The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
PARTY IN THE PARK HAS GREAT START
Tunes, food and a vibrant festival attract people to the 39th annual event
Most people would not believe that Painesville Party in the Park started out as a small barbecue on the gazebo in Veterans’ Park, said Painesville Community Improvement Corporation President Pam Morse.
Now the 39th annual event attracts thousands of visitors and vendors from all across the country.
First-time visitor Merralee Retallick from San Jose, California, said she was impressed with the variety and quality.
“It is really organized,” she said. “There is a great choice of food and music.”
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Express traveled from Leesburg, Florida, to offer patrons something new this year. The Sunshine Express was a fiveminute train ride around the square that both children and adults enjoyed.
Scott Sofer, the vice-president of PCIC, said the event continues to grow.
“The amount of food vendors increased by 20 percent,” said Sofer, who is also the food and vendor chairman for Party in the Park. “The tent vendors increased 10 percent this year.”
While he was pleased with the attendance, Sofer said his primary goal is to raise money and donate it back to the community.
PCIP, which organizes Painesville Party in the Park, is a non-profit that is dedicated to being active in the physical, social and economic revitalization of Painesville and surrounding communities. PCIC has given out over $300,000 in community grants, according to its website.
The three-day event is dubbed Ohio’s largest free music festival. It features over 30 local and national musical acts of many genres.
There are also numerous activities, including a kids area with several inflatables provided by 3E Cleveland, face painting, Jungle Terry, Magician Gordon Russ and Gentleman Joe the Juggler.
Morley Library Director Aurora Martinez said Painesville Party in the Park is a great family event.
Martinez presented fun and educational activities
PCIC has given out over $300,000 in community grants, according to its website.
including a walk-through picture book for families.
Party in the Park takes months to plan and is a community effort, Sofer said.
“I think what’s important for people to know is when we meet the second Monday of the month at the Elk’s Lodge in Painesville from 6:30 to 8 p.m., that’s how this all gets driven,” he said. “We will have a review the second Monday in August to review how Party in the Park went and what we need to do differently. Then we will start talking about Party in the Park again in January. Meetings are open to the public and we want to hear from everyone.”
Painesville Party in the Park will continue from noon to midnight July 14 and from 8:30 a.m to midnight July 15.