It’s been a tradition in North Royalton for the past 30 years or so. The annual Olde Timers Banquet, which is held close to the North Royalton Community Festival, took place this year at the Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday afternoon, August 17.
About 200 long-time residents of North Royalton showed up for an afternoon of food and fellowship. How does a resident of North Royalton become classified as an Olde Timer?
“North Royalton residents who are at least 70 years old and have lived in the city for 30 years are eligible to attend,” said Cindy Palmentara, chairperson of the event and First Vice-President of the Royalton Hills Lions Club, which puts on the event.
“We hold the banquet every year to thank these long-time North Royalton residents for making the city what it is today,” said Palmentara.
Instead of having a banquet this year, the Lions Club decided to have a picnic theme for attendees, complete with table prizes and raffle baskets. The North Royalton Garden Club helped to decorate the tables with flower arrangements.
In the past, North Royalton Mayor Bob Stefanik has referred to the Olde Timers Banquet attendees as “Our Treasured Residents.”
Each year there are new residents who qualify to attend the banquet. The Royalton Hills Lions Club would like to invite those “treasured residents” to register for next year’s banquet.
“Check out the Royalton Hills Lions Club Facebook page @ Royalton Hills Lions Club or send an email to RoyaltonHills@aol.com or call 440-212-9538,” said Palmentara.
Thank you, Treasured Residents, for all you have done and still do to make our community great.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer