‘Deepwood Rocks’ coming to Mentor Civic Amphitheater

The first annual “Deepwood Rocks” is coming to Mentor.

The family-friendly event infused with entertainment, food, fun takes place Aug. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Mentor Amphitheater.

The event includes an afternoon of performances by local talent, such as acts from Deepwood Idol, the Deepwood Dancers, and the Cleveland-based Sumrada Band.

Kid zone activities and food trucks will also be available on the grounds while attendees can stroll the amphitheater grounds to connect with

more than 20 community resource vendors and service providers. They can learn more about STABLE

accounts, Special Olympics, community transportation services, early intervention programs, recreation services, adaptive equipment/ home modification, employment navigation and transition services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“After judging the auditions for the annual Deepwood Idol event this past April, the city of Mentor’s Community Relations Administrator, Ante Logarusic, wanted to create an additional community event

that would showcase the talents of the performers who have developmental disabilities,” said Lynnmarie Landwei–Phillips, LCBDD’s professional services and PR director.

“In conjunction, we were exploring new ways to get information about local resources to individuals or caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities,” she said. “We thought this would create a great marriage for an event that all of Lake County could appreciate. Since it in part would be a concert, we decided to piggyback on the success of the popular Mentor

Rocks concert series and dub it ‘Deepwood Rocks.’”

From adaptive clothing to recreational programs, and vocational supports to learning about first responders and safety, the vendors will have it covered, Landwei-Phillips added.

“Add food trucks and fun activities for kids into the mix and I don’t think you could find a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” she said.

The event begins at noon with performers taking the stage at 1 p.m. Hearts for Music, a special needs orchestra, will perform at 2.

Deepwood Rocks closes

out with a set from the Sumrada Band.

“The day is a compilation of community in its best form,” said Theresa Wetzel, LCBDD’s marketing director. “The city of Mentor donated the venue and the Sumrada Band is performing free of charge to show their support for an event to bring our community together and celebrate inclusion.

“Every detail, even the Deepwood Rocks logo, which was inspired by a design submitted by Riverside High School student Nick Haumesser, has community and inclusion at its heart.”