The first year it was held, the weather didn’t cooperate.
But, Yassall and others – and those after them — carried on, and the Aug. 11 and 12 edition will be the eighth, held on the green in Brookfield Center.
“It’s evolved,” said Karen Saker, who chairs the Summer Fest committee with T.J. Mohney. “It’s gotten bigger. It’s gotten more community involvement.”
Although the Brookfield United Methodist Church organizes Summer Fest and raises money for its outreach programs there, organizers don’t want it to be thought of as just a church event.
“We want it to be mor
e of community event, Mohney said.
The parade is the best-attended activity, and this year’s will be “bigger than it’s ever been,” Saker said. There will be at least seven floats, antique cars, horses from Brookfield Saddle Club, karate students, majorettes, veterans and fire trucks.
The time of the parade has been moved to noon on Aug. 11, an attempt to keep more attendees around, Mohney said.
“When we held it at 5 p.m., people left after the parade,” he said.
There’s always something for kids to do: playing in the bounce house, making crafts, drawing with chalk on the walkway, and getting a balloon animal or watching a magic show from High 5 the Clown.
“Big emphasis on the the kids – free things,” Saker said. “We try to make things as family-friendly as possible.”
Community groups, service clubs and school groups staff booths to provide information, set up displays or sell food and other items, and arts and crafts vendors show their wares.
“There’s a lot of activities,” said church Pastor Dick Smith. “A lot of food.”
And, if Mother Nature cooperates, so much the better.
“We praying for good weather,” Saker said. “That’s the key.”
Here is the schedule of events for Summer Fest:
Aug. 11
Food booths and displays open, 11 a.m.
Community parade, noon. The parade starts at Mr. D’s, heads on Bedford Road to Warren Sharon, to Route 7 and then to Grove Street. Information: Karen Saker, 330-369-9066 or ksaker@neo.rr.com
Craft and vendor show, noon to 5 pm.
Antique appraisals by Brian Dilley, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Brookfield Historical Society tent. He will appraise up to five items for $5.
Karate demonstrations, 1 and 2 p.m.
Warren Civic Music Children’s Chorus, 1:30 p.m.
Kid’s crafts, 1 to 5 p.m.
Coloring contest, 1 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Brookfield Township Outreach Association.
Chalk on the walk, 1 to 4 p.m.
Music by Keen Gene, 1 to 6:30 p.m.
High 5 the Clown making balloon art, 2 to 5 p.m.
Fifth Annual Ellen Jessup Memorial Bike, Wagon and Stroller Parade, 3 p.m. Strollers were added this year. Sponsored by the Brookfield Optimist Club. Registration starts at 2:15 p.m. And judging of decorated entries will be held at 2:40 p.m.
Bed Race, which includes pushing the bed through a series of obstacles, 4 p.m. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.
Line dancing, 5 p.m.
Aug. 12
Worship service in the gazebo, 10 a.m.
Food booths and displays open, 11 a.m.
Pet Parade, 11:30 a.m., sponsored by Kellie’s Place. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Adults are invited to enter their pets. Brookfield United Methodist Church Pastor Dick Smith will bless pets.
Craft and vendor show, noon to 5 p.m.
Water Ball Challenge involving area fire departments, noon.
Car cruise with music by Keen Gene, noon to 4 p.m.
Kid’s crafts, Coloring Contest and Chalk on the Walk, 1 to 5 p.m.
Chinese auction ticket sales end, 4 p.m.High 5 the Clown, 2 to 4 p.m., with a magic show at 3 p.m.
Chinese auction drawing, 5 p.m.
Other events include a bounce house and slide for kids; antique tractors; and a model railroad display.
Information: www.mybrookfieldchurch.com or 330-448-1001.
