Kiwanis pulls together to bring back Community Day
Following slow government decisions about the safety of holding large events, the Bath-Richfield Kiwanis started planning for this year’s Community Day much later than in past years.
However, following the one-year hiatus because of the pandemic, Kiwanis is welcoming everyone back to Richfield Community Day on Sunday, Aug. 8. The day starts off at 1 p.m. in Richfield Woods Park. The children’s activities for this year’s event will be tailored to be in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.
The day will include food, fun and entertainment. Many local organizations will be set up in the big tent where visitors can play games, learn about what the groups do and potentially receive a surprise from them.
Children and adults can ride the M&M Railroad Train around the park from 2-6 p.m. and the Euclid Beach Rocket Car from 5-8 p.m. for $2 a ride.
Games and demonstrations
Demonstrations and games with a chance to win prizes will be set up in the park. This includes a fishpond and the Richfield Library’s “Fish and Wish” game for younger children. A dunk tank will also be set up and is seeking volunteers to be dunked. Volunteers must be in the fifth grade or older with a signed release. The water activities continue with a water balloon toss.
Each hour during the day, a different Kiwanis member will be named the “Mystery Man.” Whoever finds that person during his hour will win a prize.
Several demonstrations will take place, including a demonstration and talk from the American Toy Marble Museum and a golf demonstration from First Tee. The Boy Scouts will also hold a flag burning ceremony. Among the local booths will be the Revere Local School District, where new Superintendent Michael Tefs will be present to speak to attendees.
Activities continue with a “frog jump” starting at 2 p.m. with sign ups at 1:30 p.m. Bring your own or rent a frog for 25 cents. Attendees can also participate in a corn hole tournament in one of three age groups: 8-12, 13-17 and 18 and up. Cost is $5 per team. Sign up at the corn hole boards, near the baseball diamond.
North Coast Goats, a four-piece band, will liven up the evening starting at 7 p.m. and play music from several genres including rock & roll, soul, folk blues and country.
Fireworks will be shot off at dark to bring the weekend to an end.
Entertainment tent
There is a lineup of activity under the entertainment tent starting at 1 p.m. and running until the fireworks display at dark.
1:00 – A dog show sponsored by The Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians will take place at 1 p.m. Entrants must register before 12:30 p.m. The categories are largest dog, smallest dog, best trick and best costume.
Those entering the dog show must follow the guidelines. All dogs must be on a leash. For the health and safety of the animals it is suggested that they return to their homes in a timely manner after the show.
2:30 –The Center for Applied Drama and Autism will perform an improvisational skit.
3:00 – Polka music and dancing follow at 3 p.m.
4:00 – The dancing continues with a performance by the Smyth School of Irish Dance.
5:15 – The Richfield Civic Organization is sponsoring a hula-hoop contest.
7-9:00 – The North Coast Goats band will perform.
9:45 – Fireworks
Event details
Tickets for the rides and games will be sold at the Kiwanis tent near the soccer fields. A raffle table will offer many items and there will be three 50/50 drawings. Bring cash to purchase tickets for a chance to win the raffles. Winners must be present to win.
Funnel cakes, fried vegetables, fresh lemonade, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft serve ice cream and Luther’s delicious sweet corn will be sold throughout the day.
The Bath-Richfield Kiwanis welcomes all to this decades-old fun event. Everyone is invited to stop by, eat a little, enjoy the entertainment, win a prize and maybe even meet some new friends. ∞