Rittman Celebrates 42nd Annual Sleepwalker Festival
By Lisa Amstutz
August 1, 2011
798
Summary: Parades, classic cars and local talent were all part of the fun at Rittmans 42nd annual Sleepwalker Festival July 28-30. The food and festivities drew large crowds to the downtown area. Ten local WWII veterans were honored in the Thursday evening parade, with a special ceremony for WWII veteran John Grieves following.
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The city of Rittman was anything but sleepy during last weekends 42nd annual Sleepwalker Festival, July 28-30. Im thankful for the good weather and a great turnout, said Rittman Mayor Bill Robertson. A tremendous amount of planning goes into this event, and its so nice to see people out enjoying it. It really showcases Rittman.
The celebration originated as an apple festival and later became an evening sales event where customers and downtown merchants alike dressed in their pajamashence the name Sleepwalker, Robertson said. Today, there are no pajamas involved, but the name has stuck.
This years festival kicked off Thursday evening with a parade and the introduction of Rittmans Lil Miss & Mister, Gabriella Swartz and Andrew Fitzgerald. Ten local World War II veterans were honored in the parade, and a special ceremony was held afterward for WWII veteran John Grieves, who died in 1950. Dale and Delores Rohrer were also honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Friday evening, Premier GMC sponsored its 20th annual car show, with over 50 classic cars on display. We get a lot of the same people coming back every year, said organizer Vito Semprini. Taking home best in show was Dan Marcum with his 1934 Ford. Other award winners included Richard Lindsey (1947 Chevy), Leonard & Joanne Carpenter (1957 Chevy BelAir Convertible), Mark Milici (1969 Camaro Z28), Denver Short (1971 Chevy Chevelle), Mike OConnor (1987 Buick Grand National), R.J. Stallard (1953 Ford F-100), Danny Bell (1980 Puch De Lux Moped) and Mel Hodges (1959 Metropolitan Coupe).
Meanwhile, at the other end of Main Street, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic held their annual pet parade. Small, medium and large dogs made their rounds in front of the judges, with ribbons awarded to the top three competitors in each size class.
Other Friday evening events included a Lions Club chicken barbecue and BINGO games sponsored by the RFD Auxiliary. The main attraction, however, was the Rittmans Got Talent talent show in the main tent. Crowd members were selected at random to participate in Minute to Win It challenges between each musical performance. Mayor Robertson served as emcee for the show, which was sponsored by Heritage Telephone Company.
One of the youngest contestants was Justine Burss, age eight, who performed a dance routine to Justin Biebers "Never Say Never." Though it was her first competition, Burss made it through to the final round. I like to dance, she said. It was fun but I was also kind of nervous.
Seven finalists returned for Saturday evenings competition. Taking home the $250 prize were Jeff & John. Runners-up Jasmine Ridler and Keith Bachman won $50 each.
Saturday evening's entertainment concluded with a concert by The Wood Brothers--Live From Dollywood.
Throughout the weekend, various inflatables and a gaming trailer entertained the young and young at heart. Madison Smith, age 11, tried out the bungee run. Its fun, she said. Your best bet is to sprint and see how far you get. Ive never gotten to the end yet though.
Concession stands lined the street, offering everything from airbrush tattoos to funnel cakes to balloon animals. Local churches and other organizations set up booths as well. Members of First Baptist Church handed out free freezer pops. Church member John Chuhi said the church opened its doors for Sunday services in March. Were trying to get the word out and let people know were up and running, he said.
The concessions were a highlight for ten-year-old Christian Schendel. This year I got a bomb bag and Im going to get Silly String, he said. Schendel hoped to come back the following night as well. I love it," he said. "It gets funner every year!
