Please Note: Some photos below were taken by Dale McDonald and are courtesy of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium Press Kit. These photos are notated accordingly. 

Background: 

Though I initially anticipated visiting the Greater Cleveland Aquarium during its unveiling, those I spoke with who had the opportunity to attend indicated that the $21.50 cost of adult entry far exceeded the value of the experience…..  Hesitation of visitation set in….

Fast forward a few months and I’m saying thank goodness for Bazaar Bizarre 

Bazaar Bizarre perhaps the best Cleveland shopping event I’ve had the opportunity to attend….And though coined an “annual” craft fair, 2012 has proven otherwise.

As if the December 2011 Holiday show was not enough, event coordinators also sprung a February 2012 Valentine show… so you can imagine my surprise when a mere five months later I learned of “Bazaar at the Aquarium,”  A July event that looked so amazing that even Nick agreed to attend…A $10 event that provided patrons full access to explore the Aquarium while shopping local vendors. 

Event Synopsis:

Though I attempted to purchase $8 event tickets online, I was unfortunately too late which would require us to purchase tickets at the door… No biggie I thought. 

That is until we entered the facility and witnessed a winding line of anxiously awaiting Clevelanders…  Though initially moving quickly, our feet came to an abrupt stop extremely close to entry…

We waited 5, 10, 15 minutes… nothing, no one was moving… except for those early ticket VIP buyers.. 

Slowly families with children started leaving… good for us, bad for them…

“What do you want to do?” I said to Nick.

To my surprise, he was completely fine waiting, and waiting and waiting… and after an approximate 25 minutes we once again began to shuffle in….

We’d soon realize that it was well worth the wait! 

Upon entry we discovered a cash bar as well as the Ohio Lakes and Rivers exhibit… though the liquor was great these initial ohio fish were less than thrilling… we were not off to a  good start….however, just a few steps around the corner and we had stumbled upon the first of the Bazzar vendors… and the exotic freshwater zone and alligator exhibit……

Now we’re talking… 

On to the next room….

more impressive…. more impressive… continuing on through the Florida Keys.………..

And it was during this time that I overheard the faint voice of an angel…….

Where, where was my Rihanna hiding…

Why just through the Weird & Wonderful exhibit! 

*Photo by Dale McDonald Courtesy of Greater Cleveland Aquarium Press Kit 

*Bonus… great DJ…. setup right next to the touching tank… 

*Photo by Dale McDonald Courtesy of Greater Cleveland Aquarium Press Kit 

 More vendors, more fish…On to the Coastal and Tropical Reef..exhibits …. 

and lastly… Shark Exhibit…

*Photo by Dale McDonald Courtesy of Greater Cleveland Aquarium Press Kit 

*Photo by Dale McDonald Courtesy of Greater Cleveland Aquarium Press Kit 

Conclusion:

A successful event indeed as both Nick and I left with smiles on our faces…… Perhaps its because we paid a mere $10 a piece…. or maybe its because I’m a sucker for exposed brick…regardless… I loved this event and this aquarium…  

Ill be crossing my fingers for an annual event!