FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The 27th annual Summerfest returns July 26-28 at Bohlken Park.

“It’s really a fun three days,” Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. “Of course, the opening night parade is the biggie. It kicks off the whole event. It’s really cool.”

Summerfest favorites include the Metro Life Flight helicopter arrival at 8 p.m. July 26, the fireworks at 9 p.m. July 27 and the Pooch Parade at 10 a.m. July 28. There’s also the beer and wine tent, DIY art workshops, carnival rides and vendors.

The live entertainment schedule includes The Spazmatics (7 to 11 p.m. July 26), The New Hope Band (11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. July 27), Dolinar Spahija (1 to 2:30 p.m. July 27), OTC Jam Band (3 to 6 p.m. July 27) and Colin Dussault's Blues Project (7 to 11 p.m. July 27).

“A lot of Summerfest hasn’t changed much over the years,” Patton said. “You almost don’t fix what’s not broken.”

Something new is the three-on-three basketball tournament taking place July 27 and 28.

One event not returning that has the mayor sad is the annual Dick Nicoloff Memorial Car Show.

“After doing it for many, many years, the family decided they weren’t able to do it this year,” Patton said. “It’s a big job, so what they’re doing is putting the word out there for anybody who has great interest in cars to step forward and bring it back next year.

“This will be the first year in a long time we haven’t had it. That’s always one of my favorite events, because I get to pick the favorite car, which is kind of funny because I know nothing about cars. Hopefully, someone will step forward and take it over.”

Speaking of not being at this year’s Summerfest, Patton, who is not running for re-election this fall, regrettably will be out of town on a previously scheduled family vacation.

“My kids rented a house at Hilton Head for the whole family, so I won’t be going to my last Summerfest as a mayor,” Patton said. “I just hope the next administration that comes in here understands the importance of having this community event, and that they help to continue to support it, because people really look forward to it.

“My kids used to go when they were little and now they’re bringing their kids. It’s that type of tradition we want to continue here in Fairview Park.”

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