The Bicentennial events will shine bright the weekend of August 4 and 5, with the Bicentennial Ball on Saturday and a Picnic in the Park on Sunday.
The Bicentennial Ball will take place at Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante and Party Center on Saturday, August 4. The gala is being sponsored by the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce, which is also celebrating their centennial anniversary this year. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and is then followed by dinner and dancing. Artifacts from the past 200 years will be on display for residents to get a glimpse of life in North Royalton since its inception in 1818. There will be raffles and entertainment and music by the band Twist; plus a commemorative gift for all who attend.
Sponsorships for the ball are available for those businesses and individuals who would like to be a part of this lifetime event. These limited sponsorship opportunities are available in platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels. Every sponsorship level comes with incentives and rewards. Single tickets will be $50 each. Call the Chamber of Commerce 440-237-6180 for sponsorships and tickets. The Gala ad in this paper offers more details about the Gala. Tickets can be reserved and are available on a first come-first served basis, due to the size of the venue.
On Sunday, August 5, everyone is invited to a Picnic in the Park, a free event at Memorial Park. The event will kick off at about 1:00 p.m. and continue through until evening. The day will be full of fun, include concerts, free refreshments, various activities and raffle drawings throughout the afternoon and evening. Hot dogs and chips will be provided by Mayor Bob Stefanik and Council President Larry Antoskiewicz. The North Royalton Alumni Association will be on hand to greet people at an entrance tent where visitors will be given a raffle ticket and a ticket for a free Kona Ice. The Cleveland Division of Water will provide water with their water truck.
Activities are geared for all ages, including appearances by Jungle Bob and his animal entourage, Rick Smith the Magician, a balloon twister, a corn hole tournament and face painting. Entertainment will be provided by the North Royalton Community Band and with Logan Wells. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the High School. The North Royalton Community Garden is planning to be open for garden tours from noon until 4:00 p.m. There will also be a history and information table provided.
Mayor Bob Stefanik said that plans are very close to being finalized and special Bicentennial banners will soon be flying. City and Chamber officials and representatives from numerous local organizations have been meeting for months to discuss various festivities.
The following is a quick highlight of celebration events:
Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 – City-wide sidewalk sale, sponsored by the Royalton Recorder.
Sunday, July 29 – Annual Pet Carnival on the City Green, sponsored by the North Royalton Animal Hospital.
Thursday, August 2 – NR Bicentennial Pageant, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Gross Builders.
Saturday, August 4 – Bicentennial Ball, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, at Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante and Party Center. (See ad in this paper for details)
Sunday, August 5 – A Picnic in the Park, at Memorial Park, 1:00 p.m. through the evening.
Friday, August 10; Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12 – North Royalton Community Festival, on the City Green. Parade on Sunday afternoon and Fireworks on Sunday night.
Saturday, August 18 – Old Timers Banquet, hosted by the Royalton Hills Lions.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer
