Friday, June 30, 2017
By Sarah Lehr
STRUTHERS
Every few minutes or so Tracy Mason would look up from her booth at Struthers Day on Thursday evening to greet an acquaintance.
The event, Mason says, functions as a “who’s who” of Struthers.
“I see people who graduated with me,” said Mason, a Poland resident who grew up in Struthers. “Some of them are here with their own children now. Some of them are here with grandchildren.”
Mason helped run a station for Struthers Parkside Church that included a bean bag toss and prizes.
Local businesses and community organizations offered games and refreshments at the 19th annual Struthers Day from 4 to 8 p.m. in Mauthe Park.
Aqua Ohio was a sponsor of the event, which was free for all attendees.
Nicholai Rudnytski, 12, persuaded his buddy Edward Agnone, also 12, to try out Struthers Day.
“I just came to show some Struthers pride,” Rudnytski said. “And the free food is a huge plus.”
Snow cones, especially, were a big hit Thursday due to the 80-degree weather. Thomas Barnes, 16, waited in line for one of the cold treats.
“I come here every year,” Barnes said. “All my friends do. I like to catch up with them.”
Other attractions included live music and the chance to tour a Struthers police cruiser and fire truck.
Boy Scout Troop 101 set up a tent and attracted a crowd with a demonstration of how to make fire.
Alyssa Shabella, 9, was particularly excited about the chance to win a blue dirt bike in a raffle sponsored by Sunshine and Lollipops Daycare and Learning Center.
Donna Orbin, who staffed the day care’s booth, said she looks forward to Struthers Day each year.
“It’s a chance to relax, have fun,” Orbin said. “That’s what summer’s all about.”