Union Police Chief Michael J. Blackwell (right) 3rd District Commander and Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms of the American Legion Department of Ohio leads the parade followed by members of American Legion Randolph Post 707 of Englewood presenting the colors.
American Legion Randolph Post 707 of Englewood member Cathy Hutton (left) and others handing out miniature American Flags to parade spectators.
The Northmont NJROTC marching along the parade route.
The Northmont High School Marching Band and Color Guard entertaining the crowd lining Union Boulevard.
Antioch Shriners wave to parade spectators.
Bobbies of the Dayton Antioch Shrine Temple riding their minibikes in the festival parade.
The Saint Gasper Family of Parishes float.
The Blitz Cheerleaders having fun marching and performing for parade spectators.
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck riding in the Sheriff’s Office impressive SWAT vehicle.
A tricked out 1956 Chevy Nomad owned by Carol and Rick Kerns.
This 1955 Chevy 3100 pickup is owned by Jeri Hix.
Steve Schoener’s 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner.
Todd Craig’s 1970 Chevelle Super Sport.
A 1965 Volkswagen Beetle low rider owned by Ryan Lively.
This 1976 Chevy Vega owned by John Jordan featured a 383 cubic inch engine.
Ed Lempco’s 1941 Ford Panel van.
A variety of signs for sale at an Art Festival Booth.
Festival attendees pause to chat in the shade in Centennial Park.
JAM Enterprise Tie-Dyes booth.
The Itsy Bitsy Bird Wood Crafts and Home Décor booth.
This booth featuring a variety of fall and holiday decorative signs attracted plenty of visitors.
Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream attracted a steady stream of customers.
By Ron Nunnari
ENGLEWOOD — The 49th annual Englewood Art Festival held Aug. 12 and 13 attracted thousands of area residents to Centennial Park to purchase a variety of products from artisans and small businesses while enjoying music, food, and a car show on Sunday.
Saturday’s parade at 9 a.m. was greeted by light rain that lasted only a few minutes just as the parade began.
The parade featured local Scout groups, the Northmont NJROTC, council members from local cities, units from the Clayton, Englewood and Union fire and police departments, the Northmont High School Marching Band and Color Guard, Northmont Wee Bolts, Northmont Soccer Association, Blitz Cheerleaders, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck, County Auditor Karl Keith, Instinct Dance Company and several local churches and civic organizations.
After the parade, the skies cleared, and everyone gathered in the woods in Centennial Park to peruse items for sale at artisan and local business booths.
Despite slightly humid conditions Saturday, thousands of people poured into the park to enjoy the festivities. The Northmont Marching Band licked off Saturday’s entertainment on the stage in the woods.
Next to take the stage was the Victorious KayBirds performing a mix of soul, rock, blues, country, Cajun, and original tunes. The Bucket List Players, an eight-piece horn band followed at 4 p.m. performing classic funk, rock, soul, and R&B classics featuring tunes made famous by Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Stevie Wonder, and The Commodores.
Sunday’s entertainment began with The Honey Creek Cloggers at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Englewood Civic Band led by Director Roy Swanson. ‘Kip the Pirate’ closed out the musical performances at 3 p.m. playing acoustic guitar and singing.
This year’s car show featured close to 100 vehicles featuring restored classic cars, some with tricked out engines and interiors, and a few late model cars on display at the west end of the park.
Festival attendees enjoyed food from multiple vendors selling everything from deep fried veggies, pork tenderloin, blooming onion, fried pickles and cheese, corn dogs, fresh cut French fries, pizza, corn on the cob and homemade ice cream and more.
“The weather turned out to be fantastic. Look at this crowd,” said Englewood Mayor Tom Franz as he toured the park Sunday. “We got lucky yesterday. The rain split up and the storm went to the north and south and it turned out to be a great day.”
Reach Ron Nunnari at [email protected].
