Struthers Day set for Thursday

June 25, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By EMMALEE C. TORISK

STRUTHERS

The 17th annual Struthers Day will feature a smorgasbord of food and beverages, two live bands, face-painting, a TV raffle, an inflatable bouncer, a petting zoo and more, but Al Sauline is most looking forward to something not included on the list of attractions.

“My favorite part? I like to see all the people having a great time,” said Sauline, the Struthers area manager for Aqua Ohio. “That’s what my entertainment is.”

This year’s event, co-hosted by Aqua Ohio and the city’s elected officials, will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday at Mauthe Park, 156 Smithfield St. Both City Limits and Guys Without Ties will perform during the event.

Katie O’Donnell, administrative assistant for Aqua Ohio, added that, perhaps best of all, everything at Struthers Day is free, allowing attendees to leave their wallets at home. That’s the way it’s always been.

“The community can come out and enjoy a night where they don’t have to worry about paying for anything,” she said. “It’s just a good time.”

Sauline explained that Struthers Day was inspired by an event he hosted while serving as the city of Hubbard’s mayor. The event was a success there, and also was a good way to give back to the community, so he decided to bring it with him to Struthers when he became the area’s manager for Aqua Ohio.

Since then, Struthers Day has grown exponentially. Sauline said there was no live entertainment during the first event, and that volunteers gave away only about 500 hot dogs.

Now, they give away thousands.

Sauline added that the event, for one, gives the city’s residents an opportunity to meet the people behind their water service. It’s also a way for the company to show its appreciation toward them.

And as long as city officials want to continue co-hosting the event, Aqua Ohio will continue to do so as well, making improvements each year.

Ed Wildes, the city’s safety-service director, can’t imagine not having Struthers Day. It’s a nice thing for everybody, as people can come just to “have a good time.”

“It was there before me, and I’m sure it will be there after me,” he said.