Girard pulls out all the stops for 4th end-of-summer gala

August 9, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

girard

Fond memories of former Girard homecomings led Joanne Sura to organize the city’s End of Summer Celebration planned for Saturday.

The fourth annual event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with a parade at 7 p.m. followed by musical entertainment. There also are craft and car shows and food.

“This started when the city needed something positive,” she said. “We wanted something different. A celebration signaling summer’s end but before school started seemed perfect.”

Sura recalled that for the homecomings, which ended about 20 years ago, “everyone had their spot” and would watch the parade from those vantage points. She said having such a community activity would generate “new memories" and “be something positive.”

There are fees for crafters and food vendors. That money goes to Girard Band Boosters, a nonprofit organization that supports the school band.

Sura said the parade assembles at Stambaugh, travels south on U.S. Route 422 and ends at Liberty Street. Among participants will be the Girard Veterans Council Honor Guard, Aut Mori Grotto clowns, floats, school cheerleaders and athletes and vehicles from the car show.

Sura said those wishing to participate in the parade should call her at 330-545-0858.

There are still a few open spots for food vendors, Suzan McAllister said. “We have the usual fair food,” she said of the offerings that include Texas barbecue, lemon shakes, elephant ears and gyros. Vendors should call her at 330-307-4966.

McAllister said there will be bingo from noon to 10 p.m. in a tent on Market Street.

Entertainment is planned in front of city hall, 100 N. Market St. There will be a DJ from 2 to 6 p.m., then the parade and the First Degree band at 8 p.m.

Mindy Bindas, who is coordinating crafters, said participants in this area are still needed. Nonprofit organizations also may set up displays. Contact her at 330-545-5841 for fee and setup details.

Hot Rodders, a Girard car group, will sponsor a car show from 2 to 5:30 p.m. near city hall. The first hundred entrants will receive a dash plaque, T-shirt and goodie bag; car-related items will be giveaways.

Tony Canterino, car-show organizer, said the event typically attracts from 165 to 180 cars. Some of the vehicles come from Girard, but car enthusiasts come from all over the Valley and neighboring Pennsylvania.

“We have antiques, classics, pro street — anything that has wheels,” he said.

Preregistration for the car show is $6, and the fee is $8 the day of the event. Prizes will include best of show, competitors’ choice and longest distance traveled.

For car-show information, call 330-240-8037.