CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- From a kids’ pet parade and bicycle parade to a July 4th ceremony with a fife and drum group to an afternoon car show, The Chagrin History Center has a day of family-fun activities planned for the community starting 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4 in Triangle Park. The event is held in conjunction with Safe Routes Chagrin and the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Molly Chittenden chapter.
The day begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration for the 9 a.m. pet parade that starts on North Franklin Street near the bandstand. It is immediately followed by the bike parade. At 9:30 a.m. the Crooked River Fife and Drum Band performs before the 10 a.m. July 4th ceremony. The Fab Fourth car show opens 11 a.m. along with a refreshment stand operated by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and The Popcorn Shop. The DAR will have a display for its Wreaths Across America project.
Jumper Classic turns 75: The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic celebrates 75 years this year as it returns July 5-14 at Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge with lively competitive events attracting local and national attention. The tradition began in 1949 at the Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills when the Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club launched a two-day, all-breed English and Western horse show as a fundraiser.
The horse show offered classes for carriage driving, western riders and gaited horses, while keeping, hunter and jumper competition as the main focus. By the 1960s, it was a prestigious national hunter/jumper show, attracting exhibitors and spectators as one of the largest outdoor shows in the nation. The local chapter of the Professional Horseman’s Association took it over as the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show benefitting the United States Equestrian Team.
Known today as the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, since 2022 it has been hosted at Chagrin Valley Farms It is one of a few elite horse shows designated as a U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition. Contact chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org for more information and a complete schedule of events.
Watch a different type of fireworks: Catch the film Guardians of the Galaxy on the big outdoor screen starting at dusk Saturday, July 6 at Observatory Park in Montville Township, then stay a while for some stargazing at the region’s official dark sky park. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks, water and bug spray and plan to arrive around 8:30 p.m. The park is located at 10610 Clay St. Check on weather updates before heading out at geaugaparkdistrictorg/activity/special-events. The movie moves indoor in inclement weather and begins about an hour earlier. The park is open daily 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. through Labor Day for daytime hiking and night sky viewing.
Beat the heat at Headwaters Park: Geauga Park District kayaks and canoes are available at the park boathouse for launching onto the East Branch Reservoir Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Geauga County residents may borrow a canoe or kayak for up to two hours or a paddleboat for one hour free of charge with their photo ID. Residents of other counties may borrow watercraft for a small fee using a credit card only, onsite. Availability is on a first-come-first served basis. Provided life vests must be worn at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the watercraft. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact geaugaparkdistrict.org for more information.
Parkside Corner Garden completed: The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland announced that their seven-month extensive restoration of the public garden at the intersection of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads in Parkside Park is finished. According to PGC member Lisa Holland, it has a modernized look with a tiered layout bordered by boulders and rocks and flanked by two Sweetbay Magnolia trees. Perennial plants fill in the garden along with eye-catching annuals that will grow in throughout the summer and enhance the space with color. What you will not see, but equally important, is a new irrigation system that will keep the plants growing. The volunteer groups credits Chester Township, Lowe’s Greenhouse, the Chester Park Board and private donors for helping to bring the garden’s vision to life. The restoration project is part of the PGC’s 75th anniversary celebration.
To post your Chagrin Valley news and events, contact Rusek at [email protected].