Ontario band featured at Sylvania fund-raiser

The Speds, a classic-rock cover band from southern Ontario, will be the featured attraction at Sylvania Mania, a fund-raising event for the Sylvania Schools Athletic Foundation on Friday evening at Centennial Terrace.

Subtitled "12 Schools, One Crazy Night," the five-hour event will feature dancing, concession food, a cash bar, games, and raffles. The Sylvania elementary or junior high school whose parents or other partisans buy the most tickets, at $25 apiece or $200 for a table of 10, will receive an unspecified cash prize toward its athletic or physical education programs.

"Sylvania Mania is a great way for people in our community to come together for a fun evening and, at the same time, support the facilities project," said Brian Kezur, the event chairman. Proceeds will support improving athletic facilities and programs in the Sylvania schools.

The Speds, a five-piece band together for more than 15 years, promote themselves as playing "everything from Van Morrison to Van Halen."

Their engagements this year have included the Summerfest in Pemberville and a performance at Perrysburg's Riverplace, and they have made frequent appearances in Put-in-Bay, too.

The event will start at 7 p.m. Friday; admission is restricted to adults ages 21 and up. Dress is casual and the show will go on rain or shine. Tickets may be purchased online at sylvaniaschools.org or by calling 419-824-8656.