Bedfordtimesregister.com - Parties in the Park still a hit

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RPC Photo / Robert Recker Bedford Times-Register and Maple Heights Press Editor Mike Lesko addresses the crowd with Bedford Chamber of Commerce member Chuck St. John Aug. 13 at the Bedford Party in the Park.

Front Row Seat
by Editor Mike Lesko
Year after year, the formula remains the same for the weekly Bedford Parties in the Park.

And year after year, they remain wildly popular.

"It's a nice, simple night for dancing, listening to music, seeing your friends and relaxing," said Chuck St. John, president of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event on Wednesday evenings for 13 consecutive weeks. "It is family oriented with a friendly atmosphere, and there are polka and variety bands.

"We have kept the same format. We have no intention of changing it."

The weekly parties will run through Sept. 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

St. John estimated that turnouts are about 600 people a week in June and July.

"In August, crowds starting increasing," he said. "They usually peak at about 800 people."

Many of them are senior citizens. Some are from Light of Hearts Villa and Woodside Village, which both bring van loads of people.

However, St. John said the event is attracting more younger people.

"Some are bringing their children," he said. "We're really happy about that because we have a craft table for young kids."

St. John said the event draws people from places like Parma and Westlake on the west side of Cuyahoga County, along with Summit, Lake and Medina counties.

On Aug. 13, Record Publishing Co., which publishes the Bedford Times-Register and Maple Heights Press, was one of the corporate sponsors, while Northcoast Mix played variety music.

"We have a waiting list for the bands," St. John said. "The bands haven't changed much. We don't change what is working well."

He said people like to line dance, jitterbug and polka.

"A lot of people come and watch others dance, and they cheer for the bands," he said. "It's an active, lively group of people who attend."

The evening begins with people standing and singing "God Bless America" with St. John leading the way. Later, door prizes are handed out and there are 50/50 drawings.

"People always come up to my wife, Lois, and I and say 'thank you,'" he said. "It makes you feel good.

"But it is more than us," he said. "There is a committee of people. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to be running this.

"As I tell the people every time, we appreciate their attendance," he added. "I don't care how much the Chamber does. The party in the park is truly the people who show up."

E-mail: mlesko@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3167