Discover the story behind Cleveland’s enormous two-year party — the Great Lakes Exposition — during a free program at 6:30 p.m. July 23, at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. In the summers of 1936 and 1937, the city celebrated its centennial by transforming what had been a garbage dump into 135 acres of rides, sideshows, botanical gardens, art galleries and more. This lakefront jamboree occurred where the Great Lakes Science Center and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame now stand. Judy MacKeigan, the Cleveland Metroparks historian and archivist, will share stories and photos to bring Cleveland’s big party to life. Her talk is free to attend, but due to limited space, registration is required. Sign up at www.mentorpl.org or call the library at 440-255-8811, ext. 1.