Business was brisk at the food stations, community booths, games and inflatables during the 32nd annual Lakewood Community Festival on Sept. 7 at Madison Park. The weather was perfect with bright sunshine, blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s – unlike some previous festivals that suffered from rain showers or chilly temperatures.

Budding artists had a chance to test their skills at the chalk garden where a large supply of sidewalk chalk and some fresh asphalt awaiting their creations. The activity attracted would-be artists of all ages and skill levels.

Community Festival organizers decided several years ago to sell surplus or old street signs – something that has been one of the festival’s most popular features. Dozens of signs were displayed on the grass while others sat on a trailer. Detroit Avenue was one of the most popular signs available this year. The price was $25, cash only.

Hundreds of people walk through Madison Park checking out the community booths and activities at the 32nd annual Lakewood Community Festival. (Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com)

Nearby were corn hole games waiting for some friendly competition.

Dozens of people – from babies in strollers to senior citizens – walked along the park paths peeking in at booth manned by local merchants, church groups, community organizations, nonprofits and more.

There were opportunities to play games, win prizes, get your face painted, pick up information on local worship houses, get literature on home improvement services, insurance and more.

The PTA, school groups, Girl Scouts and other organizations were waiting to chat with festival goers. Some booths sold snacks, chips, water and soft drinks.

The Magic Man showed off his balloon-twisting skills and the Bubble Man demonstrated his prowess, much to the delight of youngsters.

Meanwhile, on the futsal courts, 2 Guys/12 Strings, Francis Moravcik, Down River Music Co., The Polka Pirates, Down the Road and The Jobs entertained the crowd with live music throughout the day.

Once again Lakewood Kiwanis Club offered free books to youngsters. The books were sorted by age group so children and families could make their selections. (Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com)

The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood – a staple at the festival – was back again this year with a large selection of free books. The offerings were organized by age group. Kiwanis volunteers were on hand to help children, parents and grandparents.

Two popular attractions, Cleveland Metroparks Nature Tracks and the Cleveland Museum of Art Studio Go, were on hand this year, also. The Metroparks offered information about animals and programs while CMA offered a creative outlet.

The inflatable obstacle course and bounce house attracted younger children while adults supervised.

Lakewood police were on to offer security and information, as were auxiliary officers. Firefighters were ready in case of any emergency and city crews patrolled the park to keep tabs on the trash.

Once again the crowd migrated to the pavilion where several Lakewood churches offered a variety of ethnic foods, goodies and beverages for sale.

Theresa Vidlicka, Sharon Bukszar and Bill Newkirk, all Lakewood residents and members of Transfiguration Parish, were busy preparing potato pancakes on a griddle.

“We’ve made more than 300 (potato pancakes),” Newkirk said. Customers could purchase the pancakes with a side of applesauce or Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and marinara sauce to take home or eat at the park.

Next to their booth, members of Grace Lutheran Church were selling lemonade, coffee, ice tea, root beer floats, nachos, hot dogs, sloppy Joes and chips.

One of the most popular spots was SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, which offered pierogi, cabbage and noodles and stuffed cabbage. Their bakery table featured kolacky – which sold out early – nut roll and poppy seed roll.

Lakewood resident Joe Stolitza, a member of St. Nicholas Pro-Cathedral Ukrainian Orthodox Church, dishes up stuffed cabbage at the church’s food booth. (Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com)

And at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Pro-Cathedral booth, Joe Stolitza did his best to keep up with the demand for kielbasa and sauerkraut, spätzle, pierogi and stuffed cabbage.

“I came hungry,” one festival-goer said as she toted a large plastic bag filled with a variety of foods. “I may not have to cook the rest of the week,” she added.

Picnic tables between the pavilion and futsal courts were filled with people enjoying the food and music.

“This is fun. What a great event,” another visitor said, as he and his family trekked back to their car.

The festival is sponsored by the Lakewood Community Festival, Inc. and the city of Lakewood. Traditionally, it takes place the Saturday after Labor Day and it’s the last event of the summer. Proceeds are donated to various local organizations.