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Downtown Wadsworth, Inc.
Wadsworth, Ohio is a uniquely special place to live. Many residents have been born and raised here, and those that have relocated, relocate for some great reasons. Excellent school system, beautiful area, multiple safe parks, great sports opportunities and a genuine sense of community. Downtown Wadsworth is the center of it all.
Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. is a dedicated group of individuals who wish to preserve the “special” that is Wadsworth. In this time of economic instability, Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. continues to offer several events throughout the year to maintain the sense of community, family and tradition. Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. organization produces 12 major events per year that bring 80,000 to 100,000 people from the community and surrounding area into its downtown area every year. Concerts, Sports, Shopping, Entertainment and fun events for the whole family. These events include: Easter Egg Hunt, Craft & Herb Fest, Town Treasure Sale, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Pioneer Pig Roast, Founders Day / Sidewalk Sale, Taste of Wadsworth, Scare on the Square, Candle Light Walk, Jingle Bell Jaunt and Holiday Parade / Lunch with Santa.
Our next event is the Annual Craft & Herb Festival Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 9am-4pm. We have over 40+ out of town merchants coming in to join our Downtown participating stores in the large sidewalk sales. We are currently organizing its first city-wide “Treasure Hunt” June 11 & 12, 2010. All residents will be encouraged to participate in this event. Our goal will be to raise money to help pay for ads placed in newspapers, radio and newspapers inside and outside Wadsworth. For those living in remote area, we are offering spots Downtown to rent for a nominal fee. This may turn into a huge event for Wadsworth and if all goes well, it may become a yearly event.
July 16, 17 and 18, 2010 is the 6th Annual American Legion Downtown Wadsworth 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament which is going to be bigger and better than ever. We are working with the Salvation Army as they plan to expand the barbeque from 2pm until 8pm that Saturday. A number of teams took advantage of our “March Madness” sign up. Register your team April through May and get the early bird sign up for just $110.00 then and June to July 9th registration ends at $120.00 per team. Register online at www.mswadsworth.org.
Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. is a community based non-profit organization committed to serving the community needs of Wadsworth by establishing detailed strategic plans that develop and maintain a downtown identity for Wadsworth. The organization is made up by a 13-member board. A paid Executive Director, Volunteer Community Design Committee, Events Committee, Membership Committee and Finance Committee. It works closely with the city, local churches, schools, Salvation Army and the American Legion to produce community pride and ownership in the Downtown.
The Little Wiz Fire and Historic Medina Museum
Tom Doyle is in his element this Saturday afternoon. People keep drifting into his private fire museum, Little Wiz, singly and in groups, eager to see his amazing display of antique firefighting equipment – an organized chaos of antique fire wagons and chemical tanks, of 19th century smoke helmets and early 20th century fire alarms. They are eager to take his tour and hear his stories. And he is just as eager to oblige.
During the week, Doyle runs FBN Systems, a security installation business, but it is on weekends that he really has fun. He has assembled his impressive collection within a relatively short time – he opened the museum in 2008. His interest in firefighting equipment began when he found several fire grenades in a building where he was doing an installation. (Fire grenades are chemical-filled balls that were lobbed at fires before sprinklers came into use). Suddenly he was hooked.
“I bought a lot of things on E-Bay,” Doyle explains. “And people started bringing things to me.” His most spectacular acquisition is an 1859 hand-drawn fire cart with a hose reel from New York City. It is in excellent shape and much of the decorative paint remains. “This one would have used a leather hose – which is what they were originally made of, before canvas or rubber,” he explains. “And it would have been in use before cities operated fire departments. Firefighters were originally hired by insurance companies, and it was not unusual for fist fights to break out if two competing companies arrived at the same fire.”
Doyle’s other major acquisition has a local connection. He owns a chemical fire truck manufactured by Hallock Engineering of Medina. Of the 22 fire trucks built by the company between 1913-1918, only four remain. Medina once owned one, but it had been sold long ago and subsequently, disappeared. Doyle’s truck came from Sanford, a town outside of Orlando, Florida.
The Little Wiz is located somewhat off the beaten path in a former store on 326 East Smith Road, in the middle of a neighborhood of old Victorian mansions, offices and businesses. But firefighting enthusiasts always seem to find him. One repeat visitor today is Gene Seckler, a fire inspector for an insurance company. “I’ve been to a lot of these kind of museums all over the country,” he says. “And this is one of the best.” Today he is donating a box of fire grenades to the Little Wiz.
And where does the unusual name, Little Wiz, come from? “In the 1920’s this building was a deli and sandwich shop,” Doyle explains. (His other enthusiasm is Medina history). “The workers from Bennett Lumber (now closed) used to come here for lunch. It was called the Little Whiz Grocery. I dropped the ‘h’”. The Little Wiz Fire and Historic Medina Museum is free and is open on Saturdays from 9am-4pm and by appointment other times. Groups are welcome. This summer Doyle will host an Open House for owners of antique fire trucks. His telephone number is 330.419.0200.
Article courtesy of Everything Medina Ohio
4th Annual Chalk Art Festival
The 4th Annual Chalk Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd from 9am-5pm. The festival will be held in the historic business district around the town square. In addition to the live chalk art demonstrations, there will be demonstrations and classes by Asian Martial Arts, children’s activities and fun for the whole family. There will also be the Medina Music Festival on Broadway Street from 2-10pm. The events will be held rain or shine.
The 4th Annual Chalk Art Festival will feature over 20 professional artists creating original works of art in chalk and pastel on large boards. Each artist and their work is sponsored by a merchant or business in the Historic District. In addition to the professional artists, art students from Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Art and Baldwin Wallace College are anticipated to participate. Children and families of the community may sign up the day of the event to create chalk drawings on the sidewalks in and around the square. Chalk will be provided for working in the Square.
All sponsored chalk art will be created between 9am-2pm, and judging will take place between 2-5pm. Prizes and awards will be given to the top three in each category: Professional, College, High School and Children. Following the Festival, the boards will be displayed in storefronts throughout the Historic District.
Businesses participating as sponsors for the 4th Annual Chalk Art Festival will distribute a guide to sponsors throughout the day. Each sponsor will offer some special deal or discount in the month of June. The guides may be taken to whichever store you frequent, get it stamped, then bring it back in June to claim the discount.
Applications for professional and college artists are being accepted until May 15, 2010. For more information or for an application, please contact Ruth Nitz at Tandem Trolley at 330.723.2613 or email missmollys@gmail.com.
Medina Music Festival (in conjunction with the Chalk Art Festival)
The first Medina Music Festival is a new addition this year. From 2-10pm on May 22nd over ten local and regional high school jazz and rock and roll bands will showcase their talent onstage on Broadway St. An impressive line-up of both Medina and Cleveland Rock Off winners have been signed up to participate in this musical showcase including:
* Maddie Finn (2010 winner of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
* Cheyne-Stokes (2009 runner up of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
* Trancemitter (2010 second runner up of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
* The Shoobies (2010 winner of the Medina Rock Festival)
* The Trio Life (2010 runner up of the Medina Rock Festival)
* Stefani Reeder (2010 finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
* Desiree Boardwine (signed artist with Gateway City Records)
* Minds Without Purpose (2010 finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
* Oh! The Humanity (2010 finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off)
“It’s a great partnership,” stated Matt Wiederhold, Executive Director of Main Street Medina. “It gives us a chance to reach out to the youth and families of the community and to bring them uptown to experience the Square. It also effectively extends the hours of Chalk Art so that more people can walk around and see these works of art. We’re very happy to partner with Bill Green and John Adams on the Medina Music Festival.”
Volkswalk
A reminder that the Volkswalk is May 22, 2010 in Medina. It is scheduled from 9am-12noon. The walk will take you throughout the Historic District and surrounding areas of Medina. The walk begins at 9am from Root Candles, 623 West Liberty Street, Medina. It is a 10K or 5K walk. So come out and get some good exercise and enjoy our wonderful community. Also on May 22nd is the Chalk Art Festival and Medina Music Festival on the Square. For the complete article on the Volkswalk, go to our website (www.visitmedinacounty.com) for the April Newsletter in the Newsletter Archives section.
Farm Markets
Looking for something fun and good for you in the coming summer weekends, then look no farther than Medina County. Medina County is blessed with great open space and many family run farms and road side farm markets. Some of our farms are two, three and fourth generation farm families. They are producing wonderful fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and wines for sale to you, the consumer, straight from the farm. Besides the smaller farm markets, we also have larger grain and dairy farms with nice rolling hills and great views while you drive through the countryside. While you are driving, find some of our unique small shops and markets to visit. Pick up the fresh products you find on your drive and enjoy them when you get home in a good home cooked meal. Enjoy teaching the kids where their food comes from and the enjoyment of fresh flavors and taste.
Starting in June, several Medina County communities will offer farmer’s markets on Saturday’s. Many local farmers will bring their products to sell from stands. They will have produce, fruits, meat, fresh bakery and other locally made or grown products. For a list of farm markets and/or farmer’s market dates, contact the Visitors Bureau at 1.800.860.2943 or email us at info@visitmedinacounty.com. Available in June will be our Farm Market brochure.
Support our farmer’s, they provide us the ‘green’ space, fresh air and a stronger economic base in our communities.
May Events
1 Medina Chorus Spring Concert, Medina High School, Middle Stage, 7pm, admission.
Brunswick Youth Fishing Derby, North Park, Brunswick, registration 8am, derby 8:30-10:30am, ages 15 and under, bring own poles, call 330.273.8000 to register.
Hiking for the Health of It, Hubbard Valley Park, 9-11am, ages 10+, 330.722.9364.
Advanced Digital Photography, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 1-4pm, ages 16+, fee, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Free Family Carnival, Franklin School, Wadsworth, 10am-2pm, sponsored by Wadsworth Salvation Army, 330.335.2327.
Pink Angels Benefit Concert, First Baptist Church of Medina, doors open at 6:30pm, admission, 330.725.5853.
The Diversity Center 8th Annual Walk, Rock and Run, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, 7:30am, call 216.752.3000 for information.
39th Annual Kiwanis Lobster Dinner, Wadsworth Middle School, 5-8pm, admission, 330.802.9618.
Pasta Dinner, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 4:30-6:30pm, admission, 330.483.3655.
The Real Victoria’s Secret, Historic Town Hall in Seville, 2-4pm, fee, call 330.723.3293 to register.
1-8 A Baker’s Dozen Sweet Treats Shop Hop, various locations, 10am-5pm, visit www.quiltersfling.com for participating shops, 330.336.1101.
2 Treasure Seeking 101: Geocaching Basics, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 2pm, ages 12+, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Literacy Luncheon, Diamond Event Ctr, Brunswick, 11:30am-1:30pm, admission, 330.723.1314.
Open House, Medina County Historical Society, Medina, 1-4pm, 330.722.1341.
3 Meditation Circle, Half Moon Yoga, Medina, 11:15am-12Noon, four week class, fee, call 330.242.0219 to register.
Gentle/Moderate Yoga Classes, Half Moon Yoga, Medina, 9:30-10:45am, four week class, fee, call 330.242.0219 to register.
4 Yoga for Wellbeing, Half Moon Yoga, Medina, 9:30-10:30am, four week class, fee, call 440.823.3667 to register.
Yoga for Healthy Aging, held at Dance D’Elegance, Medina, 11am-12Noon, four week class, fee, call 330.722.6345 to register.
5 Restorative Yogaaahhh!, Half Moon Yoga, Medina, 6-7:15pm, four week class, fee, call 330.242.0219 to register.
Nature Through the Seasons, River Styx Park, 10am, ages 7+, 330.722.9364.
Gentle/Moderate Yoga Classes, Half Moon Yoga, Medina, 9:30-10:45am, four week class, fee, call 330.242.0219 to register.
6 Stroller Hikes, River Styx Park, 10:30am, bring your little one out for a hike, 330.722.9364.
7,8 Kiwanis Flower Sale, Medina Shopping Center, next to Starbucks, Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, also Sat only at The Hoffman Group, Rt 18 and Foote Rd.
8 Container Gardening with Flowers, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 9:30-11am, ages 8+, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Eco-Arts Chalk Festival, Susan Hambley Nature Center, 10am-2pm, call 330.722.9364 to reserve your chalk space.
Mothers’ Day Tea, Valley City, sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee, 330.483.3994.
Victorian Punch Paper Work Craft Class, 1-4pm, fee, visit www.lostinthepast.com for information and to register.
8,9 Multi-Farm Event, One Fine Day Alpacas, Seville, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun Noon-4pm, 330.388.2506.
9 Mother’s Day Grande Buffet, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, call 330.225.5576 for reservations.
K9 Kapers, Hidden Hollow Camp, 3pm, 330.722.9364.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk, Hubbard Valley Park, 3pm, ages 7+, 330.722.9364.
Painting with Mom, All Fired Up, Medina, 1-5pm, call 330.723.1112 for information.
10 Medina County Historical Society General Meeting, held at Medina Library, 7:30pm, 330.722.1341.
11 Creative Concoctions for Preschoolers, Krabill Shelter, 10am or 1pm, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Paint Me a Storytime, All Fired Up, Medina, 1pm, call 330.723.1112 for details.
15 Opening Dance with band “Yearbook”, Willow Lake Park, Brunswick, general admission, 330.225.6580.
Birds and Breakfast, 7:30am, ages 10+, call 330.722.9364 for location and to register.
O-H-I-O Basket, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 9:30am-Noon, ages 10+, call 330.336.5951 to register.
Family Fishing, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 6pm, ages 6+, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Walk the Talk Success Starts through Learning, Memorial Park, Wadsworth, registration 9am, walk at 10am, to benefit Wadsworth Salvation Army Educational Services, fee per person, 330.335.7227.
Reiki I, Nature’s Touch, Medina, 9am-1pm, fee, call 330.721.9357 to register.
Reiki II, Nature’s Touch, Medina, 2-5pm, fee, call 330.721.9357 to register.
16 Medina Flea Market, Community Ctr at the Fairgrounds, Medina, 6am-3pm, admission, 330.948.4300.
Ohio Toy Soldier Show & Sale, The Galaxy Restaurant, Wadsworth, 10am-3pm, 330.722.6751.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Flowers of Allardale, Allardale, 3pm, ages 7+, 330.722.9364.
18 Medina County Writers Club, Medina Library, Medina, 7:30-9:30pm, annual dues, 330.435.6269.
19 Wadsworth Salvation Army Community Dinner, The Galaxy Restaurant, Wadsworth, 6pm, admission, 330.335.2327.
20 Tales for Tots, Plum Creek Park North, 10am, 11:30am or 1pm, ages 3-6 w/adult, call 330.722.9364 to register.
21 Tales for Tots, Plum Creek Park North, 10am or 1pm, ages 3-6 w/adult, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Ladies DIVA Night, All Fired Up, Medina, 6-9pm, call 330.723.1112 for information.
22 Birds and Breakfast, 7:30am, ages 10+, call 330.722.9364 for location and to register.
The Eye-Spy Trail, Susan Hambley Nature Center, 2pm, 330.722.9364.
4th Annual Chalk Art Fest, Public Square, Medina, 9am-2pm, 330.952.0910.
Guided Walking Tours, Northern Ohio Railway Museum, Westfield Twp, 10am-4pm, free will donation accepted, 330.769.5501.
22,23 Open Weekend,
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