Dover celebrates the end of summer with free family event

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • September 10, 2012
  • 333
                        
Summary: The City of Dover celebrated the final days of summer with a free event that included a car show, live music, a vintage baseball game, food, fun and fireworks at the City Park on Sunday. The City of Dover helped residents and visitors welcome fall with the End of Summer Celebration that took place on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the City Park. A hint of fall was in the air as crowds enjoyed an array of activities coordinated by Scott Jerles, the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation along with a host of volunteers and sponsors. “The weather is looking good and we have had steady crowds all day,” said Jerles. “This park was made for people and it sure is nice to see them here today enjoying the last days of summer.” Dover Mayor Rick Homrighausen was on hand to serve as coach for the City Sluggers as they took on the Canal Dover Redlegs in an 1863-style baseball game. The Redlegs came out victorious as they usually do with a final score of 21 to 12. Dr. Shawn Kapper of Dover played in the game for the sixth year and said it is always a lot of fun. “We had a few new players this year so we had to explain the rules which are quite different from the rules of the modern game,” said Kapper. For the first time the event included a vintage car show that included 61 cars and trucks and eight motorcycles. Participants were pleased with the weather that brought out many classic car enthusiasts. Volunteer Maryann Becker of Dover worked the registration booth for the afternoon. “This is the first time we have done the car show and it looks like it’s a hit,” said Becker. Nine year old Collin Swartzwelder of Dover along with his four year old sister Hayley was spending the day showing off their Dad Mike’s 1966 Mustang. “My dad stayed home to watch the Brown’s but we came out today with our grandparents,” said Collin. Nikol Reber of Dover brought her two children as well as two of her friends’ children to the event. “We came to enjoy the beautiful weather. There is so much for the kids to do and it’s free,” said Reber. “We plan on attending the fireworks this evening, too.” The truck carrying the fireworks had a flat tire as it travelled on I-77 but city employee Dana DeBois said she wasn’t worried. “It takes about four hours to set everything up for the fireworks but we should be alright,” said Debois. “We’re expecting the truck any moment now.” Free inflatables attracted many kids and the crowds continued to grow as evening set in. A variety of live music could be heard all day with the final performance coming from Frontiers, a Journey tribute band that drew a big crowd. Visitors had plenty to eat with vendors providing reasonably priced items like pasta and meatballs from the Dover Bocce Club, chicken wings with a variety of sauces from Calle’s Unique Sauces and smoked pulled pork sandwiches and ribs from Tudor’s Barbecue of New Philadelphia. Special Olympics had water while Pit Stop Creamery came with their signature homemade ice cream. Mayor Homrighausen deemed the event a success and said, “It is always a success when we can offer a free family event for Dover families to enjoy.”


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