Banners will be flying, literally, as the city celebrates its bicentennial this year. Plans are being finalized for the festivities, including the installation of special Bicentennial banners, which will start this summer. Mayor Bob Stefanik said that plans are very close to being finalized. The North Royalton Chamber of Commerce is celebrating their one hundredth anniversary this year.
In order to celebrate these momentous occasions, City and Chamber officials, as well as representatives from numerous local organizations have been meeting for months to discuss various festivities. A committee was formed last year, chaired by North Royalton City Council President, Larry Antoskiewicz, which includes representatives from the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce, the North Royalton Historical Society, North Royalton School District, North Royalton Community Band, the North Royalton Garden Club, The Royalton Hills Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and the North Royalton Alumni Association.
The committee has nailed down the dates of the various events that will highlight the celebration, starting on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, with a city-wide sidewalk sale, which is being sponsored by the Royalton Recorder. That weekend will be capped off by the annual Pet Carnival, sponsored by the North Royalton Animal Hospital, which will take place that Sunday, July 29, on the City Green.
The following weekend will be highlighted with a Bicentennial Ball, scheduled for Saturday, August 4, at Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante and Party Center. The North Royalton Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this gala, which will highlight the city’s bicentennial as well as the Chamber’s centennial. Sponsorships are available for those businesses and individuals who would like to take part in this lifetime event. More information regarding the Ball will soon be available. “The Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the Bicentennial Ball, an enchanted evening of dining and dancing, reminiscing about our city’s past and celebrating the present and future,” said Chamber Executive Director Maria Magnelli.
On Sunday, August 5, residents will be invited to a Picnic in the Park, a free event at Memorial Park. Antoskiewicz said that discussions are taking place regarding a concert, free refreshments, various activities and possible drawings throughout the afternoon and evening. “Hopefully, plans will be finalized shortly,” said Antoskiewicz. He hopes to see participation from the various organizations in this event. The North Royalton Community Band will perform during the event, he said and in case of inclement weather, the option of having a concert at the High School has been planned as a backup location.
The annual Festival Pageant will be held on Thursday, August 2. This year will be extra special for area youth vying for the title of North Royalton Miss , Mr, Princess, Sweetheart, Little Miss, Little Prince and Ms. Senior Bicentennial! More information and entry form will soon on the Chamber website and Recorder.
The North Royalton Community Festival dates have changed and will be held the weekend of August 10-12. The annual festival was pushed up from the end of the month and will take place on the City Green. The parade will take place on Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. The weekend will conclude with fireworks on Sunday night, which is predicted to be the largest display ever!
The festivities will conclude on Saturday, August 18, with the annual Old Timers Banquet hosted by the Royalton Hills Lions for residents, age 70 and more, who have lived in North Royalton for at least thirty years.
“As time goes on, we will have more definitive plans,” said Antoskiewicz. He hopes that all residents, from those long standing residents, to new residents will come out and enjoy the activities planned for these special occasions.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer