"Best Day Ever 2" BBQ and Music Festival: Bigger, Better, BBQ-er

It is possible to have an ever better Best Day Ever? Just ask Lakewood’s own Masonic Lodge: Yes!

While last year’s donation to the Special Olympics exceeded expectations, this year’s spread will definitely take it to the next level. Event coordinator Eddie Lichota revealed this year’s recipient for proceeds: GiGi’s Playhouse of Cleveland, Ohio. Not familiar with GiGi’s Playhouse? They are a non-profit “one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community” located in the Drug Mart plaza in the center of Lakewood, virtually next door to the Masonic Lodge. GiGi’s offers over 30 therapeutic and educational services, all of which are free of charge. A truly worthy cause, just ask CNN, who awarded Nancy Gianni, GiGi’s founder as a 2016 CNN Hero!

But what exactly is a Best Day Ever?

It starts with food, and lots of it. To start with: a BBQ competition with Pigtails Blues and BBQ, MacDaddy McDade BBQ, B&M BBQ, and TownHall Restaurant. Now add in some great tunes with: Gypsy Wolf, Diana Chittester, Sean Benjamin, Michael McFarland, Megan Zurkey, Paula Abdul-Jabbar, Ray Flanagan, Nick Wilkinson, Surrounding Cities, and Big Jul Green.  Finally, stir in the most awesome of vendors, including: Amy Ross at Avon, Lori Gallagher from Spooky Gurrl Bath & Body, Nivi’s Henna Art, The Pampered Chef with Susan Farnham, Lula Roe Clothing Company with Cyndy Roether, and Jeannie Bodnar from Pure Romance. That’s just a taste of what’s to come!

Lakewood Lodge #601 and GiGi’s Playhouse would like to thank the generous support of the sponsors: Insurance Consultants Group, Progressive Insurance, Westview Concrete, Avon Landscaping, Aristo-Crete, and Indy Equipment.

And the BEST part of the Best Day Ever? It’s all going down during Lakewood’s Summer Melt Down on July 9, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. No entry fee, just a great time for families and friends. Lakewood Masonic Lodge is located at 15300 Detroit Road, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. For more information, please check out the event on Facebook, search Best Day Ever BBQ and Music Festival. Also, check the website http://bestdayeverfest.com/.

Eddie Lichota

Proud member of the Lakewood Masonic Lodge #601. Father, husband, and disc golf fanatic.

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Volume 12, Issue 14, Posted 4:11 PM, 07.06.2016