The President's Corner

The start line of the Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies at CCC's Western Campus.

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Well, summer finally feels like it is here and what better time to give you a rundown of some of Parma’s biggest summertime events. Below is a list of what has recently been shared with me.

Parma Rib n’ Rock (Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12)

Parma’s premier summer event will take place at Cuyahoga Community College’s western campus (CCC-West), 11000 West Pleasant Valley Road, after years at Parmatown (now The Shoppes at Parma). Admission is $3 per person, while children under 12 are free. Check out Facebook or the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce’s website for more information. Full of fun, rides for the kids, entertainment, great drinks, excellent ribs and vendors, it is a family favorite! 

6th Annual Parma Area Run-Walk for Pierogies (Saturday, July 2)

Sponsored by University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and Perla’s Homemade Delights on State Road, the Run-Walk has become a Parma area summer staple.  Consistently hosting over 600 runners and walkers, participants are treated with the signature t-shirt, drinks, plenty of surprises and, of course, Parma’s famous pierogies!  Cost is $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the event, while children 11 and under are $10. The charity event will take place once again on the campus of CCC-West.  For more information check out www.hermescleveland.com or Facebook. 

Independence Day Parade (Monday, July 4)

Parma’s famous July 4 parade always begins near Snow Road and proceeds south on Ridge to The Shoppes at Parma. The parade commences at 10:00 am and hosts several local veterans and fraternal organizations, Parma’s safety forces, local high schools bands, Boy and Girl Scout troops, several elected officials, among many other groups. 

4th Annual Up A Creek Conservation Gala (Saturday, July 9)

This is always a fun evening.  However, because it’s my wedding anniversary, I will miss it this year. Great fare, drinks, Chinese raffle items, entertainment and more is provided for the $90 event (prices go up after June 17). To be held at Parma’s stunning Watershed Stewardship Center in the Metroparks’ West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Drive, it will be an evening to remember, plus you’re helping out an organization that does wonders for our local watershed! The party will run from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Visit westcreek.org or call 216-749-3720 (x10) for tickets and more information. 

84th Annual St. Charles Borromeo Parish Carnival (Wednesday, July 13 through Sunday, July 17)

The carnival kicks off on Wednesday with a parade on Ridge Road at 5:30 that proceeds from the famous Parma Circle to the St. Charles campus at 5891 Ridge Road. Attendees can enjoy nightly entertainment, excellent ethnic food, a car raffle, lots of games for kids and adults, air conditioned bingo, a beer and wine garden and much, much more. Grounds open at 6:30 pm daily. 

Pioneer Days at Stearns’ Homestead (Saturday, July 16 through Sunday, July 17)

Come out and enjoy Parma’s only working farm located at 6975 Ridge Road from noon to 4:00 pm both days. Take the family back in time and feed the animals, tour the homestead, check out the vendors and more. 

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church Summer Festival (Saturday, July 23)

Located at 5913 State Road, St. Vladimir’s is one of Parma’s many beautiful places of worship. My wife and I love this event. Doreen Jogan and her kitchen crew always serve up excellent homemade Ukrainian fare that can be washed down with a fine selection of very good beverages. Great entertainment, tours of the cathedral and interesting vendors will also be a part of the celebration. 

Parma Night at Progressive Field (Tuesday, July 26)

Watch our beloved Indians take on the Washington Nationals at 7:10 pm. Lower box tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the City of Parma Recreation Department weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The office is now located at the former Parma Regional Library (7335 Ridge Road). 

Rain Barrel Workshop (Thursday, August 4)

Sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conservation District, this recurring event is why I now have three rain barrels at my home. Not only are they good for the environment and your plants, but they can save you money on your sewer bill!  Register by July 29 by calling Parma’s friend Amy Roskilly at 216-524-6580 (x22). The event is free, but there is a cost for the rain barrels. It will be held at the Watershed Stewardship Center from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. 

There are many other fun-filled events all summer long in Parma. Keep an eye on the Parma Observer, the City of Parma website and local advertisements to find out more. If you have an event you want to get the word out about, become a Parma Observer writer and submit your story. Have a great summer!