Ravenna is looking for volunteers to help with its America 250 celebration.
Anyone interested in helping with the event should contact Clerk of Council Chelsea Gregor at 330-297-2155. With enough volunteers, people can take shifts and still go out to enjoy the celebration day.
Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. July 11 on the courthouse lawn, followed by a community photo in the middle of Main Street. The Ravenna VFW will provide a rendition of “Taps” and various local politicos will add their remarks.
Then, a courthouse lawn community picnic is set to last until 3 p.m. Tents will be set up in case of inclement weather. Free hotdogs, popcorn, snow cones, cake and cotton candy will be provided as long as supplies last.
Children can enjoy more than one bounce house, a petting zoo and creating chalk drawings. Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center will bring some vehicles for viewing.
Also scheduled are promotional give-aways, DJ Krooze, Bill Starcher’s artwork, a Ravenna police K9 demonstration, a dunk tank and more family friendly activities. Uncle Sam will be on hand for photos.
Informational tables will be staffed by a number of local organizations. Ravenna’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will be in effect, allowing attendees to enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout the event.
An America 250 after-party concert will kick off at 7 p.m. at Sun Beau Valley Event Center, featuring DEK of Hearts. Tickets are $15. Contact Ravenna Parks and Rec at this link to obtain tickets.
To accommodate the expected crowds, state Route 59 will be closed from Sycamore to Prospect streets from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wendy DiAlesandro
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.