Willowick continues its Water Show tradition

End of season show also serves as food drive

In its 59th year, the Willowick Water Show was successful in showcasing the talents of Manry Pool’s staff.

In its 59th year, the Willowick Water Show was successful in showcasing the swimming and theatrical talents of Manry Pool’s staff and lifeguards, as well as participants from Learnto-Swim, the swim team and the summer camp.

Approximately 400 spectators brought canned food items on the night of Aug. 3 as cost of admission to the show at Manry Pool in Manry Park, located at 30100 Arnold Road. The food items are to be donated to the Willowick Food Bank.

This year’s theme was Willowick Water Show: The Musical. Brothers Jack and Ben Lausin along with Natali Trem worked all season to coordinate the show, setting time aside to put the theme together.

“They started planning the production of it and as the season went on, the lifeguards incorporated our Learn-to-Swim participants,” said Maureen Brennan, administrative assistant to Willowick Recreation Department Director Julie Kless. “We had 200 participants.”

The process of preparing to put the production on can be extensive, with the addition of costumes and backdrops. The coordinators sought support from businesses and requested donations of any kind to help offset the cost, Brennan said.

This year’s sponsors included CP Coolers, Becky’s Baskets, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dino’s, Fur-ever-Luv, Planet Fitness, Revolution Pizza, the Willowick Swim Team and Sherwin Williams.

“CP Coolers dedicated one day where the proceeds they take in went to the show,” Brennan said.

“This year, they earned up to $400.”

Those involved in putting together the show take a lot of pride in their work, Brennan said. Many of the current lifeguards’ parents were all lifeguards as well and have received input from them on how they once ran the show.

“It’s something of tradition and bringing it back gives people that hometown feel,” Brennan said. “Most people seem to have a new sense of appreciation for the little things that maybe we’ve overlooked. They love it and it’s a very long line to get in.”

While the show marks an exciting time for Willowick, it’s also bittersweet as it’s during the time of wrapping up the season, Brennan said.

“It’s nice to have something lighthearted and a family enjoyment that everyone of all ages can enjoy,” Brennan said. “We’ve been very lucky to have a full staff of guards.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO In its 59th year, the Willowick Water Show was successful in showcasing the swimming and theatrical talents of Manry Pool’s staff and lifeguards.