The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Last Stop Willoughby event rolls on
Annual parade draws large crowd
On Aug. 19, Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson was doing what he’s been accustomed to for more than a quarter century: Leading.
But this time it was as grand marshal of the Last Stop Willoughby parade. He and wife Donna were both asked to serve in the role.
“Donna and I are very honored to be named the grand marshals of the parade this year,” said Anderson, who retires as mayor Dec. 31.
He noted that Last Stop Willoughby is among many major events that bring folks to the downtown area throughout the summer season.
The 12th annual festival celebrates the community hub and all it has to offer, including Willoughby’s roots in rail transportation. Sponsors are Heart of Willoughby, Adventure Auto Group, First Interstate Properties and other businesses.
The theme this year is “Free, Family, Fun,” and activities included the popular trolley tours, a Kids Zone in Wes Point Park, model train layouts, music and food trucks. One new addition was an elaborate Legos train display in the library.
The library also hosted continuous screenings of a Twilight Zone episode entitled “A Stop at Willoughby.”
Heart of Willoughby also uses the event as an opportunity to recognize a community member with the Heart Award. It is based on community involvement
The theme this year is “Free, Family, Fun,” and activities included the popular trolley tours, a Kids Zone in Wes Point Park, model train layouts, music and food trucks.
and contribution, said Greg Patt, Heart of Willoughby vice president.
This year’s winner is Ryan Eubanks, a former teacher in the Willough by Eastlake Schools.
“His class was the welding class, and they rebuilt the 100-year-old flagpole that’s in Wes Point Park, and they totally redid the World War 1 canon that’s in the park,” Patt said.
The main attraction clearly was the parade, which had hundreds of people lining up along the route from South High School through downtown.
“They like the candy,” said Marissa VanGorder of Willoughby, referring to her sons Dominick, 6, and Mason, 4.
The family grabbed some snacks from Taco Local and a curbside view across the street.
“Honestly, I just like to watch them enjoy it,” she said. “And we love Downtown Willoughby; we like to come here.”
To generate more interest, organizers instituted a parade float contest this year. Anyone who entered a decorated float was eligible to win a cash prize of $300 for first place and $100 for second place.
“We probably won’t get that many this year, because it’s the first year and we’re trying to get the word out,” said Patt, prior to the event.
The parade featured 40 units, plus more than 200 jeeps in the annual Jeepalooza.
“It’s like a get-together of jeep owners and they decorate their vehicles,” Patt said.
He said the Andersons were a natural choice for grand marshals.
“They have done a great contribution to the city,” he said. “We (wanted) him to lead the parade like he led the city for 26 years.”