp today. Practices will be open to the public starting Friday. For a schedule, go here. There are numerous questions confronting the team, after a disastrous 3-14 season. Here’s what to look for:
Health: The team suffered the second-most injuries in the NFL in 2024, and it ravaged the offensive line. The Browns are counting on the return of vets Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin, a slimmed down Dawand Jones and the addition of Teven Jenkins to stabilize the O-line.
A new system: The team tailored its offense around DeShaun Watson. He’s out of the picture – and the Browns will re-install Kevin Stefanski’s system. It will rely heavily on rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and its running backs. RB Quinshon Judkins, arrested on domestic charges, is a wild card.
Players to watch: Jones, first-round pick Mason Graham, wide receivers Dionte Johnson and Cedric Tillman.
Quarterback: Joe Flacco will likely start the season, but the Browns will need to see what they have in rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel before next year’s draft.
The 216 Rundown
A ‘90s beach party at Edgewater
One of summer’s most popular concert series is back on the beach. Yup, it’s Cleveland Metroparks Edgewater Live – 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The ‘90s tribute act Old Skool will perform, and Edgewater Beach will roll out a happy hour, beer garden and food from the concessions area. More info.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a home run for Superman
The Metropolis Meteors, er, I mean, Cleveland Guardians will pay tribute to the Man of Steel when it hosts D.C.’s Superman Night – 6:40 tonight, at Progressive Field. The game against the Orioles will pay tribute to “Superman,” which was partially shot at the ballpark. The night will also feature props, memorabilia and activities. The first 15,000 fans will get a Metropolis Meteors T-Shirt. Info.
🔥 Today’s Hot Property
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NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
Photo courtesy Sporting News
Wait, Donald Trump tried to buy the Cleveland Indians?
President Trump recently called on the Guardians to change the team’s name back to the Indians. Back in 1983, he tried buying the team -- according to a letter that was sent to then-Indians president Gabe Paul. At the time, it was rumored that Trump had gone so far as to offer $34 million for the team. But there was no deal, allegedly because he wouldn’t commit to keeping the team in Cleveland. It is rumored that Trump wanted the team so he could move it Tampa or Brooklyn.
VINTAGE CLEVELAND
Cleveland Indians, 1983 team photo. This is the team Donald Trump tried to buy for $13 million. It would ended up being sold to the Jacobs brothers in 1986, for $35 million. The franchise is currently valued at $1.55 billion, according to CNBC.
Photo courtesy Cleveland Indians/Guardians
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Extra Sprinkles
WEATHER
Wednesday, July 23
84 🌡️ 73 | ☀️ Mostly sunny | 10% | 💨 Light breeze
Thursday, July 24
91 🌡️ 78 | ⛈️ Morning storms → Partly sunny | 20% | 💨 Light breeze
Friday, July 25
87 🌡️ 76 | ☁️ Afternoon thunderstorm | 30% | 💨 Light breeze
Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.
Live Shows in the 216
Top 10 Shows (Wednesday, July 23)
Amon Amarth at Blossom Music Center – (7:00 PM)
Bee Hive Ski Race at Grog Shop – (8:00 PM)
Dada at Mercury Music Lounge – (8:00 PM)
Ethan Timm at The Treehouse – (8:00 PM)
Las Karamba at City Stages – (7:30 PM)
Pantera at Blossom Music Center – (7:00 PM)
Tantric at The Foundry Concert Club – (7:00 PM)
The Little Ditties at Mahall's – (7:00 PM)
Trashy Annie at Beachland Tavern – (8:00 PM)
Straight No Chaser at Robins Theatre – (7:30 PM)
Top 10 Shows (Thursday, July 24)
Chris Janson at Lock 3 Park – (7:00 PM)
Hello City - Barenaked Ladies Tribute at The East Shore Park Club – (7:00 PM)
Meernaa at Grog Shop – (8:00 PM)
Patrick Sweany at Music Box Supper Club – (6:00 PM)
Refugee: The Ultimate Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Tribute Band at Plain Township Amphitheater – (7:00 PM)
Skum City at Matinee Bar – (8:00 PM)
Swing Time Big Band at Valley Overlook – (7:30 PM)
The Isaacs at Hartville Kitchen – (7:00 PM)
The Surfrajettes at Akron Art Museum – (6:30 PM)
Wishgarden at Live at the Library – (6:00 PM)
Top 10 Shows (Friday, July 25)
Abbey Rodeo at Tunes at the Lagoons – (7:00 PM)
Austin Walkin' Cane at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern – (8:00 PM)
Beauty and the Beat Tribute Band at Crocker Park Music in the Park – (6:30 PM)
Dreadlock Dave at Private Event – (7:00 PM)
Frayle at Grog Shop – (7:00 PM)
Gin Blossoms at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage – (8:00 PM)
Jon B. at House of Blues Cleveland – (7:00 PM)
Maura Rogers and the Bellows at LakewoodAlive Front Porch Concert Series – (7:00 PM)
Matthew Alec at Blu Jazz+ Akron – (8:00 PM)
Satsang at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern – (7:00 PM)
The 216 Sports Area
Upcoming Games
Guardians
Home vs. Orioles, 06:40pm Wednesday
Home vs. Orioles, 01:10pm Thursday
Home vs. Royals, 08:10pm Friday
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