Garrettsville – Its almost here. The event you’ve been waiting for will kick off Friday night in downtown Garrettsville, Garrettsville Summerfest 2018. This year opening ceremonies will begin at 6:30 pm and will pay tribute to our first responders. The chief from each entity, police, fire and EMS will receive a plaque to hang in their facility. An honor all deserve!
Garrettsville Summerfest is known for its music, tractor parade and Idol but there is a lot more than that to see and do. Here are a few highlights for the weekend.
For kids, Friday night movie night is back and this year will feature “Ferdinand.” There will be pass, punt, and kick contest Saturday also Jungle Terry and his wild animal menagerie, ice cream eating contest, the “Summer Luau with the Polynesian Princess”, and the Jr. Firefighters Obstacle Course. Don’t forget, at sundown there will be a giant fireworks display too.
Sunday features the “Touch a Truck” with the Jr. Firefighter’s Obstacle Course. If the kids are really energized there is the 5K or 1 mile fun run/walk to give kid’s glioma cancer the boot. The police K-9 team will do a demonstration that the kids will not want to miss. Kids can also enter the “So You Think You Can Dance Competition.” The Lion’s Club Duck Race will be both Saturday and Sunday. Kids’ fun land will be open all weekend. Rides, games and more! Helicopter rides will be available, weather permitting.
For adults, there is pie-baking, kids can do this too! Hamburger eating contest, Corn hole tournament, Garfield–Windham Alumni baseball game and a volleyball tournament. A dog show, a Grand Parade, tractor parade, dance recital review, and cloggers. Helicopter rides available at the high school, weather permitting. Also the classic car cruise with music by Dennis Chandler
But wait there’s more… music music music. Friday night one can catch, Ladies of the “80’s,” “Straight On” (Heart Tribute Band, and “Invincible,” Pat Benetar Tribute band.
Saturday’s line-up is two acoustic shows, Jimi Frankito and Gary Pirrung. There will be some classic rock, “Arrowhead,” “My Drunk ‘n Uncle,” and “Bad Seed”, plus the headliner, “Eclipse.”
Then, there is the country lover’s line up,” Fort Huntsburg Band,” “Hill Top Honey,” and Zach Paxton. On Sunday one can hear former Idol winner Alexis Pinney in “Allegiance” featuring country and rock.
Jazz and Blues lovers, you’re not left out in the cold. There will be some music for your taste as well. John Boston and Johnny Wallace, on Friday night and Debbie Darling with David Strieter will perform on Sunday. Gospel music will also be played, along with some big band era-style music too. If you like the oldies “Take 2” might be your style. There’s a music genre that should fit everyone’s fancy.
Lastly, big fire works show, Garrettsville Idol and the car/cash raffle has returned. If you love this festival, please support it by purchasing a car/ cash raffle ticket $20/ each or 6 for $100. This year’s car is a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
General Information one will need to know. Schedule of events will be available at the information booth in the center of town. The tractor parade is at noon and traffic tie- ups are to be expected. The traffic issues will be repeated Sunday at 12:30 because of the Grand Parade. The 5k race is on Sunday morning, so please watch for runners and walkers. Parking can be problematic; there will be parking available at the high school and shuttle buses will run Saturday only from 3pm – 11pm. Arrive early and stay late, taking in all you can, to make this year’s Garrettsville Summerfest experience the best ever!
