Posted March 22, 200619 yr In response to a recent MayDay/KJP convo in MayDay's 2006 St. Patty's Day thread about crowds and capturing images of Cleveland (all 'hoods) with big crowds, what are the best occasions for this...aside from your everyday rush hour and lunch hour crowds? Stop me if there's a better place for this discussion, but all I could find was a January 2005 thread of historic photos by MayDay (Cleveland and Crowds) and the aforementioned St. Patrick's Day photo thread. I'll kick it off for Cleveland... St. Patrick's Day (Downtown, 375,000) The Feast (Little Italy, ?) Open Air in Market Square (Ohio City, ?) Ingenuity (Downtown, 70,000 over 4 days) Independence Day (Public Square, Edgewater and elsewhere, ?) Air Show (Downtown, ?) Browns games (Downtown, 80,000+, 12 times a year) List your ideas, possible attendance #s and post a picture here and there for these events if you feel so inspired!
March 22, 200619 yr Parade the Circle!!! Its not in downtown and it doesn't draw as many as those mentioned above, but it is a pretty cool thing. Here are some pics (I know I can find some that are much better)
March 22, 200619 yr Here goes for Cincy: Tall Stacks: 800,000 (downtown) Riverfest: 500,000 (downtown) Taste of Cincinnati: 500,000 (downtown) Oktoberfest: 500,000 (downtown) Mobile Skatepark Series: 70,000-100,000 (downtown) Midpoint Music Festival: 40,000-50,000 (OTR) Cincinnati Reds Opening Day/Parade: 50,000 (downtown) Cincinnati Pride Alive Festival: 10,000 (OTR) Coors Lite Jazz Festival: 70,000-80,000 (OTR) Great Inland Seafood Festival: 150,000 (downtown) Midwest Region Black Family Reunion: 250,000 (downtown) I know I am still missing some events but this will get it started for Cincy.
March 22, 200619 yr Cleveland: Tremont Artwalk Hessler Street Fest (near CWRU/University Circle) West 6th St. from 12am-2:30am on Friday/Saturday nights Cleveland Heights: Coventry Street Market (several times a year, mostly during the summertime)
March 22, 200619 yr Youngstown: Party on the Plaza Boardman: St. Patricks Day Parade Austintown: 4th of July Parade
March 22, 200619 yr Akron: - 4th of July Rib Cookoff and fireworks - Summer concert series at Lock 3 Park - Akron Aeros games - The Welcome Santa parade - Holiday Fest at Lock 3 Park (Chriskindl Market & Ice Skating rink) - The Road Runner Marathon
March 22, 200619 yr Cincinnati does make a huge deal of Opening Day for the Reds... what do we do here in Cleveland for the Tribe? It's been so long since I've been in town for it, I can't remember if there are any festivities!
March 22, 200619 yr We put on big coats, along with are snowboots and gloves and typically freeze by the fourth inning. End up watching the game in a bar downtown. Not me though. I guess I'm just tough.
March 22, 200619 yr I have been downtown for the last few home openers....the bars are packed, the streets(especially around gateway) are bustling, cookouts on the sidewalks, etc...it's a good time....I doubt it is any smaller than Cincy's, but who knows.
March 22, 200619 yr I would have to differ JDD. Opening day is damn near a holiday in Cincinnati. The parade brings thousands to downtown and the bars are always very crowded. It's the top story in the newspaper and news no matter what national news is going on at the time, and it is virtually impossible to get a ticket. President Bush is supposed to be throwing out the first pich this year and, as much as I hate the guy, it is impressive that he would come to Opening day in Cincy. I can't imagine a city that celebrates the start of baseball season the way Cincinnati does.
March 23, 200619 yr I have events, but no crowd estimates Gay Pride Parade - Downtown PR Day Parade - Downtown African American Family Day Events - Luke Easter, Forest Hills Women's Expo - Downtown Greek Parade - Tremont Hough Festival - Hought Cleveland Marathon - Downtown Rib CookOff - Downtown Grand Prix - Downtown International Film Fest - Downtown RRHoF Music Fest - Downtown Various Walks/Runs - Downtown (throught the year) Cleveland Grand Prix - Downtown Buckeye Music Festival - Buckeye Cleveland Triathalone - Downtown E. 185 Street Festival - Collinwood Family Picnice/Unity Picnics - Luke Easter Park (Various throughout the summer months) Dancin in the Streets - Edgewater Spanish American Festival - Stockyards Oktoberfest - Downtown Winterfest - Downtown Larchmere Antiques Expo - Larchmere Fine Art Expo - Univ. Circle or Downtown (this might not happen) Cavs Games Indians Games Ohio Classice - (not happening this year) Shaker Square Events Wade Oval Wednesdays (AKA WOW) - University Circle North Union Farmers Market - Shaker Square (Every Saturday)
March 23, 200619 yr Delaware Arts Festival County Fair (actually day of the "Little Brown Jug" harness race) OWU graduation (though they don't close the city down like for the events above)
March 23, 200619 yr I'll leave it to someone like Jeff to list Dayton's... I don't really have a good sense of what goes on apart from obvious things like the Fourth of July. If I may exit Ohio for a moment, the farmers' market in Madison held downtown on Capitol Square every Saturday draws a pretty impressive crowd for such a frequent event. I have no idea how to estimate the size, though. Enough to make it a pain in the ass to walk the circuit around the square, anyway. :shoot:
March 23, 200619 yr ...nothing in Dayton is that big, except that Cityfolk thing, where they actually do close a few blocks along the river for it. It is also a combination with 4th of July. The MLK Day parade & rally was actually pretty impressive, moreso for being held at the heart of the city, 3rd & Main.
March 23, 200619 yr Cincinnati does make a huge deal of Opening Day for the Reds... what do we do here in Cleveland for the Tribe? It's been so long since I've been in town for it, I can't remember if there are any festivities! Thats right...this is because the Reds are the first professional baseball team EVER! Baseball IS Cincinnati and we celebrate this every year on opening day. We celebrate our history, as well as, our pride for our baseball team. Opening day should be a city holiday in my book. This idea has been tossed around before but nothing has come of it yet. It is sort of overlooked if you skip school or work on opening day....its kind of expected in some parts of the city.
March 23, 200619 yr I would have to differ JDD. Opening day is damn near a holiday in Cincinnati. The parade brings thousands to downtown and the bars are always very crowded. It's the top story in the newspaper and news no matter what national news is going on at the time, and it is virtually impossible to get a ticket. President Bush is supposed to be throwing out the first pich this year and, as much as I hate the guy, it is impressive that he would come to Opening day in Cincy. I can't imagine a city that celebrates the start of baseball season the way Cincinnati does. There just simply isn't an opening day like the Reds opening day, period. From the Baseball Almanac: "Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise the Cincinnati Reds were historically awarded the privilege of "opening the Openers" and hosted the outings from 1876-1989. Only twice during this time (1877 and 1966) were they forced to debut on the road due to rain. Finally in 1990, the tradition was broken and the Reds were scheduled to appear as the visitors against the Houston Astros. Despite the prestige of being christened as baseball's opening act, Cincinnati has posted an average record of 50-52-1 that has been shadowed by the countless spectacles off the baseline including parades, fireworks, circus performances and the opening of new ballparks in 1884, 1894, 1912 and 2003." http://www.baseball-almanac.com/opening_day/opening_day.shtml Baseball season starts when the Reds play. ;) And I'm sure of it that more than 50K people come to downtown for the day. Also, what about "Party in the Park" every other Wednesday? Starting April 19 and Running Until August 30, 2006 Where: Yeatman's Cove Park, the riverfront, Downtown Cincinnati About Party in the Park What is Party in the Park? Party in the Park rocks the river at Yeatman's Cove with the city's hottest bands and the coldest draft beer in town - all set against the Ohio River and the new Great American Ball Park. This year Party in the Park steps out with the best-looking bartenders in town - the National Champion University of Cincinnati Dance Team. Those girls can pour it on. Make your hump day happy and join 8,000 of Cincinnati's beautiful people down by the Serpentine Wall. It all starts Wednesday, April 20, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. This year’s slate of bands features perennial favorites. So get your life rockin' and party on down to the river with the gals from the UC Dance Team. Produced by The Downtown Council, a division of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Admission is free. Pics: More: http://www.party-in-the-park.com/photos.asp Bands: April 19, 2006: Tequila Mockingbird April 26, 2006: Razin' Kane May 10, 2006: Catch 22 May 24, 2006: Off the Hook June 7, 2006: Ten Foot Big June 21, 2006: The Rusty Griswolds July 5, 2006: Soul Progression July 19, 2006: Leroy Ellington & The E-Funk Band August 2, 2006: Marsha Brady August 16, 2006: Forehead August 30, 2006: Motion Sick ... And all of this is FREE! Here is a pic of "Taste of Cincinnati": ... of course at night it gets a little busier.
March 23, 200619 yr Is it true that we in Ohio (Midwest?) hold a lot more of these kinds of festivals than other parts of the country? I was reading a message from someone in L.A. on another forum and they had to be educated by a Clevelander as to what a street festival was. I find that hard to believe. By the way, the local TV station that used to show Indians games calls the home opener "Cleveland's National Holiday." Um, if it's just for Cleveland, how can it be a freakin' national holiday???? I hate local TV. Fluff-n-stuff morons. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 23, 200619 yr Cincinnati does make a huge deal of Opening Day for the Reds... what do we do here in Cleveland for the Tribe? It's been so long since I've been in town for it, I can't remember if there are any festivities! Thats right...this is because the Reds are the first professional baseball team EVER! Baseball IS Cincinnati and we celebrate this every year on opening day. We celebrate our history, as well as, our pride for our baseball team. Opening day should be a city holiday in my book. This idea has been tossed around before but nothing has come of it yet. It is sort of overlooked if you skip school or work on opening day....its kind of expected in some parts of the city. True that, many businesses do indeed close on Opening day and there are so many kids that are at the parade as well.
March 23, 200619 yr Is it true that we in Ohio (Midwest?) hold a lot more of these kinds of festivals than other parts of the country? I was reading a message from someone in L.A. on another forum and they had to be educated by a Clevelander as to what a street festival was. I find that hard to believe. Seattle has some truly kick-ass street festivals, so they do happen outside of the Midwest. My guess would be that most cities with strong neighborhoods do, as they seem to be a natural function of a strong neighborhood. I don't know what that means for LA, though.
March 23, 200619 yr Mentor 4th of july parade/fireworks Its better in Mentor days Willoughby Frontier days or western day (something like that?) St. Pattys day (at least it seemed like it, they took over MY "irish" bar :( ) Any given Friday or Saturday night Painsville The county fair Taste of Painsville (I think thats what its called) Fairport Perch fest Kirtland Strawberry festival Chardon Mapel Fest I couldnt give numbers, but its the only time I ever see sizable numbers of people at those cities.
March 23, 200619 yr I should mention, suburb-wise, Beavercreek's annual thing is the Popcorn Festival, which is just a random theme attached to one of those stupid street fairs, and has no strong attachment to popcorn as Marion does. I hate even thinking about it, because I have irrational dislike for both the words "popcorn" and "festival," and having them together in one phrase... truly awful!
March 23, 200619 yr *fingers in ears* LALALALALALALALA NOT LISTENING NOT LISTENING LALALALALALALALALALAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
March 23, 200619 yr I think the Grand Prix in Cleveland is pretty significant. It also attracts a pretty good international crowd from what I understand. I did not however attend.
March 23, 200619 yr I would have to differ JDD. Opening day is damn near a holiday in Cincinnati. The parade brings thousands to downtown and the bars are always very crowded. It's the top story in the newspaper and news no matter what national news is going on at the time, and it is virtually impossible to get a ticket. President Bush is supposed to be throwing out the first pich this year and, as much as I hate the guy, it is impressive that he would come to Opening day in Cincy. I can't imagine a city that celebrates the start of baseball season the way Cincinnati does. I wish Cleveland would have a parade for opening day. It sounds like Cincy really puts on a show for opening day. Also, I heard a rumor the the east 185th street festival may not be happening this year. Can anyone confirm if this rumor is true/untrue. I heard a few years back that the 5 day event drew around 1,000,000 people.
March 23, 200619 yr It really does sound like Cincy puts on quite a show (even though you can have Bush...better there than here!) It does get very active downtown for opening day here, but there is no parade. :( I have a question about a statement one person made earlier...if the Reds were the "first" ever professional team...who did they play? lol About the 185th street festival...I have heard the same thing..it might not be anymore...I heard due to the climate of the neighborhood and the trouble it has been bringing, which is sad. KJP, I read an intersting article in Wikipedia about Ohio being the "Midwest". I have always though, in my opinion of course, that Cleveland seems a lot more East coast than let's say, Altoona,PA...but according to the breakdown...they are East..we are Midwest. My GF, who was born and raised in Queens, NY (Woodside) definitely thinks that when she visits sees microcosms of East coast here. The wood frame "doubles" that people think are somehow unique to this area can be seen in eastern Queens, the rowhouses (not as abundant in Cleveland), Houses near the lake (Rocky River, Lakewood, Bay Village) and housing on the east side can be found in Long Island. Not trying to say that Cleveland or Ohio is NYC and the area, but it des have hints of the east. Wikipedia states that the actual divide between East Coast and Midwest lies right at the Cuyahoga river in Cleveland. It is an interesting read...just look up "Midwest" in Wikipedia....
March 23, 200619 yr The 185th Street Festival had beautiful weather in 2005, so I wouldn't blame it on the rain. However, the streets were less crowded last year than in the past. I doubt they'll scrap the whole thing - maybe just cut down the length or size of it.
March 23, 200619 yr I have a question about a statement one person made earlier...if the Reds were the "first" ever professional team...who did they play? lol It is a technicality of sorts. There were multiple baseball teams at the time (Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, etc.) However, the Red Stockings were the first team to have a payroll, thus creating a professional franchise. The Yankees were quick to follow suit and so on. Reds Nation is Baseball Nation. If you want to learn more about the Reds' storied franchise go check out the Reds Museum/Hall of Fame that is connected to the ballpark. Many across baseball consider it the best Museum/Hall of Fame out there (even better than Cooperstown). It is truly a great experience. FYI Cincinnati also boasts the first professional firefighters.
March 23, 200619 yr Festivals around Ohio's Firelands: Milan Melon Festival Norwalk Strawberry Festival (although it has been extinct for 2 years now) Norwalk Thunder in the Streets (coincides with IHRA's World Nationals at Norwalk Raceway) Sandusky North Coast Thunder Rally (Harley Davidson invades Sandusky, Monroeville, and Norwalk Raceway) Huron RiverFest Monroeville Dam Festival (apparently a new festival for 2006) North Fairfield Peach Festival Vermilion Fish Festival Willard Festival in the Park New London Firelands Festival Castalia Cold Creek Festival Plymouth Fireman's? Festival ........and there's a bunch of other smaller festivals.
March 23, 200619 yr Hamilton: Icefest in January - An event of the City of Sculpture, ice sculptor and ice sculptors come together for a unique winter festival that draws more and more each year. Courthouse Sq, Journal Sq, High St Old Fashioned 4th of July: By far one of the best 4th of July celebrations in Ohio. In the last 3 years, the parade has actually been the largest in Ohio as most of Butler Co's cities are involved. A taste of Hamilton brings together 12 or 15 of local resturants with booths around the courthouse. A 45 minute firework display over the river tops off the day. Courthouse Sq, High St, Riverfront Pic from mamapo, see it at: http://www.pbase.com/jpochard/image/45735333 Santa Parade: After Thanksgiving, Santa makes his annual ride down High St to his Ho, Ho, Ho house where he is open many days in December. This is actually a big event. High St. Tree-Lighting Ceremony: Kind of small-town, but each year the mayor lights the big Christmas tree downtown and the ice rink opens. National Christian Music Week: The organization that puts this week on nationally is located in Hamilton, so local churches hold an annual Christian music festival each August, but I think attendance goes down each year. Courthouse Sq. The Antique Car Parade: I've never been to this and don't know much about it, but I know its one of the bigger ones in the state. Hundreds of antique cars from all over visit Fairfield, downtown Hamilton,and the westside. Farmer's Market: Open two (or maybe three) days a week, Hamilton's farmer's market still exists in some fashion. Only 3 or 4 vendors appear each day, but it does bring a decent stream of people I've noticed. Courthouse Sq. Great Miami River Days: A new festival held on the banks of the Great Miami, GMRD focuses on river education, but provides entertainment and fun for the family. Neilan Blvd, Miami Hamilton The three historic districts hold tours and events throughout the year. Rossville has a bi-annual home and garden tour (coming up this year, YAY!, Dayton Lane has an annual Promenade home tour w/ carriage rides, etc. and Ghost Walks at Halloween, and the German Village has just started a summer and Christmas festival. Like every city, Hamilton has its fair share of walks for hospice, abortion, etc. My favorite is the MLK Jr. Day walk when the four black congregations take to the street singing spirituals, the streets just seem so alive, especially in the Southeast neighborhood.
March 23, 200619 yr FYI Cincinnati also boasts the first professional firefighters. ... And the first firepole! ;) Actually there are many "first" in Cincinnati. Maybe there should be a thread about it!
March 23, 200619 yr Was that firefighter thing a shot at me...since I am a firefighter in Cleveland!?!?!?! lol (the Reds thing was meant to be funny) I do think it's cool that the first was in Cincy...instead of lets say the always obvious , NYC!
March 23, 200619 yr Zanesville.... Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tourney-- 30-40,000 people Stars and Stripes on The River (4th of July)-- a lot of people A taste of Zanesville First Friday's Art Walk Various Parades
March 23, 200619 yr Was that firefighter thing a shot at me...since I am a firefighter in Cleveland!?!?!?! lol (the Reds thing was meant to be funny) I do think it's cool that the first was in Cincy...instead of lets say the always obvious , NYC! JDD941, since you are a firefighter, I bet you'd find it pretty interesting to learn the history of the old Cincinnati firefighter system. There were a lot of political issues that happened that make it a pretty interesting issue.
March 24, 200619 yr This is great! I haven't checked in on this in a while, but I'm happy to see that it's grown quickly into a celebration of the things that we celebrate in our towns and cities. Here are a couple pics from two of the events that I mentioned in the first post on the thread: Open Air in Market Square (Ohio City): The Feast in Little Italy:
March 24, 200619 yr Then there's Halloween at Ohio University, followed by Kent State. Their downtowns would be flooded with costumed revelers, and some of the costumes were awesome. At Kent in the late 1980s, guys dressed as nuclear cleanup workers with ventilators and carrying glowing green things in radioactive-protective buckets, or as Hans and Franz, or as 15-foot-tall cornstalks that stayed motionless until the crowd around them changed and then they would start moving again on stilts scaring some girls to scream. Girls dressed as Playboy bunnies, 1920s flappers, or sexy nurses and French maids. But the downtown merchants stayed standing in their windows to keep the stores from getting broken into and wrecked. It didn't always work in Athens, I understand. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 24, 200619 yr I forgot a few for Akron... - First Night Akron (New Year's Eve) - The West Side parade (not downtown; runs down Copley Rd, usually in August) - African-American Festival (off of Vernom Odom Blvd.)
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