5/3/2012 - West Side Leader
     

BARBERTON — The Barberton Area Jaycees will present its 56th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival May 11-13 at Lake Anna Park.

The festival will feature Kissel Bros. Shows’ carnival rides, games, exhibits from area nonprofits, sales of cash-and-carry items and food, along with free entertainment and children’s events. This year’s theme is “Bright Lights in the Big City.”

Also planned are: a Cherry Pie Eating Contest May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.; sandcastle building May 12 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with prizes awarded; a fishing derby May 13 from 1 to 2 p.m., with prizes awarded in various age categories; a Penny Search for ages 2-7 May 12 from 1 to 2 p.m., with two scooters and two bikes awarded; a Critter Keepers 4-H Club Petting Area; a scavenger hunt May 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with prizes awarded; a K-9 demonstration; and a Mother’s Day craft and the Mom and Kid Olympics, both May 13.

In the area of entertainment, A Band Named Ashes and Maiden Lane will perform Friday night on the Visitors Center stage. Following the “Barberton Idol” Contest May 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., JoAnna Hrepcak and Aphrodite’s Hero will entertain on Saturday night. The Grace Church Worship Band will end the weekend entertainment on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, activities will kick off at 10 a.m. with the Cherry Blossom Parade, led by Barberton Mayor William Judge. The Parade Award presentation will take place at noon at Lake Anna Park.

Continuing from last year will be the sale of Cherry Blossom souvenir cups, available at the Jaycee-run French Fry trailer on Third Street; the children’s Coloring Contest, with a chance to win free all-day ride wristbands; and a local celebrity dunk tank fundraiser, with funds supporting the American Cancer Society’s Barberton Relay For Life event.

Also, the Magic City Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will take place May 12 from 7 a.m. to noon at the St. Augustine Church Social Activities Center.

On May 12, the 14th annual PNC Jeep Davis Memorial 5K is planned. For details and to register, visit www.rsracingsystems.com.

For festival details and deals, area residents can sign up to receive Cherry Blossom text alerts by texting JAYCEES to 84444.

For a complete schedule of events, event participation applications or coloring contest forms, visit www.barbertonareajaycees.com or the Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave.

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