Toledo Opera will partner with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to present a series of free community events in Hancock County this spring. The series, Opera For All, will begin with a Family Opera On Wheels performance on Friday, March 6, 2026 in Armes Hall at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (200 W. Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840).
Family-friendly activities will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a free performance of Toledo Opera’s 2025-26 Opera On Wheels production of The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish at 7:30 p.m.. This event is currently sold out. The performance and activities are presented free of charge as part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible cultural programming for the community.
Set in the lush forests surrounding the Great Lakes, The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish follows Mato, a young bear embarking on his first solo adventure. Eager to catch his own fish, Mato realizes he can’t remember how. As he journeys through the wilderness, Mato encounters a variety of animal friends who teach him not only about fishing but also about the delicate ecosystems of the Great Lakes region. Through these interactions, Mato learns that seeking help is a strength and that understanding the environment is key to thriving within it.
Directed by James M. Norman, with music by Matthew Fossa, and libretto/book by Joshua Borths, this original opera seamlessly blends engaging storytelling with scientific education, introducing young audiences to concepts like aquatic habitats, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. With its captivating music and meaningful message, The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is designed to inspire curiosity and a love for both the arts and the natural world. The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish features the Toledo Opera Resident Artists; chosen from a national pool of over 150 applicants, for a one-year residency in Toledo. Toledo Opera’s 2025-26 Resident Artists are Sarah Rachel Bacani (soprano), Danielle Casós (mezzo soprano); Brady DelVecchio (tenor), Rick Hale (baritone), and Yura Jang (pianist & opera coach).
Additional events in the series will include a free presentation of Opera ‘Round Town at the University of Findlay on April 19, and an America 250/Veterans Community Concert at the Findlay Bandshell on May 17. Further details for these events will be announced separately. All events in the series are free and open to the public.
For Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman, the opportunity to bring the company’s signature educational program to Hancock County is a meaningful milestone: “Toledo Opera is deeply grateful to partner with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to bring our signature education program, Opera On Wheels, to Hancock County this spring. Through programs like The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish, we are able to remove barriers to access and share high-quality, engaging musical storytelling with families across the region, completely free of charge. We are thrilled that this performance has already sold out, a testament to this community’s enthusiasm for the arts and to the Foundation’s commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all.”
“This program is made possible through support from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and marks our second year partnering with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts to bring Toledo Opera’s Opera On Wheels to the Findlay community in a welcoming, family-friendly setting,” added Toledo Opera Development Officer, Leah Whitaker. “Both years, the event has sold out within days of going live on the ticketing site, highlighting strong community enthusiasm and a growing interest in high-quality, accessible arts experiences throughout Findlay and Hancock County.”
“The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is excited to continue its partnership with the Toledo Opera through our Fun for All series of free community events,” shared Kimberly Bash, Chief Community Engagement Officer at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. “Engaging in the arts provides numerous benefits for children, including enhanced creativity, improved motor skills, and positive social-emotional development. Ensuring that more local youth have access to the arts and can experience professional performances such as The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is an important part of improving the quality of life for all in Hancock County.”
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all in the community. Established in 1992 as the result of an estate gift from L. Dale Dorney, The Community Foundation has granted more than $85 million to fund projects to support the community. Please contact Genna Freed, Communications Director, at gfreed@community-foundation.com or at 419-425-1100 for more information.
For more information about The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, please contact Genna Freed at gfreed@community-foundation.com. For media access or more information about Toledo Opera, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.
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