Taking It To The Streets

Lakewood prepares to get physical as Street Walk 2010 kicks off on July 17. People of all ages and interests are encouraged to get out and get active. With the abundance of varied activities scheduled, movement should not be a problem.

Lakewood Alive is presenting the second annual festival from 3 pm. to 8 pm, which is free and open to the public. Collaborating with Live Well Lakewood again this year, the festivities will promote healthy living, the city’s walkability, while also revitalizing downtown. “We have a number of program providers to show people what kinds of activities people can do to get off of the couch,” Lakewood Alive Marketing & Development Director Shannon Strachan said.

The success of 2009’s Street Walk inspired a bigger, better event this year, including a new 5K Run. Strachan said the street festival was very well received last year, drawing more than 5,000 people and 38 program providers. “People participated in everything. Young and old attended.”

This year, the group hopes to build upon the music, activities, and program that made last year’s experience a success, while expanding. “We have more food vendors this year,” Strachan said. “We tried to balance healthy eating with festival food.” 

The city will close seven blocks on Detroit Ave. (from Arthur to Marlowe avenues) to traffic, providing for three zones of activities. Residents can watch or participate in almost any physical activity from break dancing to belly dancing; basketball to fencing; Karate to Zumba; roller derby to 4-square. There is also music, food and shopping, so everyone will be able to find something in which to engage.

“Street Walk is one of the best ways Lakewood can show off its true colors and get people to slow down and see all the shops that line Detroit,” Public Square Group, Inc. Executive Director Vince Frantz explained. “Additionally, it allows many people to actively participate rather than simply consume. Active living is a part of the Lakewood flavor, so it makes sense to celebrate the ways that we show signs of life.”

 Frantz’s organization will present a skateboarding demonstration and give free lessons at the festival. “Skateboarding is one of the only forms of unstructured play that has evolved out of the urban environment,” he said. “It also serves as a lifelong form of physical and mental activity and so it made sense to make it a part of the celebration.”

He added that people should expect some heated SKATE battles to arise (much like the game HORSE in basketball). “Skaters from around Lakewood will be able to share the experience of skating up and down Detroit but people who have never tried skateboarding can have a go at it as well.”

New to the festival this year is the 5K run sponsored by Kendall Jarrell Insurance Advisors. Kendall Jarrell said that he runs a couple 5Ks every year with a group of friends. “We’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie of accomplishing something together,” he said. “It’s always been an event that I’ve liked. I had always hoped to sponsor one in Lakewood. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get the community out and get everyone active.”

His coworker Ruth Koenigsmark, president of Lakewood is Art, suggested he contact Lakewood Alive about the prospect of sponsoring a run. When he did, they suggested Street Walk. “It’s been a positive experience ever since.” Jarrell went on to say that all of Lakewood’s annual events are positive for the community. “Getting people together is going to build a stronger Lakewood, especially doing something healthy. Going out and getting to know your neighbor makes the community stronger. It’s a win-win proposition.”   

Strachan said the 5k run was discussed last year, and it is coming to fruition this year. “It’s something the people wanted,” she said. “We have the drive and committee help, and the sponsorship has allowed us to put it on. The city is always willing to help, and our grid system allows them to close streets down and people are still able to get around.”

She added that they hope the run brings in a greater number of people from surrounding communities. “I hope to make this a state-wide event, and make downtown Lakewood a destination for people outside of the city. We have 180 miles of sidewalk and a lifestyle that’s compatible with walkability.” She said that they hope to double the attendance numbers from last year. 

Those interested in participating in the 5k Run are instructed to meet at St. Charles Green by 3:30 p.m. to register. The race begins at 5:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The pre-registration fee is $20 by July 16, while the day of registration fee is $25. The top three men and top three women in each of 11 age groups will receive awards.  

Lakewood Alive will host a post-race party with beverages sponsored by Pacers and food sponsored by various Lakewood restaurants. Partygoers will enjoy live music by 70 Lewis.

Children ages 8 and under can participate in the Half Mile Children’s Race, sponsored by Live Well Lakewood, which also meets at St. Charles Green. All finishers receive medals. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., and the race begins at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for those registered by July 16 and $10 for those who register the day of the race.

Live Well Lakewood will also hold the Youth Fitness Challenge with hula hoops, jump ropes, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and a wheel of health trivia game, and will recognize winners of the Wellness Challenge that began in April.

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary and Pillars of Lakewood will be hosting putt-putt golf for all ages at Street Walk. Patty Ryan, CEO and President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce said “she hopes everyone will come by and try their hand at making a hole-in-one.” While visiting the putt-putt golf, you may pick up some information for the 2010 Chamber/Rotary Golf Outing.

Zone 1: Arthur Avenue to Andrews Avenue

• Foodies can join Eaters of Lakewood for a watermelon eating contest, as well as cookie decorating.
• Bookworms can browse at Friends of Lakewood Library’s book sale.
• Artists can express themselves through chalk art with the Beck Center visual arts staff.
• The Lakewood YMCA will offer attendees the opportunity to try (or just watch) their various classes. Residents will also have the opportunity to meet the YMCA Adventure Guides and learn about the activities in which they participate.
• Donna at Silhouette Dance Studio & Fine Art will be on hand to perform dance demonstrations in both hip hop and break dancing.
• Lakewood Historical Society representative Mazie Adams will offer a walking history tour to those meeting in front of the Lakewood Public Library at 3:30 pm.
• The Korean Karate Center will demonstrate their ancient art form.
• The Lake Erie Crushers and Stomper will greet fans.
• Representatives from St. Edward High School and Trash Talker’s Band will be on hand to discuss the program.
• Kidd Productions DJ will entertain the crowd.
• Lakewood Skaters’ Association will offer skateboarding demonstrations and free lessons at the Red Bull ramps.

Zone 2: Andrews Avenue to Warren Road

• Troupe Benazir will perform their mixed cabaret and ethnic style of belly dancing.
• Rock band Coffinberry and bossa nova guitarist Jesse Barnes will perform in front of Phoenix Coffee.
• Boston Market will host corn hole games.
• Children can participate in double Dutch and jump rope demonstrations.
• Holistic Health Cleveland will demonstrate how to increase your energy.
• Cyrano’s Place will host fencing demonstrations.
• Karen Kilbane will host Jazzercise demonstrations.
• Jordan’s Family Foundation will inform and educate on Congenital Heart Disease.
• Winterhurst/Serpentini skaters will perform roller blading demonstrations.
• Representatives from the Lake Erie Monsters will meet and greet fans at St. Charles Green.
• Fitness Edge will host personal training demonstrations.
• Attendees can learn from Cerny Shoes how Skechers Shape-ups help burn calories, tone muscles, and improve posture.
• Dancers are invited to join the Cleveland Federation of Square Dancing in front of First Federal Savings & Loan.
• The Exchange will demonstrate Wii Sports.
• Amy Annico will perform a Zumba demonstration.

Zone 3: Warren Road to Marlowe Avenue

• Alternative band 70 Lewis will perform.
• H2O will host a 4-square challenge.
• Festival participants are invited to compete in Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee and Lakewood High School Basketball Program’s challenge.
• People are invited to try their skills on the U.S. Army Climbing Wall. 
• Drug Mart Wellness and Lakewood Hospital will provide free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.
• Lakewood Hospital will also offer children’s corn hole and pinko.
• Cleveland State University basketball mascot, Magnus the Viking, will greet fans.
• Burning River Roller Girls will show those on hand what roller derby is all about.
• Lakewood Soccer Association will host soccer activities for children.
• The Lakewood Firefighter Combat Team will challenge at least eight teams of five to a tug of war battle. The final two teams will tug against the Lakewood Firefighter Combat Challenge Team. The cost is $10 per team with all proceeds supporting the Lakewood Firefighter Combat Challenge Team competing in Kissimmee, Florida at the National Firefighter Combat Challenge.

For more information, please visit www.lakewoodstreetwalk.com