Come To The Buckeye Martinfest, an Annual PLPMA Fundraising Tradition!

The PLPMA Buckeye Martinfest is a FREE ADMISSION celebration of all things purple martin! Come and see them in their environment. You may get a chance to hold or feed them, help with banding or just play games and do crafts. This is a family-friendly event all ages can enjoy!

Kayaker Wins E-Bike at Martinfest 2025

Amy Canter came to North Reservoir to kayak. She didn’t know Martinfest was happening, but decided to check it out and bought a raffle ticket for the E-bike Blimp City Bike & Hike donated. When we called her name as the winner, we heard a faint “That’s me! That’s me” from some reeds along the shore. We all looked around and didn’t see who said that. Then she emerged from her kayak in the water!

State Representative Jack Daniels was bummed out – he had purchased the three tickets numbered right before Amy’s ticket. Better luck next year, Jack! Enjoy your bike, Amy.

The Buckeye Martinfest Celebration

North Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp @ State Mill Road

This annual celebration of purple martins and their contributions to the Portage Lakes & environs is typically held the last Sunday of June every year. Always a huge success with young and old alike, it’s an exuberant learning experience. If you don’t want to participate, just watching other folks and the martins soaring about is a joy.

There are many opportunities to engage with your favorite purple martin activity. Some folks are eager to learn about various aspects of our natural environment from our naturalist. There will be several information tents including sources for informational materials.

Of course, we have our prize raffle and food trucks to top it off. This unique festival is fun – a very enjoyable way to introduce environmental concerns to the public.