On Saturday, Aug. 23, the North Royalton Community Festival returned for a one-day celebration, drawing neighbors, families and friends to the City Green at Ridge and Royalton Roads. Hosted by the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce, this year’s condensed format may have looked different, but the spirit of the festival remained the same. Visitors lined up for favorite foods, enjoyed live entertainment, cheered at the parade, and ended the day with a dazzling fireworks show.
From the moment attendees entered the Green, they were greeted by the sounds of music and the tempting aroma of fair food. Lines formed for classics such as funnel cakes, elephant ears, Italian sausage sandwiches and pulled pork barbecue. Sweet treats like ice cream bars and deep-fried Oreos also proved to be a hit. Picnic tables filled with festival-goers sharing meals, enjoying conversation and soaking in a perfect late-summer afternoon. With lots of sunshine and comfortable temperatures, the weather could not have been better for a community gathering.
Entertainment provided an upbeat backdrop throughout the day. A DJ spun favorite tracks in the morning and afternoon, while local dance groups showcased their talent with performances. In the evening, the band Risk Factor took the stage, entertaining the crowd with a mix of rock, pop and country hits.
Children found plenty to do, from bouncing on colorful inflatables to zooming down slides. Local businesses and organizations hosted booths with games, giveaways and activities. The city’s safety forces were a major draw, with the fire department offering an interactive station where kids took turns spraying a powerful hose at a mock firehouse. Police officers welcomed families to check out patrol cars and chat with officers, creating a memorable hands-on experience. Nearby, the North Royalton Historical Society added a vintage touch with displays of artifacts and quilts, as well as family-friendly activities celebrating the City’s past.
The biggest crowd of the afternoon gathered at 2 p.m. as the parade stepped off from St. Albert the Great Church. Ridge Road filled with families waving and cheering as fire trucks, scout troops, sports teams and vehicles representing local businesses and organizations marched proudly down the route. Festive tunes from the North Royalton High School Marching Band filled the air while kids scrambled to collect candy from parade marchers. The lively mix of upbeat music and community spirit made the parade a highlight of the day.
As the sun began to set, festival-goers gathered once again for the finale. The evening closed with a fireworks display sponsored by the City of North Royalton. Bursts of color lit up the night sky, leaving families with lasting memories of summer’s end.
Although shortened to a single day, the 2025 North Royalton Community Festival included many of the usual elements—food, children’s activities, music, a parade and fireworks—giving residents an opportunity to come together and enjoy a community tradition.
By LISA GALEK
Contributing Writer
