Ohio Turnpike to host customer appreciation events this summer

Sheri Trusty
·3 min read
Trooper Cindy Witt enjoys a $1 hot dog at the Ohio Turnpike’s Commodore Perry Service Plaza on May 26. The hot dog stand was just one of many amenities the turnpike offered to show its appreciation to customers.
Trooper Cindy Witt enjoys a $1 hot dog at the Ohio Turnpike’s Commodore Perry Service Plaza on May 26. The hot dog stand was just one of many amenities the turnpike offered to show its appreciation to customers.

CLYDE - Gemma Eberle of Bowling Green stopped at the Ohio Turnpike’s Commodore Perry Service Plaza on May 26 for what she thought would be a quick break. Instead, she found the plaza filled with several state troopers, informational booths, a hot dog stand and vendors giving free samples during the Ohio Turnpike’s customer appreciation event.

When Eberle returned to her car, her arms were filled gifts for her grandchildren.

“We were passing through on the turnpike on our way to our son’s graduation in New York. I had no idea they would have all of this,” she said. “This was fun. I have water bottles for my grandsons and hats because everyone needs a safety patrol hat.”

Customer appreciation events slated across the turnpike

The celebration was one of many customer appreciation events that the Ohio Turnpike will host at plazas across the state this summer. Locally, events are planned at Blue Heron Service Plaza in Genoa on June 30 and again at Commodore Perry Service Plaza on Sept. 1.

Finnegan, Harbor and Matt Webb, from left, show off the prizes they won by spinning the prize wheel at the Ohio Turnpike’s customer appreciation event.
Finnegan, Harbor and Matt Webb, from left, show off the prizes they won by spinning the prize wheel at the Ohio Turnpike’s customer appreciation event.

“The Ohio Turnpike’s customer appreciation events provide a fun, relaxing and engaging venue to meet with travelers, residents and others from the community,” said Charles Cyrill, who serves as public information officer for the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

Travelers could purchase $1 hot dogs and try free samples from Kona Ice, Dunkin’ Donuts and Seven-11. The Ohio Turnpike invited travelers to spin a prize wheel, where 13-year-old Finnegan Webb of Westland, Michigan, won a $25 Seven-11 gift card. His brother, 10-year-old Harbor Webb, won a water bottle.

“I was surprised when I walked into the plaza. This is fantastic. The turnpike is my preferred route coming through here, and we needed a potty break,” said their father, Matt Webb. “It was perfect timing.”

Tracy McGinley, a professor in the criminal justice program at Bowling Green State University, hosted an informational stand on human trafficking at the turnpike event. In addition to training first responders to recognize and handle human trafficking incidents, she attends events throughout the year to spread awareness to the general public.

Visitors win giveaways at the prize wheel while Charles Cyrill of the Ohio Turnpike, second from left, talks to travelers at the Commodore Perry Service Plaza on May 26.
Visitors win giveaways at the prize wheel while Charles Cyrill of the Ohio Turnpike, second from left, talks to travelers at the Commodore Perry Service Plaza on May 26.

“I’ve been doing this for several years and have a great relationship with the turnpike,” McGinley said. “The Ohio Turnpike Commission does a lot to prevent human trafficking, and this helps education the public.”

Vendors, information booths set up at plaza

McGinley shared resources and handed out giveaways at her stand.

“I teach people how to keep kids safe, I teach them how to start the conversation on human trafficking, and I teach kids it’s OK to say no,” she said.

Safety was the overriding theme at the turnpike event, which was held prior to the “100 deadliest days of summer” on Ohio roadways, which fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the event also served to remind travelers to “look out” for motorcyclists.

“It’s also an opportunity to promote roadway safety initiatives with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other safety agencies throughout the year,” Cyrill said.

Troopers greet travelers

Troopers from the Ohio Highway Patrol were on hand to greet travelers and talk about traffic safety.

“We want people to remember to slow down and be cognizant of the people around them on the road,” said Staff Lt. Rick Reeder. “And this is a great opportunity to educate people on the new distracted driving law. We want to prevent a problem before it becomes a problem.”

The officers reminded travelers of the important role seatbelts play in saving lives.

Assistant Service Plaza Manager Daniel Sengstock enjoys a hot dog near the Kona Ice truck, where turnpike visitors received free shaved ice samples.
Assistant Service Plaza Manager Daniel Sengstock enjoys a hot dog near the Kona Ice truck, where turnpike visitors received free shaved ice samples.

“Buckle up,” said Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Last year, 527 people lost their lives on Ohio roadways because they didn’t use seatbelts.”

The troopers also shared information about careers with the state patrol.

“Information can be found on our website at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov or at any local patrol post,” said Trooper Joshua Smith. “Our local patrol post provides opportunities for ride-alongs to people considering a career with us. We’ve had a lot of interest for that.”

Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at  sheritrusty4@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Ohio Turnpike Plaza summer events