Sharon hosting big holiday celebration Sunday
Jul. 1—SHARON — It's got food. It's got music. It's got fireworks.
It's Sharon.
On Sunday, the city is hosting The Shenango Riverfront Fireworks Celebration. Plans call for this to be an annual event. Festivities center around Quaker Steak & Lube and Chestnut Street parking lot from 6 to 9 p.m. with a 20-minute fireworks show afterwards.
The band Juvenile Characteristics will perform under The Lube's tent during that period. But the opening act Double Shot will be at the small patio stage from 3 to 6 p.m.
A pop-up "Night Market on the Shenango" will be held on the newly dedicated Moe's Way Riverwalk from 6 to 9 p.m.
A variety of eateries will be set up in the food truck alley' in the Chestnut Street lot across from The Lube. The area will feature Nova Destinations on the patio providing wine, hard cider and spirits in a "biergarten" setting.
"The market will feature artisan crafters, produce and Sharon-based organizations," said Courtney Cilli, downtown events coordinator for the city. "We created the market to continue putting a focus on the Shenango Riverfront."
"Plans for the event just took off and we're excited to highlight Sharon's downtown and our Shenango riverfront with this first annual event," said City Manager Bob Fiscus. "We're also happy to provide a 4th of July fireworks event for the entire Shenango Valley while partnering with Quaker Steak & Lube, which has always been known for hosting citywide events in downtown Sharon."
Brenda Steines, The Lube's general manager, agreed.
"With new ownership of our company, we're happy to partner with the city and help the area celebrate the 4th of July together."
The restaurant property will have outdoor pop-up beverage stations throughout their location along and the newly renovated Sugar Shack outdoor bar.
"Our goal is to put on more events to draw people into the downtown," Steines said.
Others food vendors include: Smoky Martin's BBQ, Hermitage; Haitian Sensation and Sweet Sensation Bakery, Sharon; Rita's Italian Ice, Hermitage; Hangry's, Sharon; Sweet Sips, Canfield and Red Eye Rosie's, Chippewa.
The food and drink vendors will set up in the Chestnut Street block parking lot which is owned by JCL Development, the sponsor of the fireworks show. Nova Destinations on the Patio will also be set up in the same location.
"This is exactly the kind of event that will help the valley and beyond see the city of Sharon as a leader in the region and we're excited to be a part of it," said Sharon downtown developer Jim Landino, and CEO of JCL Development and JCL Energy.
His wife, Jen Krezeczowski agreed.
"We are thrilled to sponsor an event so full of community and color and energy. It's an exciting representation of where Sharon is headed and how wonderful this town is becoming in such a short time," Krezeczowski said.
Childrens activities include Dragonfly Balloons, Sara Lee Grandelis Face Painting and Michael's Balloons, plus the Sharon Robotics Teams, located near the riverwalk.
The parking lots at The Lube and Chestnut Street will be blocked off. Other parking is available throughout the city including the lot next to The Lube, the city's parking garage, the library parking garage; Sharon City Centre parking lot, Laurel Technical Institute's parking lot, and the lot behind the former Huntington Bank.
