Rob and Kelly Aneshansel will live up to their reputations as self-described "outdoors junkies" when they work the crowd this weekend at the Fox Creek Outdoor Experience.
For three years, the Aneshansels have staged the sportsfest, where enthusiasts can try out more than 50 activities -- from canoeing and kayaking to archery and motorcycle riding. New attractions include log-rolling and Frisbee-golf competitions. "We want people to have a better understanding of all the neat things there are to do," says Rob.
To help visitors navigate between each sport, the Aneshansels block off 250 acres of Clay's Park into four sections: The wetlands feature a water-ski show, the wildlife area includes remote-controlled cars and planes, kite-flying and boomerang-tossing occupy the winds section, and birds-of-prey and dog search-and-rescue demonstrations take place in the woodlands. "It's a beautiful time of year to be outside," says Aneshansel. It happens 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Clay's Park Resort (on State Route 93 in Canal Fulton). Admission is $12, $8 for kids; call 330-854-9083. -- Cris Glaser
Over the River . . .
Runners rough it on the Towpath Trail.
SUN 10/9
Sunday's Towpath Marathon, 5K, and Relays benefit more than just the participants who come out for the annual favorite; it's also good for the park system, since the money raised at the 14th annual event supports trail development. Plus, the view is fantastic. "It's all connected by woods and water," says Cleveland Metroparks' CanalWay Center manager Nancy Desmond. The marathon course starts at Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Howe Meadow and ends at the Ohio & Erie Canal. And there's incentive to go all the way: A beer garden, hot tubs, and massage therapists greet contestants at the finish line. The marathon starts at 8 a.m.; the 5K begins an hour later at Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road in Cuyahoga Falls. Fees range from $20 to $55; call 216-520-1825. -- Lucy McKernan
