Summer Wind Lake House Kelleys Island, Lake Erie

07/23/2026

There is no way to adequately express how grateful we are for everyone who helped make IslandFest 2026 such a success.

From planning for months behind the scenes to working long hours throughout the weekend, our volunteers, organizations, businesses, entertainers, and community partners made this celebration possible. Even with smoky skies from the wildfires and a little rain on Saturday, you showed up with smiles, positive attitudes, and an incredible willingness to help.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our...
Safety Crews:
❤️ Kelleys Island EMS
💙 Kelleys Island Police Department
❤️ MetroHealth

Opening Ceremony Volunteers:
❤️ Kelleys Island VFW
💙 The Island Singers
❤️ Just a Numb3r Dance Crew
💙 DJ Marky Mark

Parade Organizer:
❤️ Ed Nowak - Sugar Ridge Towing

Parade Judges:
❤️ Erica Posten
💙Jackie Finger
❤️ Martha Wolfe

Grand Marshall:
❤️ Karen Ernie
Clean-Up Crew:
💙 O'Connor Cleaning
❤️ The Casino
💙 Franklin Sanitation

Entertainment:
💙 Island Singers
❤️ Wasteland Poets
💙 DJ Marky Mark

Fireworks Coordinator:
❤️ Steve Ernst - Ohio Pyro & Flame

Beer Tent Coordinator & Volunteers:
❤️ Ted Klonaris
💙 Solomon Fenn
❤️ Renee Matthew
💙 Susan Lange
❤️ Ellen Ralston
💙 Steve & Michelle Bahleda
❤️ Sam Beam
💙 Megan Labeth
❤️ Dan Sherman
💙 John Buder
❤️ Tracy Buder
💙 Kate Branchau
❤️ Libby Nasipak
💙 Pat Beam
❤️ Sam Beam
💙 Brian Yarham & Eyring Moving Team
❤️ Candy Puma
💙 Heather Hensel
..and to our parade participants, vendors, community members, and the many other individuals who generously donated their time and talents throughout the weekend.

Thank you as well to our event sponsors, Shores & Islands Ohio and Eyring Movers, for helping make this year's celebration possible.

IslandFest is more than just a weekend—it's a community coming together to create memories for thousands of residents and visitors. We couldn't do it without each and every one of you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making IslandFest 2026 one to remember. ❤️🤍💙

With gratitude,

Zoey Leonard, Executive Director and the KI Chamber Board of Directors

07/22/2026

Way to go KI! Always the best night of the year!

07/19/2026

Islandfest at its finest! What an amazing weekend of parade fun, friends, and fireworks!

07/09/2026

Meet Ellie and Annie!
They are now booking July weekends!

Island Girls Babysitting Service

Need an island date night, night out or even just a few hours of adult time?

Ellie and Annie have you covered!

Ellie (8th Grade and CPR certified) and Annie (6th Grade) have both grown up as KI Kids! They know all the spots and the people. Ellie is great with kids 6 months and up. Annie is wonderful for kids 3 and older.

Care Options to meet your needs:

In-House Babysitting - will come to your house, rental, hotel, or campsite and provide traditional babysitting services.

In-Town Babysitting - will meet you downtown and take the kids for a few hours to playground, walk around the shops, play putt putt, and do arts and crafts in the park. They will bring an activity bag full of fun entertainment.

Mother's Helper - will join your group and entertain the kids so that everyone in your party has a great time at the local establishments!

You may request one or both island girls babysitters.

Contact their mom, Jessy, at 330-414-1246. Both girls have phones and their numbers will be provided day of service.

07/07/2026

Thank you for all the check-ins after the intense rain and flooding on KI early yesterday morning. We are thankful that no water entered our home or crawl space. We know not all of friends were as lucky. The best way to follow updates, info, and ways to help the island is to follow the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Summer Wind’s rental schedule will proceed as normal but visitors to the island should be patient as services (like lawn care) could be delayed as islanders prioritize clean up efforts. Please also be kind to our island workers as many of them have been displaced and/or working on little sleep/comfort as they help themselves and their friends. 💗

06/25/2026

Want a golf cart during your stay? Simply Kelleys Resort is walking distance to our house!

Make the most of your Kelleys Island getaway with a golf cart rental from Simply Kelleys Resort! Cruise to the beach, explore local spots, grab a bite, catch the views.

Book your stay or request a golf cart rental today:
SimplyKelleysResort.com

06/23/2026