Residents and visitors enjoyed a Strongsville summer tradition despited the record-breaking heat during the annual Strongsville Homecoming hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the City Commons over four days full of fun and camaraderie, many residents volunteered their time working in hot tents, serving food and talking to residents as well as engaging in other activities to help the chamber and other civic organizations.
As Kathy Lane, a resident of Strongsville, explained, she volunteered her time so “we could have a family homecoming.”
Bill Herzog, also of Strongsville, has volunteered his services for more than 20 years. “I enjoy coming here and performing my civic duty,” he said. “My dad was very civic-minded and he taught me the value of giving back.”
Herzog’s friend, Neal Klabunde was there with the Rotary Club of Strongsville. He said, “We staff the pita tent. I’ve lived in Strongsville for 30 years and have been in Rotary for about 20 years. It’s a family event. This is like Strongsville’s summer party.”
Another volunteer, Carl Orient, said, “It’s fun to be out here with your neighbors and friends and watch all the action.
Of course, a lot of people came to the festival to do more than just volunteer. Attendees came with their families and friends to enjoy the rides and the food, which included such traditional fare as funnel cakes and lemonade, and to spend time socializing and celebrating the community they live in.
As Veronica Morris of Parma put it, “This is always kid-friendly and fun. It’s a good environment. I grew up here.”
