The Newton Falls Kiwanis Club celebrated its 99th Annual Cakewalk with sunshine, music, and plenty of community spirit. Judges Susan Holub, Carly and Troy Nicholas, Rick Jolly, and Recorder Tim Holub faced a tough challenge choosing winners among the many creative costume participants at the beloved fall tradition.
The event, held on a beautiful autumn day, brought together families, friends, and volunteers for a day full of fun, music, and prizes. Kiwanis extended heartfelt thanks to George and Mary Koutsounadis of the Covered Bridge Inn, DJ Mindy Reed, and Bob Burke for operating the P.A. system. The club also recognized the City of Newton Falls’ workers in the police, fire, street, and electrical departments for their help with scheduling, setup, and teardown, as well as David Hanson for providing parking space for the club.
A special highlight of the afternoon was a performance by the Newton Falls High School Tiger Marching Band, directed by Mr. Hrdlicka. Their lively set added to the festive atmosphere and entertained the crowd during costume judging.
This year’s event continued Kiwanis’s sponsorship of the decorative arches, with signage designed by Tim Heckathorn of Zip City Lazer. Decorative cakes were supplied by Newton Falls IGA and Shop ‘n Save, with Maggie’s Donuts generously contributing the equivalent of six additional cakes. Members of Pastor Steve Spurlock’s First Baptist Church warmed attendees with a free hot chocolate stand.
Over $1,500 in prizes and gift certificates were donated by local businesses and friends, rewarding participants in the popular costume contest. Creative entries included the colorful “golden trophy” people, a claw machine, baby lobster, Addams Family, Cruella and her dalmatians, dinosaurs and a Jurassic Park family, a slinky couple, an emu/ostrich, and even a Teletubby.
Kiwanis expressed deep gratitude to all sponsors and donors who supported the event — including long-time community contributors such as Tarry and Rhonda Alberini, AAA I-76 Antique Mall, American Legion Post 236, AMVETS Post 112, Dairy Queen, Texas Roadhouse of Niles, and many others. New donors this year included Shuster’s Lawn and Landscape, Trumbull Industries, Merit Brass, Vickie Ball (in memory of Chris Baryak Sr.), Country Club Rehab Campus, Maggie’s Donuts, and Newton Falls Family Pharmacy, among others.
Volunteers played an essential role in the event’s success, including Ted Kolacz, Mark Johnson, Denny Cottrill, Joe and Mary Lou Drotar O’Lear, Sherri Harrah, Angel Suarez, Patty Nolan, Michelle Ball, Jakob Zimmermann, and Kathy King. Members of the Newton Falls High School National Honor Society — Ellie Falb, Madison Davis, Kate Holesko, and Maddie Knight — also lent a helping hand. The club welcomed visiting Kiwanians from the East Geauga and Fairview Park clubs, who joined in the festivities to learn more about the long-running Newton Falls tradition.
The Newton Falls Kiwanis extends sincere thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered — all helping to make this year’s Cakewalk a resounding success. The club looks forward to celebrating a milestone next year with the 100th Annual Kiwanis Cakewalk on October 31st!
