Lion’s Club Fair and Festival returns to Hartville
Club members have been preparing for the annual festival.
The Uniontown Lion’s Club Fair and Festival will return to Hartville Wednesday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 20. The four days will bring live music, food, a car show, rides and more.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser event of the year,” Uniontown Lion’s Club member and festival organizer Jim Palmeri said. “We raise money during the festival for the many projects the club does for the community.”
All four days will offer food, rides, bingo, a 50/50 drawing and music.
Music will begin Wednesday with La Flavor from 7-10:30 p.m. Area churches will come together Thursday for a hymn singalong from 6:30-8:15 p.m., followed by soft rock with the band Better Monday at 9 p.m. Friday will see entertainment by the Nashville Now country duo Dave and Daphne at 7 p.m. The Lake High School band will perform Saturday at 7 p.m. while Gerald Harris the Entertainer will play at 9 p.m.
Palmeri said many area businesses will be on hand with displays, and the festival is well supported by contributions from local companies.
Saturday’s lineup is capped with a large fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.
“One of the most popular parts of the festival,” Palmeri said, “is the car show Friday from 5-9 p.m. We’ve had the festival and car show for 28 years now, and it’s always very popular. There are all kinds of cars and categories. We usually have 75 or more cars entered.”
Registration for car show entries will begin Friday at 4:30 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. with an entry fee of $10. Categories for entrants include Best of Show, Best Prewar and Postwar, Best Ford, Best T-Bird, Best Corvette, Best Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Mopar, Best Custom, Best Truck, and Best Open. There is no charge to come and admire the many cars entered.
“The Lions Club is all about preserving vision,” Palmeri said. “A key thing we do is collect used eyeglasses, refurbish them and distribute them to those in need. The eyeglasses go to help a lot of people all over Central America each year. We also offer many scholarships for local students every year. We sponsor Eagle Scouts, give money to area food banks and do all we can to help out wherever there’s a need. Our club members also put in a lot of volunteer time in the community.”
A parade is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. featuring festival grand marshal Marion Coblentz.
Each night will feature two 50/50 raffles. People can get tickets at 6 p.m. for the 8:15 p.m. drawing and at 8:15 p.m. for the 10:15 p.m. drawing.
“All of the money we raise at the festival goes directly toward helping the community,” Palmeri said.
There is no charge for admission for events at the four-day event.
“It’s a huge festival,” Palmeri said. “The turnout is tremendous every year, and everyone always has a lot of fun. There’s an awful lot to see and do every night, and we invite everyone in the community to come out and join us.”
The Uniontown Lion's Club Fair and Festival will be held adjacent to Hartville Marketplace, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville. Updated information is at the club’s Facebook page.