Old Glory Day on Chardon Square draws crowds
Jul. 4—In the end, in Geauga County, celebrating the United States of America, there was no Nathan's hot dog-eating contest, gigantic fireworks show or massive cavalcade of floats and waving revelers.
At least not on a scale mimicking the Coney Island tradition.
But that doesn't remotely mean patriots didn't turn out on Chardon Square to honor Independence Day and all it encompasses during the city's Old Glory Day, a teeming annual party featuring community fellowship, games, music, face painting, local vendors, balloon animal sculpting, fair fare and more.
The novel coronavirus may have thrown a monkey wrench into Old Glory Day plans in recent years, abating the bash, if not outright nixing it, but who noticed July 4 in Geauga County as the Chardon Square Association flexed its collective muscle in putting on one of the area's most recognized showcases of the year.
"We knew we'd have another fabulous Old Glory Day, and, yes, we knew we'd have a big crowd," said event chair Mariann Goodwin. "The weather is perfect and we knew we'd also have some favorite activities returning (this year)."
The event's staple, of course, is the kick-off parade heralded by youths and led by the Chardon Fire Department.
When all else fails, go with tykes on bikes — an unbeatable blueprint.
Kids leading the pack doesn't usually elicit closed eyes or a dearth of cell phone cameras.
"This event is a favorite in the community as many families have out-of-town guests, and grandchildren visit and enjoy," Goodwin added. "The bike parade around the Square is what they all look forward to."
While the association didn't host professional competitive eaters who attract international attention and make spectators take pause, amateur devours channeling their inner-Joey Chestnut happily took to participating in the event's pie-eating contest.
"We also provide free ice cream treats," Goodwin said ('cause who dislikes a la mode?), noting that Beans Coffee Shop and Bistro plays a heavy hand in the congenial competition.
With balloons and spirited fun filling the air, attendees relished the atmosphere while not losing sight of the day itself during the three-hour event.
"It's a cool day but it also holds significance — it's not just time off," said Annie Febel of Madison Township. "We have a blast, too, before the cookouts and neighborhood fireworks displays. It's nice to come out and see everyone involved in a neighborhood setting like this. It's almost like, you can't wait for next year."
