The city of Berea’s three-day Grindstone Festival, which ran from July 2 to 4 at Coe Lake this year, was packed with family fun, food and entertainment.
Beginning at 3pm on July 2, rides, carnival games, food and paddle boats were all available. Children were invited to stop by the city’s Community Tent to receive a drawing contest entry and put their artistic skills to practice by creating a logo for the festival.
The Kids DJ played tunes from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and also handed out prizes and held contests such as hula hoops and limbo.
A family camp out called Snores “N” Smores, first introduced last year, was such a big hit that organizers brought it back this year. It sold out as soon as the announcement was made in the city’s recent newsletter, with all available camping sites being taken almost immediately.
Mayor Cyril M. Kleem said, “It was very well received. That is why we brought it back this year. People enjoy the activities, Coe Lake and it’s close to home.”
The camp out event included activities such as face painting, swimming, fishing, crafts, hayrides and a movie.
On the second day of the festival, an enormous parade started off from the fairgrounds at 7pm. This year’s Grindstone winners, Larry and Elaine Myers, were the grand marshals. Special guests included former Browns kicker/punter Don Cockroft and former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano.
The festival ended with a bang on the 4th of July, with live bands and a spectacular fireworks display that some of the estimated 5,000 to 8,000 visitors say lasted almost 20 minutes.
Martha Edwards, a resident of Strongsville, said, “They were wonderful. It’s a great tribute to our country.”
