BRUNSWICK, Ohio --- When potential scheduling conflicts between the city's two largest summer festivals came to light several months ago, festival organizers embraced a spirit of cooperation instead of contention.
"No matter how we literally bumped into each other, is secondary. The community comes first," said Father Bob Stec, of St. Ambrose Church, at a June 10 meeting between St. Ambrose Summer Festival and Brunswick Summer Celebration volunteers.
The St. Ambrose Summer Festival kicks off June 23 and runs through June 26. The Brunswick Summer Celebration begins a mere three days later, running from June 29 through July 4.
According to Stec, while the St. Ambrose Festival traditionally starts in early June, the parish had to move this year's event back because of the date availability of its ride vendor.
Both groups have expressed concern that, given the dates, potential attendees may not be able to afford to attend both festivals - or may simply be confused as to which festival is which.
As recently as June 20, Brunswick Summer Celebration President, Kevin Schemrich, said some of those issues were still unresolved.
"(For example) we both borrow snow fence posts from the city, but I just called the city and since (the St. Ambrose Festival) is first, there are no more left," Schemrich said. "And people have seen the signs for both festivals and said they are not sure of the dates. So there has been some confusion with the public."
Hoping for the best
Organizers of both festivals, however, are hopeful that having both festivals in a two-week period could be a benefit to all. "In this area, there are (attractions) like Cedar Point and the IX Center, which have been able to sustain a base and build momentum," said David Hoover, St. Ambrose marketing and communications director. "We're excited to tap into that energy."
And while neither group is interested in abandoning autonomy, each could arguably help the other, Schemrich said.
"Both festivals have different things to offer, so no matter what you are looking for, in those two weeks, you are going to find it," he said.
St. Ambrose Summer Festival
Admission is free to the "Go Blue" themed St. Ambrose Summer Festival, which will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 23, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 24 and June 25, and 5:30 to 10 p.m. June 26 at St. Ambrose Church, 929 Pearl Road.
The festival will feature rides, food, games, including extra ride time for a discounted price from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 23, and fireworks at dusk June 24. Live bands include "T" and Rich Dueling Piano June 23, The Diamond Project June 24, Tony Rio and Relentless June 25, and Shout June 26.
For more information on nightly contests and events, visit www.stambrose.us/festival-night-night/
Brunswick Summer Celebration
The Brunswick Summer Celebration, "Band Bites and Booms," will be held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 1; 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 2; 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 3; and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 4, at Brunswick High School, 3553 Center Road.
Admission is $3 and children 2 years old and under will be admitted free.
Contests throughout the week will include a cutest baby photo contest; karaoke and talent contests; a lip sync battle; a pooch pageant; and a bike drawing.
Live entertainment will include Cold Blue Steele, playing '70s to current music; The Element Band, playing Top 40 and club tunes; classic rockers, Sobos; Paul McCartney - including Wings and Beatles - tribute, The McCartney Project; classic rock and blues band, Bobby Ray and Night Train; Kiss tribute, Mr. Speed; oldies from the '60s and '70s from WIXY 1260; The Brunswick Community Band; classics from the '50s and '60s from Nightschool; rockabilly from Haywire; "hard rockin'" classic rock from Renegade; party music from the '60s to the '80s from Yearbook; "disco the way you remember" from Disco Inferno; and "extreme high energy country music from Chris Higbee.
"I just can't say enough about the Chris Higbee show on Saturday (July 2)," Schemrich said. "Folks will be coming for the fireworks and hopefully they come to the show. It is entertainment like we've not had in Brunswick before. It is a big show and we are hoping to get a big crowd."
For the full schedule and ride prices, visit www.summer-celebration.com.
Honoring Vietnam vets
In keeping with the Brunswick Summer Celebration 2106 theme, following the Department of Defense' Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, Brunswick American Legion Post 234 past commander and Vietnam War veteran, Jerry Lemons, has been named the Brunswick Summer Celebration Citizen of the Year.
"Jerry is probably the most well-known serviceman in the area," Schemrich said.
Carlson Funeral Home, the longest-running family business in Brunswick, is this year's Brunswick Summer Celebration Corporation of the Year, and Bill Rienerth, owner of Donut Land Bakery, will be Grand Marshall of the Brunswick Summer Celebration Grand Parade.
The Grand Parade will be held at 2 p.m. July 3, stepping off on Pearl Road and traveling east on Center Road to the Summer Celebration main entrance.