08/22/2022
Where to begin…. The Bicentennial Birthday Bash is behind us, Together Streetsboro created amazing memories and came together for the festivities of a party they can look at in 50 years during the Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration.
The weekend celebrations were kicked off on Saturday with the parade of a lifetime. Organized by Council members Jennifer Wagner-Vecchio and Jon Hannan, Streetsboro (and some surrounding communities), joined the parade in many calling the “best parade ever.” We were literally receiving calls until the day of the parade with an outpouring of participating (over 70). Jen and Jon made it look easy as they organized the parade, that we can look at forever!
The Birthday Bash weekend had so many moving parts that it could not have been pulled off without everyone coming together!
I’d like to thank all the participants in the many attractions we had including Joey Sylvester, Harvey Johnson (son, Luke) and the Monster Trucks. Chainsaw Shari, John Rys, Ross Mcnerney, Harry Titus and all the Civil War re-enactors- The mayor even managed to fire the first cannon on Saturday. Also, thanks to Ron Hill and Act 3 for the amazing Caricatures, Amanda Rose and the Creative Fitness dancers who performed at the start of the festival. Who will ever forget the unbelievable Fireworks spectacular that Brian W. Hirsch, Kevin and the boys at Pyrotechnico put together.- Amazing!
The music acts and entertainment this weekend was absolutely incredible. Special thanks to Todd Meany and Ace Molar, David Siefert and the boys with “The Crue.” Mother Nature must not like Guns N’ Roses since she poured on us, but special thanks to John Bradford and the boys of Nightrain for making the trip. Also special thanks to Keith, Bill, Raj and the boys of Southern Cross and RTE 212. We want to thanks Chad Collins, and Greg West for closing out the “Wet” weekend (Ultimate Aldean).
Appreciate the continued updates as Bob Long did his best to keep us updated and dry.
Special thanks to all the “Behind the Scenes” efforts that helped us throw the Bash including Joe and Lynn (Cabby Brothers), Dan and Sandy Golden (All Seasons RV), Chad, Jake Ressler (Double Take Video) Angela Hollen Photography, Lisa Wild (Streetsboro Visitors Bureau, Pearl, Jacquelyn, Barbara, and Jonna and the group at the Heritage Foundation. Thanks to Jimmie (Gionino’s), Cory (The Weiner Guy) and Landy (Honey Baked Ham) for keeping all of the workers and re-enactors fed.
The team of Production Assistance (Tommy, Cindy, Jason), RCS, Stephanie (Hughie’s), Dwayne and Audio Extremes.
Special things to the Chuck Kocisko, Rob and Von Starkey and the Family Days group for their supplies, advice, advisement and so much more. Special thanks to all the volunteers including Gary Motz, Fran and Chrissy Motz, Eric Timko, Dave Bell, Peter Gerome, Deborah Ruffo, Brett Stanovich, Danielle Lyn, CJ and Andreas (Streetsboro City Schools), Scott Wynn (WQMX), and Ken Carman (92.3/Fox 😎
Shaffer Branding (Rick Shaffer/Stacey Shaffer).. I cannot say enough about. The entire Bicentennial image, look, marketing strategy, website, apparel and media is a reflection of your dedication and amazing talents! You are all over this town!
Special recognition to all the Streetsboro City officials including Mayor Glenn Broska and the City Council members. Streetsboro safety forces of Chief Reinholz, Chief Wain, Kevin Grimm and all the safety teams.
Special thanks to the Bicentennial Committee and all their efforts and hard work including Caroline Kremer, Mary Reynolds, Mike and Josh Lampa, Ted Hurd, Mary Morrison, Jerimiah Greathouse, Michelle and the amazing job of the Hudson Jaycees. This event could not have been pulled off without your dedication and hard work. The cleaning team of Alex Cannella and RKS.- You guys are the best.
Thank you for all the help.. to the amazing team I have the pleasure working with Greg Mytinger, Rachel Miller, Craig Barger, and Joe Bali. Truly a team effort.
And finally.. Sal Ruffo You have truly been at my side through the entire Bicentennial. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate the amazing dedication and work you have helped in putting together the Birthday Bash and the history and memories we can look back on. Love ya, Brother!
Join us for The Bicentennial Community Cookout (Free Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Birthday Cake), The 5k Bicentennial Fun Run, The Bicentennial NEW Time Capsule burial (to be opened in 2072), and finally “The Big Picture”--The panoramic community wide photo where we will create a picture for the next 50 years/100 years. __ Everyone needs to make “The Big Picture” Hope to see everyone on Saturday Sept 17th, 2022 at the Streetsboro Fire Station.
Thanks again to everyone that attended the Bicentennial Birthday Bash and hope everyone had a great time. We sure did!
