Lions' pride

Another Uniontown Lions Club Festival is complete, giving residents of Lake Township and beyond a chance to enjoy some end-of-summer fun. It ran from Aug. 13-16, less than a week before students returned to school. Except for a few raindrops at the start of the festivities on Wednesday, the weather was hot and dry, allowing the festival to be well attended and enjoyable. This year’s theme was “Honoring First Responders.”

Festivalgoers enjoyed games including Instant Bingo, rides, entertainment and a variety of food choices. Two 50/50 raffle drawings were held each night. The Uniontown Lions Club expressed appreciation for the community’s participation, noting the event’s proceeds allow the club to continue supporting local projects. One recent effort was assisting Love Our Community (LOC) in remodeling its new Mission Hub. The Lions invite those interested in joining to contact a member or visit the Uniontown Lions Club Facebook page.

HRM Enterprises served as the entertainment sponsor. As is tradition, La Flavour performed three hours of popular 1950s-70s hits Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, the Lake Township Historical Society hosted the popular Community Hymn Sing. Ruth Sturgill served as emcee, and Marti Steiner directed a choir of residents from local churches while also accompanying on piano. Society President Shelly Quinn and Judie Tweedie added flute to select numbers. After a few choir pieces, Barb Miller led the group — 24 choir members joined by about 50 attendees — in choosing and singing favorites.

Thursday night also featured Aaron Stanley performing rock, pop and country music. He returned Friday to play with Better Monday, the evening’s featured act.

Friday evening also included the car show, which filled the lot with vehicles from across eras and brands. John Cushing’s 1972 XKE/E-Type was among the standouts. Sponsors included Mindy Covington-State Farm, Kempthorn Auto Campus, Don Stitts Auto Group, Tom Marchese-Edward Jones, and J&B Auto Service.

The Uniontown Police Department manned the dunk tank nightly from 5-9 p.m. “We had a great time under the night lights at the festival,” the department reported. Attendees dunked officers, dispatchers, a sergeant and even Chief Batchik. Nearly all Krispy Kreme donuts on hand were sold, with proceeds benefiting two local charities.

Saturday was the busiest day, highlighted by the parade sponsored by Troyer’s Roofing and Hen-House Decks. Police and fire first responders served as grand marshals, with units from Uniontown and Hartville leading off. Other participants included King Lion Paul and Diane Gingo, Lion of the Year Bill Robinson, Li’l Mr. and Miss Uniontown, the Lake High School cheerleaders, the Lake High School “Blue Streaks” marching band and more than 20 additional units.

As is customary, the Lake High School band performed, followed by Gerald Harris, The Entertainer, with jazz, oldies and Motown favorites. The celebration ended with fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Platinum sponsors included HRM Enterprises, Mindy Covington-State Farm, and Arnold Gruber, Attorneys at Law. Festival sponsors were the Brott Family, Dutcher Door of Hartville, Troyer’s Roofing and Tom Marchese with Edward Jones. Community sponsors included J&B Auto Service, M.J. Miller & Company, Wayside Furniture, Consumers National Bank, Uniontown Tire and Hen-House Decks. Supporting sponsors were ForeverLawn and Don Stitts Auto Group. Sponsor-level donors were Shear Shop and Airtime Heating & Cooling.

In-kind donations came from Acme of North Canton and Green, BL Companies, Camping World, Dietz Photography, Giant Eagle of Hartville and Green, Hartville Fire Department, Hartville Outdoor Products, HRM Enterprises, Kingsway Pumpkin Farm, Koorsen Fire & Safety, Lake High wrestlers, Lake Township Garage, Majestic Trailer, Strouble Water Hauling, Uniontown Electric, the Uniontown fire and police departments and the Uniontown Lions.