The two-day Harvest Fest brought out the best in the weather, the best in music, the best in fresh foods and the best in what North Royalton has to offer from its residents and its civic organizations.
The 12th annual Harvest Fest was expanded to a two-day event this year. On Saturday September 24, residents were invited to visit the working farms and Farmers’ Markets in North Royalton. On Sunday the 25th, families took over the City Green for some old-fashioned fun and to celebrate this year’s harvest. The Civic Groups used the event as a fund-raiser to help spread their message.
North Royalton Mayor Bob Stefanik has called the six working farms and Farmers’ Markets in the city ‘hidden gems’. Janice Hyduk, a North Royalton resident, agrees with that term.
“I pass these three farms on State Road all the time and I frequently stop in. (Royalton Farms, Heavenly Hill Farm and Purple Skies Farm) They’re great because everything is fresh. Besides their vegetables and apples, I’m supporting North Royalton businesses.”
Fellow North Royalton resident Bob Carcioppolo said, “it’s a great thing to have these places in the city.”
North Royalton City Council President Larry Antoskiewicz believes that most residents “don’t realize how big an asset the farms are to North Royalton. From Romano’s, to going to pick your own apples, to fresh cider, you don’t have to go very far to take advantage of these assets. I see it as nothing but a positive for the city.”
And to close out Saturday, September 24, as North Royalton farmers of yesteryear did, music and dancing took place. The ever-popular Eddie and the Edsels took to the stage at the Gazebo for a concert on the City Green. On Sunday, the sunny, warm weather brought out hundreds and hundreds of residents. Most believed it was a bigger turnout than last year.
Camille Price of the Holiday Lighting Committee said that there were more vendors that came to the Harvest Fest this year. “The good weather helps but the inclusion of the Harvest Fest in the Ohio Festival Directory was important.” The Directory lists all festivals that take place in Ohio, allowing vendors to plan their schedule.
Frank and Antonietta Trunzo, who recently moved back to North Royalton, brought their three children to the Harvest Fest. “I didn’t realize that North Royalton had a Harvest Fest. We’ve had a great time,” said Antonietta.
Among the Civic Organizations that have participated in every Harvest Fest is the North Royalton Rotary Club. Rich Cervenak, President of the Rotary, says they come every year “because it’s fun. It also gives us a chance to talk with people and explain what we do. Rotary is the world’s largest service organization with well over one million members.” It wouldn’t be Harvest Fest without the North Royalton Rotary selling its Kielbasa and Sauerkraut sandwiches.
Other Civic Organizations that took part were the North Royalton Garden Club, 4-H Homesteaders and North Royalton City Council who served up their famous ‘fried bologna sandwiches.’ The concert on the City Green was sponsored by the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce and the Royalton Recorder.
Proceeds from the Sunday event are used to install, repair or replace the holiday lights that decorate the City Green and otherm buildings in North Royalton during the holiday season.
By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer