A “little” rain doesn’t faze Charlestown. It rained on and off all morning and early afternoon Saturday, Aug. 3, as set up for the 21st Annual Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In was completed. Then, right on cue the rain stopped, the sun came out at 3 p.m. and the festival commenced as planned.
Sure, most of the food vendors cancelled, but 408 Concessions, with their awesome ice cream nachos, showed up ready to go, and the committee was able to pivot and provide pizza and kettle corn for the hungry festival goers.
The Cruise In had 20 great entries despite the weather and the winners were presented hand made trophies designed and crafted by Jesse Keller.
Winners are Best On 2 Wheels: Nick Applegarth with a 2013 Harley Davidson Blackline FXS; Best Paint: Bob Basil with a 1986 Ford Mustang; Best Import: Bill Shayler and his 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon; Best Muscle: Bill and Char Lallathin with their 1972 Chevrolet Nova; Best Performance: Alex Bradley and a 2012 Ram 3500;People’s Choice: Rick Gardner’s 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu; and Best of Show: Donald Spencer and the 1964 Ford Mustang. Jesse, and his wife Kasey Keller, did a wonderful job organizing the revival of the car show.
Kids of all ages enjoyed Outback Ray and his Amazing Animals. The mix of humor, education and the children’s participation makes his show a hit. A climbing wall, bungy jump, bounce house, face painting and crafts and more, kept the kids busy along with a school supply give away. The Grand Prize Entertainment Basket was won by Mike Moser.
Thanks to the Township Trustees, The Charlestown Volunteer Fire Department and the Activity Committee for all the work and commitment that went into organizing this fun, free event for the community.
Members at Charlestown United Methodist Church have been collecting P3 and P4 soft plastics for recycling for about six months. Gary Hunsicker, a member of the Friends of West Branch State Park, had provided us with a collection container to help with their bench project.
For every 1,000 pounds of plastic recycled they earn a bench for the park from Trex, manufacturers of wood alternative building products. The First Congregational Church of Ravenna is also among the many places he has placed collection bins. Recently, the group donated a new bench to the park with a plaque noting the cooperation of the two churches.
If anyone is interested in obtaining a collection container you may reach Gary by texting him at 330-608-3461. Thanks to Gary and the Friends of West Branch for helping to preserve the natural beauty of the park.
Please email me at [email protected] or text me at 330-281-3723 with any news. I’d love to hear of your accomplishments, births, marriages, vacations or organizations. Also, email me if you would like to be on the Charlestown email list.
