Struthers Day persists despite damp weather

By EMMALEE C. TORISK |

etorisk@vindy.com

STRUTHERS

111“[Struthers Day] only comes once a year,” said Volsko, a city resident who has attended the event for the past several years. “I was wondering, ‘Are they or aren’t they going to have it?’”

But, luckily, the weather cleared just in time to make way for two bands, face painting, clowns, a TV raffle, free food and beverages, an inflatable bouncer and more.

Volsko said he appreciates what Aqua Ohio does for the community by co-sponsoring Struthers Day. The event gives him the chance to meet his neighbors, listen to music and have an all-around nice time.

Priscilla Carlucci and Lou Goist, both of Struthers, said Struthers Day is practically the highlight of their year for similar reasons. They’ve attended the event almost every year since its start 16 years ago.

“We love it,” Carlucci said. “We’d like to see it continue. It’s a great night out.”

Even though the fickle weather might have slightly dampened the turnout, as well as canceled the petting zoo and pony rides, Struthers Day is still a great way to bring everybody together, said Mayor Terry Stocker, who thanked Aqua Ohio’s employees for their contributions.

“Not too many utility companies are willing to give back to the community like they do,” Stocker said.

Struthers Day began when Al Sauline, a former mayor of Hubbard, took over as Aqua Ohio’s Struthers area manager.

The self-proclaimed “people- person” said he wanted the people of Struthers to know who, exactly, was providing their water service, adding that an event like Struthers Day would give them the opportunity to meet the company’s employees on a more personal level.

“I enjoy seeing people have a good time. They look forward to it,” Sauline said. “The one thing you don’t need is your wallet.”