Sunny skies with temperatures in the 80s, just what the organizers of the Harvest Fest were hoping for and got on Sunday, September 22.
This was the 17th year that the Harvest Fest celebrated the end of the summer growing season and the onset of autumn.
“Nobody can be this lucky with the weather two years in a row. The Harvest Fest features a great family atmosphere for residents,” said Mayor Bob Stefanik. “All of the groups that are here at the Harvest Fest come to show their community support.”
There were 32 different vendors or booths at the Harvest Fest. That’s more than last year. “Proceeds from the event are used by the North Royalton Holiday Lighting Committee to help decorate the City Green and other Municipal Buildings,” said Gayle Holtzman, chairperson of the event. “We take care of the Santa House and the building where hot chocolate is served following the Holiday Parade.”
The Harvest Fest brings out a number of North Royalton Civic Organizations to show off their cooking skills and to thank the community for their support.
The North Royalton Fire Department is always at the Harvest Fest selling chili. “This year we have a different chili that we’re serving. It’s a Polish Kielbasa-based chili. People seem to like it,” said Firefighter Erik Funfgeld. It’s safe to say the crowds liked it. The Fire Department cooked up 12 gallons of chili for the event. In the first hour that the Harvest Fest was opened, the crowds purchased five gallons.
Next door to the Fire Department booth was the North Royalton Lions Club. “We’re here to promote the club and to attract new members,” said Past President Dan Lester. The Lions showed off how they repurpose eyeglass cases into First Aid kits that you can keep in your car’s glove compartment.
“The Rotary Club comes every year to the Harvest Fest to give back to the community and to thank them for their support,” said Past President Rich Cervenak. This year, the Rotary followed the lead of the Indians and had ‘Dollar Hot Dog Day’ at the Harvest Fest.
The North Royalton Garden Club has been in existence since 1941 and they had a booth at the Harvest Fest. “It’s a good fund-raiser for us,” said Club President Pam Wetterau. “Residents come back every year to purchase our homemade baked goods. It’s a way to meet the community and bring Garden Club members together.”
The “Do Do Drop” area brought lots of parents and kids to the 40-by-60-foot, fenced-in area, hoping that ‘Midnight did her business’ on their square to win a cash prize. “Midnight” brought along her newly-born calf “Koochie” that thrilled the youngsters. At the time of the Harvest Fest, “Koochie” was just 19 days old.
Also for the kids was the 4-H Homesteaders Petting Zoo. Youngsters got to pet ducks, rabbits, goats and chickens, all being raised in the local area. “We come every year to support the City of North Royalton because they support 4-H,” said 4-H Advisor Amy Gasbarre.
The 17th annual Harvest Fest was a huge success. We’ll reap the benefits during the Holiday Parade and during the Christmas season.


By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer