Celebration in the Park to serve as home-days event, fundraiser

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

liberty

A Celebration in the Park, planned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Church Hill Park, has a twofold purpose.

“It’s to bring the community together,” said Carol Faustino, president of Liberty Historical Society, which is co-sponsor with the township administration.

“The event is something like a home-days celebration,” said June Smallwood, the township’s parks and special-projects director. Smallwood said the township is involved by contributing the use of the 14-acre park on the west side of state Route 193 (Belmont Avenue) and a “few hundred dollars” toward the event.

The event also is a fundraiser for a goal with a lasting benefit — building a community center. “We need a center for seniors and other community groups,” Faustino said.

She said funds from an auction, raffle and fees from crafters and food vendors will go toward the community center coffers.

The center will be built on property at 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road, the site of the administration building. “The projected cost is $300,000,” Faustino said. She noted the project has secured a $25,000 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Corp. grant because the building will be energy efficient. She added that plans for the center include a hall “for dinners and meetings,” gym, office and kitchen. “We have local contractors who have offered their services,” Faustino said.

The Celebration in the Park will feature a variety of activities for all ages groups.

There will be an all-model and -year car and motorcycle show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no advance registration; the first 50 entrants will get a gift bag and dash plaque. There is a $3 entry fee.

The Classic Cruisers will highlight the afternoon with music from noon to 4 p.m.

No celebration would be complete without food vendors with such palate pleasers as pizza and fried dough. Faustino said the food vendor slots have been filled, but the historical society is still seeking crafters to participate. There is a $10 fee to set up.

The historical society, Faustino said, will present a display pertaining to the township’s mining history. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life also will set up a display. Children will have the chance to create a make-it, take-it craft.

Faustino and Smallwood said Celebration in the Park could become an annual gathering.

For more information, call Faustino at 330-539-6591.