People sure do love northwest Ohio.
From near and far, and sometimes very far, people broadcasted their love for the 419 region on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook all day Friday — 4/19.
The Blade’s animal rights reporter, Tanya Irwin, who was on assignment in London, even participated by emailing a photo of a sign that read, “I [heart] the 419!”
The positivity flowing through all of the online social networks was infectious.
There were hundreds of Tweets tagged with #419day that showed locals visiting their favorite eateries — Plate 21, Black Kite Coffee and Pies, Balance Pan Asian Grille, Ranya’s, and Tony Packo’s, to name just a few.
Some other Tweets weren’t so local — most non-Toledo tweets were from around the state, a few from other parts of the country. One from Tokyo.
There is so much love for Toledo. More than 100 photos were uploaded to Instagram — Toledo skylines, more food, and landmarks such as the Toledo Museum of Art.
A few pictures were a little more hairy. In a contest seeking the best mustache in the region (#419mustache), several fine fellows were nominated, but one was a cut above: Toledo’s own Dustin Hostetler.
“On behalf of all the mustached dudes in Toledo, I say thank you,” said Mr. Hostetler, 35, the man with the unofficial best mustache in all of the 419. “This is quite possibly the greatest honor I have ever received.”
But why stop while we’re ahead?
Even though 419 Day happens only once a year, our love remains. Keep visiting local businesses and establishments. Keep Tweeting and Instagramming your 419 pride; tag it #419love.
Next year, April 19 falls on a Saturday, and we’re already excited.
Contact Taylor Dungjen at: tdungjen@theblade.com or 419-724-6054.