The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
CITY HOLDS 24TH ANNUAL UNITY DAYS FESTIVAL
Mayfield Heights festival brings older, newer residents together
The annual Mayfield Heights Unity Days Festival brought visitors of all ages together.
The three-day event started with a luncheon for residents who lived in the city for 50 years or more, said Mayfield Heights Recreation Director Sean Ward.
Ward, who has helped organize the event for 18 years, said the Unity Days Festival is a great way to bring longtime and new residents together.
“You feel a real sense of community here,” he said.
The festival featured carnival rides, inflatables, beer and wine tents, live music and numerous food vendors.
Arrabiata’s, Corbo’s Bakery, Firehouse Subs, Master Pizza, Panini’s Mayfield and Piccolo provided several delectable options.
On June 25, the event began with an hour-long parade down Mayfield Road.
Sam Rutigliano, a former Cleveland Browns coach, was this year’s Parade Grand Marshal.
Richmond Heights resident Mariana Bykov said it is a nice summer event. This is the second year that Bykov attended and brought her two young children.
“We really enjoyed the parade,” she said. “The kids love getting the candy.”
Ward said every year they try to get new entertainment and bring many of the crowd’s favorites back.
Terry Sullivan, who is known as Jungle Terry, is one of those favorite acts, drawing large crowds of visitors of all ages.
Sullivan presents an interactive show with a variety of different animals and reptiles.
“My mom rescued wild animals, so it’s something I’ve been a part of
my entire life,” he said.
He educated and entertained audiences with a chinchilla, hedgehog, frog and snake. Children and adults got the opportunity to pet and learn about these animals.
Antonio Mangelluzzi, who is 15-years-old, said he tries to come to the Unity Days Festival at least one of the three days, each year.
“I like hanging out with my friends, and it’s nice that we can just walk here from our houses,” he said. “It’s pretty fun.”
The final day of the event also featured the 2017 Citizens of the Year Presentation recognizing Cecelia and David Paponetti for their contribution to the community.