Festival visitors anticipating an exciting ride

The festival began 21 years ago when a parishioner of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, the late Mary Jacko stated to then Mayor Tony Sinagra that the Eastern end of Lakewood, where Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church is located, seems to a forgotten part of town by the rest of the city. She suggested an ethnic festival at Madison Park and immediately received the blessing of the mayor.

A group of volunteers got together with Mayor Sinagra and organized the first festival. They set the annual festival date as the Saturday after Labor Day.

Many of the ethnic churches and groups in the neighborhood have and continue to participate with various foods.

The weather has cooperated each year with the exception of one, when the festival was washed out. That festival was postponed to the rain date the following week.

This year the festival is Saturday September 6th, 2008. It is a one-day festival starting at 9:00AM with a 5K Kielbasa Run, followed at 11:00AM with the flag raising ceremony, which is attended by veterans, their families and festival visitors. The Lakewood High School Band will play a medley of patriotic songs.

Following opening ceremonies comes a full day of eating fine ethnic foods and enjoying good music and other entertainment. There will be children’s races and games, pony rides, animals on display and many other attractions. In the past Lolly the Trolly gave a tour of Bird Town and The Euclid Beach Rocket Car gave a exciting ride to the festival visitors.

Each year the Lakewood Community Festival, Inc. committee gives back to the community by donating to the area non-profit groups.

Join us this September 6th at Madison Park.