A new Toledo tradition will again unite with an established city favorite at this year’s Toledo Pride.
For the second year in a row the Sandpiper will offer rides during Toledo Pride weekend.
“It’s such an honor to be asked to participate during Pride Week,” said Mary Dalby, owner of the Sandpiper. “Last year went really well and everyone had such a fun time.”
The Sandpiper has offered boat rides to the public down the Maumee River for 30 years. People from all over the region can rent the boat for a variety of occasions or buy tickets to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
These are just a few reasons that Toledo Pride organizers wanted to get The Sandpiper on board.
Toledo Pride Event Director Lexi Staples said she’s been wanting to get the local cruise boat involved with Toledo Pride since 2011, the first year the event was held Downtown at Promenade Park.
“We noticed that the Sandpiper was close by and we really wanted them to get involved,” Staples said. “People really enjoyed themselves and seemed to be excited about it.”
Staples said about 60 seats per ride were filled last year and this year they are looking to fill more.
“The Sandpiper can fit up to 240 seats and we are hoping to fill every seat for every ride,” she said.
Staples is also hoping to add a twist on a few of the rides.
“This year we are in the works of having a drag queen on a few of the rides,” she said. “We are really excited.”
Four rides will be offered hourly from 2-5 p.m. Aug. 23. Each ride will be about 40 minutes long. Familyfriendly rides will be offered in the earlier time slots. Entrance for the Sandpiper is located on the Jefferson Street side of Promenade Park.
Tickets are $6 each or two tickets for $10. Children age 3 and younger are free. Riders are able to reserve seats in advance by visiting www.sandpiperboat.com or calling the office at (419) 537-1212.
