SHARON, PA. Small ships please crowd

Patriotism was a dominant theme with this year's participants.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
SHARON, Pa. -- From a distance, it looks like any other city summer festival. But up close, it's a whole other story.
The 23rd annual Small Ships Revue kicked off summer here Friday night with the annual parade of floating creations along the river.
The event, designed to bring Sharon and the surrounding cities together for an early Fourth of July celebration, draws between 5,000 to 10,000 people annually.
While the weekend event sports the traditional fare of festival food, games and prizes, the nautical floats set it apart from most other area summer gatherings.
Patriotism dominates
Staff members from sponsoring business Quaker Steak & amp; Lube participated once again this year, waving at the crowds from a patriotic creation. Flags, the Statue of Liberty and New York City were dominant themes this year.
Renee Lisac and Tiffany Titus of Hermitage, Danielle Chiodo and Aaron Pernesky of Sharon, and Beth Hiryak of Sharpsville piloted the creation of Lady Liberty, the New York City skyline and a giant "I Love N.Y." sign down the waterway.
Hiryak's brother, Dan, was the artistic force behind the float this year.
"We started thinking about a theme about a month ago, but spent about two weeks actually constructing it," Chiodo explained. "We all wanted a patriotic theme this year. We even cheered 'USA!' as we floated down the river."
Though the crew didn't expect to take home first prize -- Hiryak said that since the Lube sponsors the event with Y-103 and Miller Lite, it's hard for them to win -- they did place second last year. And though it's hard work, it's worth it.
"It's so much fun every year," Hiryak said. "It really kind of balances out."
But it's not just participants who enjoy the show.
Mike and Kristen Murphy of Brookfield came out with their children, 8-year-old Josh, 3-year-old Megan, 2-year-old Kayla and 2-month-old Aiden. It's an annual event for the family, who attended this year with friend Gary Candor of Masury.
"It's a chance to get out and have some fun," Murphy said as he held Megan, who kept glancing at the floats in the water.
Candor was only viewing the parade this year but has participated for the past three years, entering floats for his business, Candor Contracting.
Two years ago, his float placed in the top five.
'A good time'
"There just wasn't any time this year," he said.
"But it's always fun. We have a good time, and everybody gets a chance to get together."
For as many people who attend each year, Sharon police officers say they have very little trouble with the event.
"The biggest thing is people walking in front of cars," said Officer Travis Martwinski, who was patrolling the area with his brother, Officer Vincent Martwinski.
"It's pretty peaceful and quiet," Vincent said.
"Everything usually goes pretty smooth. It just shows this is a good community."
slshaulis@vindy.com