Buy your holiday stocking stuffers and other gifts and help fund the Ely Square fountain!

Also available: more T-shirt styles, coffee mugs, four different lapel pins,
calendars, hats, and more.

Elyria's 200th birthday is only going to come around once in our lifetime - and Discount Drug Mart is helping us celebrate!

As Elyria's official Bicentennial Souvenir Sponsor, not only can you purchase affordable and unique Bicentennial Merchandise at Drug Mart, but every dollar of every purchase you make will be donated back by Drug Mart to build a much-needed new fountain in Elyria's beautiful and historic Ely Square.

Give the gift that will keep on giving for years to come.  Drug Mart's two Elyria locations are offering a variety of merchandise including coffee and beer mugs, wine glasses, lapel pins, t-shirts and jerseys, water bottles, visors, baseball caps and more.

Give Bicentennial souvenirs for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions - or just go buy them for yourself.

Historical Calendars Now Available!

2017 marks the 200th Birthday of the great City of Elyria!  As we celebrate our Bicentennial, the City has a bevy of family-friendly events planned for the upcoming year, and there is no better way to keep track of them then the official Bicentennial Calendar, now available at both of Elyria's Discount Drug Mart stores.  The calendar is filled with pictures and facts from years past, some of which our fellow Elyrians may remember, others they may have only read or heard about. In addition, every major Bicentennial function is already marked off on the calendar to help you keep track of the upcoming festivities.

Most importantly, every cent from the sales of from these calendars and all Bicentennial merchandise goes to fund the new fountain in Ely Square.  Discount Drug Mart has been generous enough to donate 100% of the sale price of these items to the Ely Square Fountain Fund.

Info on more Bicentennial Memorabilia will follow soon, but these calendars are beautiful, functional, and available NOW at both Elyria Discount Drug Mart Locations (500 N. Abbe Rd. and 110 Chestnut Commons) for $.99.

2016 Leaf Collection Extended Through December 8, 2016

 

Thursday December 1, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

Autumn Leaf Collection Extension

Due to the warm fall weather, autumn leaves have fallen slowly. The City of Elyria leaf collection program will extend through Thursday December 8, 2016. This is adding approximately one additional week to the previous schedule. Leaves should be raked to the curb in piles or wind-rows as close as possible, but not into the street.  No brush, twigs or other material should be mixed with leaves as these items clog the vacuum equipment and slow the collection process.


Residents may dispose of leaves contained in brown paper composting bags at the Elyria Compost Center at 45 Chestnut Street through Saturday December 3, 2016 from 9am-2pm for more information:  www.barnesnursery.com


No leaf collection will occur after Thursday December 8, 2016. We encourage residents to rake remaining leaves to curb on or before Monday December 5, 2016.


For additional information or questions – please call the Elyria Street Dept. at 440-322-3129 or the Safety Service Director’s office at 440-326-1404

Elyria Festival of Lights - Saturday, December 3, 2016!

Bring the entire family and join the City of Elyria  for a fun-filled day of holiday events and activities designed to bring a smile to every age. All events and activities in Ely Square, Elyria City Hall and Finwood Estate are FREE and open to the public and are being made possible through the generous donations of individuals and organizations throughout our community and the Findley Trust.

This year’s celebration will bring back many of the traditions you remember from the past, including the children’s petting zoo complete with A GENUINE REINDEER! Events will start at Elyria City Hall at 3pm with crafts,  caroling, movies, a caricature artist, free gift bags for the first 500 children and Mayor Brinda’s FREE Storybook Giveaway! Grace Community Church will once again be providing free outerwear for children and adults inside City Hall, and the Elyria Art Works will be open until 4:30pm for you to browse the works of local artists, shop, and vote in their annual “Non-Traditional Christmas Tree Contest!”

Downtown Elyria Events

2:00-5:00pm

• Ice Sculpting - Watch a sculptor transform a block of ice into a reindeer before your eyes!

3:00-5:00pm

• Kids Crafts - Make a holiday craft in City Hall
• Kids Holiday Movies
• Warm up in City Hall to watch some classic holiday movies and specials!
• Caricature Artist - Add some cheer to your holiday with a free caricature portrait of your children or your whole family!

Mayor Brinda’s Storybook Giveaway

• The first 500 children will receive their choice of a FREE book courtesy of the Mayor!

3:00-6:00pm

• Children’s Petting Zoo - Ely Square will come alive with real animals for your child’s petting pleasure, including: a camel, pygmy goats, a yak, Shetland sheep, alpacas and A REAL REINDEER!
• Caroling & Group Performances: Hear the joyous sounds of the season from a variety of choral, dance and music groups!

3:00pm

• Coat, Scarf, Hat & Glove Giveaway - Grace Community Church will be providing free outerwear for children, youth and adults in Elyria City Hall

3:30-5:30pm

**FREE GIFT BAGS:TOTHE FIRST 500 CHILDREN!**

• StoryTime - Meet The GrinchWho Stole Christmas: The Elyria Public Library shares some holiday classics and your favorite holiday characters will be in Ely Square and City Hall

5:00-5:30pm - Santa's Arrival!
5:30-7:00pm - Meet Santa in the Sunrise Rotary Santa House on Ely Square!


10:00am-4:30pm

• ChristmasTree Contest and Gallery- The Elyria Arts Council, 336 Broad Street – Former Brandau Jewelry Building will host a creative Christmas tree contest and gallery. View and vote for trees created by some of our greatest local artists!

Holiday at Finwood Estate Events

6:00-9:00pm: December 2 thru December 23 - (outside open through January 2)

FINWOOD ESTATE LIGHTING & EVENTS (799 North Abbe Road)
Visit with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa, cookies, carolers, holiday displays, trains and thousands of lights. A canned-food or cash donation for Hospitality House is greatly appreciated!

North Park Ice Arena Events

December 3rd - 901 Duffy St.

1:00 – 3:00pm & 7:00 - 9:00pm: Open Skate: Youth $3, Adults $4, Skate Rental $3

See flyer below for more details!

Invest Elyria's Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2016!

Small businesses are one of the things that make Elyria a wonderful place to live.  Please find the time to bring your family out to support some of our local business, restaurants, and entrepreneurs downtown and through the City. Invest Elyria is holding their second annual Small Business Saturday on November 26. 28 local businesses will be participating with special offers, discounts, and other fun events throughout the day.  More information is available at www.investelyria.org.





Here is a list this year's participants:

• A Wrinkle of Time Photography
• Attractive Kitchens and Floors
• Best Little Warehouse
• Cakes Candy & Flowers
• Dogs On The Go
• Elyria Resale Outlet
• Furry Kid Dog Grooming Salon
• Powerhouse Gym Elyria
• Banhidy & Sons Construction
• Keith’s Comics
• Computer-Tek
• Angelina's Pizza
• Dave's Cosmic Subs
• Stephen's Costume Jewelry
• Stewarts TV & Appliance
• Puffers Floral Shoppe
• Black River Archery
• Blackburn’s Country Barn
• Elyria Arts Council
• Pandy's Garden Center
• Auto Details
• Veteran's Barber Shop
• Smitty's
• Midway Oh Boy
• Oven 51
• First Choice Photography
• Dr. Joseph G. Van Keuren
• Illustrators Tattoo

Happy Thanksgiving from Mayor Holly Brinda & Family

On behalf of the City of Elyria and the Brinda family, we wish all of our residents, visitors, employees and friends the blessings of love, happiness, health, and success on Thanksgiving and always.  As you gather around your tables to give thanks, please know that your Mayor understands that how we use our blessings is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.  Your Mayor and your City are truly grateful for your continued support and we pledge to do all we can to serve you now and in the future.       

Help Make Holiday Lights 2016 a Success!

Dear Fellow Elyrians,

The holidays are fast approaching and as your Mayor I am again asking you to join me in supporting our community’s Holiday Lights program.  Your donation is needed and will be very much appreciated as we join together as a community to make sure that ALL of Elyria’s children and families have the opportunity to enjoy this very special season.   

On Saturday, December 3 we will kick-off festivities in and around Ely Square and at Finwood Estate.  Both displays, and the array of free, family-friendly activities that accompany them, make the hope and joy of the season accessible to everyone.  Your donation will help us provide gift bags for children, refreshments, holiday crafts, and a Petting Zoo complete with reindeer.  As Mayor I will fund a free book give-away and our civic organizations and churches will provide a North Pole experience; ice sculpting; a coat, scarf, mitten and hat give-away; and more.  And thanks to past contributions, the City will gain be able to provide a magnificent holiday lights display at both locations. 

Elyria truly is a caring community and you can be a beacon of hope and goodwill by becoming a Holiday Lights donor.  A donation in any amount is appreciated and is tax-deductible.  Checks should be made out to the City of Elyria – notation line: Holiday Lights Program – and mailed to:  Mayor Holly Brinda – Elyria City Hall – 131 Court Street, Suite 301 – Elyria, Ohio  44035.     

Thank you in advance for your consideration.  And I certainly hope that you will join us on December 3 and make a lasting memory with your loved ones!  If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to call my office at any time at 326-1402.

In the spirit of the season,

Holly C. Brinda, MPA

Mayor

P.S. – Thank you again for your continued support.  Your donation will brighten the life of a child in our community. 

Halloween Parade Festivities Moved Indoors – 10/30/2016

Due to inclement weather, the Kiwanis Halloween Parade Festivities scheduled for Sunday, October 30, 2016 have been moved indoors to the Salvation Army at 716 Broad Street. Everything should still get underway at 2:30pm.  Trick or Treat is still scheduled as planned for Monday, October 31, 2016 from 6-7:30!

Join Us to Make A Final Choice On the New Ely Square Fountain

Join Us to Make A Final Choice On the New Ely Square Fountain

Your City listened to you at previous public meetings.
Now we’re ready to present the final two choices for
our new Ely Square Fountain.  Come see how the
planners have included everyone’s best ideas.

Ely Square Fountain Final Public Input Meeting
Wednesday, November 2 - Elyria City Hall – 131 Court St.
6:00pm on the Second Floor in Council Chambers

Fall 2016 Spotlight Elyria

Please enjoy the Fall 2016 Edition of Spotlight Elyria, featuring an interview of Elyria Mayor Holly C. Brinda by Chronicle Telegram Editor Andy Young, and is followed by the third Community Conversation of 2016 where Mayor Brinda answers resident questions and concerns along with her staff and many community members.  This was filmed on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at South Recreation Center in Elyria, Ohio.

Morning Coffee with the Mayor - 9/29/2016 @ Midway Mall Food Court

Don't forget that Mayor Brinda will be at Midway Mall for her month Morning Coffee with the Mayor.  Bring you questions, concerns, or comments to her in person in an informal setting.  She will be in the Midway Mall food court at 9:00am on Thursday, September 29, 2016.  Call 440-326-1402 if you have questions.  Hope to see you there!

Reminder: Trick or Treat Night is October 31st, 2016!

Trick or Treat Night in the City of Elyria will be Halloween night, October 31, 2016 from 6:00-7:30pm!  The Annual Kiwanis Halloween Parade will be the Sunday before, October 30th. Lineup for the parade begins at 2:00pm near Suzin L. Chocolatiers on Broad Street, and the parade itself will start at 2:30pm.  If you have questions, please call the Mayor's Office at 440-326-1402.

Have fun and remember to be safe!  Click here to read some tips from Elyria Police Department on making sure everyone has a safe and healthy evening!

ELYRIA WATER QUALITY UPDATE – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 10:40AM

NOTICE FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE:

ELYRIA WATER QUALITY UPDATE – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 10:40AM

There is some sediment in Elyria’s water supply this morning, but the Ohio EPA has deemed it safe to drink and use for other purposes.  The water plant on Lake Erie did not fail – but, a surge valve in the City’s water distribution system that relieves pressure in the system opened properly and then did not close properly.  The end result was that it stirred up some sediment in a finished water tank.  Data has been provided to the EPA and it has been determined that the water does meet water quality standards.  The City is flushing the water distribution system to clear out the sediment.  If you see sediment or discolored water you are advised to let your cold water run for several minutes until the water becomes clear.    

Reminder: Community Forum Tonight - Thursday, September 22, 2016 @ 7:00pm

Please join us for the third Community Conversations with Mayor Holly Brinda and Staff, 7:00pm tonight,  September 22, 2016 at South Recreation Center (101 South Park Drive).  Mayor Brinda will be on hand along with her administrative staff and many department heads to update you on the various goings-on throughout our great community.  Representatives from most of our City departments will be there to answer you questions, concerns, and comments. 

Traffic Safety Notice: 2nd Street Converting to 2-Way Traffic

During the week beginning Monday, September 19th, 2nd Street in downtown Elyria will permanently convert into a two-way street.  Traffic will flow in both directions between East and West Avenue.  What had previously been the left-hand lane will now be filled with Eastbound traffic. Please also note that as part of this change, the intersection of 2nd Street and Middle Avenue has also been converted into a 4-way Stop intersection.


Signage and road-striping will be in place to guide your travels, but please use extra caution as we adjust to this change.

It's Apple Festival Weekend - September 16, 17, and 18, 2016!

As the temperatures finally start to tick down and the leaves get ready to change color and fall back to Earth, the City of Elyria prepares for its beloved annual tradition, the Elyria Apple Festival!  We once again invite you to join us in downtown Elyria for another fantastic years of All-American food, entertainment, and family-oriented fun in and around historic Ely Square.  There will be something for everyone, from Apple Princesses to apple pies, snow-cone carts to car shows. The whole weekend will be filled great  food, live music, good company and entertainment for you, your family, and friends!

Things kick off Friday at noon.  Today Ely Square will be visited by the Elyria High School and Open Door Marching Bands, and tonight the music continues with The Geeze Cats, Big Mike and Company, and Hip to That, along with kids activities including a balloon artist and a magician.

On Saturday, be prepared for the high drama and majesty of the annual Apple Festival Pageant, starting at 12:30pm.  The day will be filled with music, dancing, tons of great food…including an apple pie baking contest and an old fashioned Pie-Eating contest! Don’t miss out on the action-packed Corn Hole Tournament behind the Justice Center at 4:00pm.

Sunday will bring back the Apple Festival 5k Run and Fun Walk through Cascade Park.  Registration will remain open on race day, so it’s not too late to participate!  The Talmer Bank Car Show kicks off at 9:00am with all the classic, antique, and special-interest cars you can imagine.

Click here for a complete schedule of events!

And while you’re downtown, don’t forget to check out the unbelievable murals being crafted next to 336 Broad Street (the former Brandau Jewelers building) by the Elyria Arts Council to help commemorate Elyria’s 200^th Birthday next year!  Please join us for the Apple Festival and for other year-round events that can be viewed at www.cityofelyria.org.  Sincere appreciation is extended to Apple Festival Coordinator Linda Brown, Century Club contributors, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, patrons and the Elyria Parks and Recreation Department.  Working together, Elyria continues to make history, then and now!

 

Cleveland Pops Concert in Ely Square - Saturday, September 3, 2016!

Bring your lawn chairs and join us for a FREE, thoroughly entertaining day complete with jazz and blues, an out-of-this-world night of world-class music by the Cleveland Pops Orchestra featuring your old favorites and a collection of John Williams brilliant pieces spanning five decades of Star Wars movies! We’ll have activities for the whole family and Ely Square will be visited by a
variety of fully costumed characters from the greatest Sci-fi movies of all time!

Saturday, September 3, 2016 - ELY SQUARE

(Rain Date for the Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert is Sunday, September 4 at 7:00pm

1:00 – 5:30pm
Ninth Annual Jazz and Blues Music Festival by St. Andrews Episcopal Church the Train, The Lorain County Community College, Jazz Jaime Flores – Jazz, Funk & Blues!
5:30 – 6:45pm
Elyria Parks and Recreation will provide Intergalactic activities for children and adults in Ely Square
7:00 – 9:00pm
Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert
STAR WARS SPECTACULAR
Featuring Conductor Carl Topilow and his world-class musicians

Food Trucks available all day
Hershey’s Ice Cream, Lorenzo’s Pizza, Cofield’s BBQ, & By the Slab Ribs

(Click for Full Size)

Gold Again! Tianna Bartoletta and Team USA Wins Another Gold in the 4x100m Relay!

Congratulation to Tianna Bartoletta and the USA 4x100 Women's Relay Team for winning another gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics!

Go Tianna! 4x100m Relay Tonight - Thursday, August 18, 2016

After a thrilling Wednesday night that resulted in a gold medal for Elyria-native Tianna Bartoletta in the Women's Long Jump, there was more excitement this morning during the qualifying rounds of the Women's 4x100m relay.  Tianna brilliantly ran the first leg of the relay, but later in the race one of her teammates was bumped during a handoff and dropped the baton.  The team successfully filed an appeal and will race their qualifying round tonight around 7:00pm.  They will be alone on the track and need to post a time of 42.70 or better to advance into the finals, so they will need all of our support and well-wishes.  You can read more about it on ESPN.com.

Go Tianna!  You've already made us proud beyond words, but we'd love to see you win another medal!  Go Tianna, go!

GOLD!

Congratulations to Tianna Bartoletta, Gold Medalist in the Women's Long Jump!  

Reminder: Tianna Bartoletta's Quest for Gold Continues Tonight!

Here's a friendly reminder that Elyrian, Gold-Medal Winner, and World-Champion Tianna Bartoletta will continue her quest for gold in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio tonight! Tonight she will be competing in the Women's Long Jump qualifying round, which is scheduled to start around 8pm.   Tianna has a vast amount of experience winning in Long Jump competitions, earing the title of NCAA Champion twice and gold medals in the 2005, 2006, and 2015 World Championships. 


Once again, the entire City of Elyria is behind you, Tianna! You've already proven that you're a champion, and tonight, when you're competing against the greatest athletes in the world, no matter what the results, you're going to make us proud once again.  Go Tianna, Go!

Go Tianna, Go!

On behalf of all of Elyria, best wishes to Tianna Bartoletta as she begins her events today.  Ely square is decorated in her honor (see more pictures below) and a sea of students, residents and fans are wearing red and white to show their support today.  Go, Tiana, go!  The City of Elyria is behind you!

 

Some of the Rio Events run on a tape delay, but for those who want to watch things live or don't have other means to watch on TV, you can legally stream many of the events in real time on the NBC Olympics site here. In the meantime, while you wait for the fun to start, here are a few good articles about Tianna, including her achievements, goals, and training:

• Team USA
• Associated Press
• Chronicle Telegram 

Saturday August 6 is Kids' Day at the Elyria Farmer’s Market!

The Elyria Farmers Market will hold its 2nd Annual Kids Day event this Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9:00am – 1:00pm at 328 Broad Street in Elyria. Invest Elyria has made arrangements for a variety of kid and family-friendly events and appearances throughout the day, including live music, games, free giveaways for kids, a bounce house, and an appearance from Andy the Ambulance!

They will also provide a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of safety (and have fun at the same time!). Elyria Police and Fire Departments as well as LifeCare Ambulance will be on site with a police car, a firetruck, and an ambulance for Safety Forces Show-and-Tell. Food vendors will be available selling some great local fare, as will more than 25 local vendor booths with a variety of produce and hand-crafted items for sale.

And to add some artistic flare to the festivities, the Elyria Arts Council will continue to work on one of the tremendous murals being painted on the walls encompassing Pioneer Plaza during the event! One of the artists will be on-hand to answer your questions and receive input on them as they progress towards capturing moments and memories from our past and present in paint.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a great day of family fun on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Elyria Farmers Market!

ELYRIA PAYS TRIBUTE AND WISHES ALL THE BEST FOR OLYMPIAN TIANNA BARTOLETTA

Ely Square will be transformed next week into a sea of red and white ribbons and a banner celebrating, honoring and encouraging Elyria’s very own Olympian Tianna Bartoletta as this State, USA, World and Olympic champion prepares to compete in her second Olympics in Rio.

Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda has proclaimed August 12, 16 and 18 as Olympian Tianna Bartoletta Days. “Tianna’s hometown of Elyria, Ohio is so very proud of her and we are encouraging residents to show their support by joining the City and displaying red and white ribbons, the color of Tianna’s Elyria High School alma mater, in visible places, like outdoor lanterns, doors, and fences” said Brinda.

Tianna will compete on August 12 at 10:55am in the Women’s 100 Meter, on August 16 at 8:05pm in the Women’s Long Jump, and on August 18 at 10:20am in the Women’s 4 x 100 meter relay.   “Of course we want her to win, but regardless, she’s already an Olympic and world champion and a hero to many young girls and others in her hometown,” said Brinda.  “On and off the track, whether it’s been in world class athletic competitions, academic classrooms, or taking time out to mentor young girls, Tianna has already proven she is a world-class human being.”

Ranked #1 in the world today in the Women’s Long Jump, Bartoletta’s athletic accomplishments are too many to mention, but some highlights include: USA Outdoor Champion – 100 meter; USA Indoor Champion – 60 meter; Gold Medal – Long Jump, 2015 World Outdoor Championships; Gold Medal – Long Jump, 2005 Helsinki World Championships; Silver Medal - Long Jump, 2006 Moscow World Championships; Bronze Medal – 60 meter, Istanbul World Indoor Championships; Gold Medal – 4 x 100 Relay, 2012 London Olympic Games; and many more accomplishments.

“We wish Tianna all the strength necessary to compete among the most elite athletes on this planet, and we are sending across the continents the well wishes of over 54,000 of her strongest supporters in Elyria, Ohio,” said Brinda.

A formal proclamation recognizing Tianna Bartoletta for her tremendous accomplishments can be viewed by clicking here.

ELYRIANS: TELL US WHAT YOU WANT IN YOUR NEW ELY SQUARE FOUNTAIN

The City of Elyria and over 100 volunteers are working very hard to prepare for Elyria’s 200^th birthday in 2017.  There are many exciting events and activities being planned – and a number of legacy projects being developed.

One of the legacy projects for the Bicentennial is the replacement of the fountain in Ely Square.  The current fountain’s mechanics and infrastructure are failing and we want to make sure we have a grand fountain in place in time for our big celebration next year.  The City will be launching a capital campaign later this summer to help raise the philanthropic funds necessary to help build a fountain worthy of our beautiful town square.

 

The City of Elyria would like the public’s input on the design of our new fountain and what features we might want to include.  Should it be a classic or interactive fountain, or should it be both?  Should it have lights, and if so, should they be colored or white?  Do we want to incorporate a music feature?  Is there a way to design the fountain to use the space above it when it must be turned off for events or during the winter months?

To hear your thoughts and suggestions The City of Elyria will sponsor two public meetings next week.  I sincerely hope you can join us for one of them. 

 

Ely Square Fountain Public Input Meetings:

Tuesday, August 2^nd at Elyria City Hall – 131 Court Street

Noon – 1:00pm in the 3^rd Floor Conference Room at City Hall

7:00 – 8:00pm in the 2^nd floor Elyria City Council Chambers

Reservations are not required, but are appreciated to help us plan for refreshments.  Please call the Mayor’s office with your reservation or with any questions you may have at (440) 326-1402.  Thank you in advance for your consideration.  We hope to see you on Tuesday, August 2^nd.

SATURDAY VISIT THE ELYRIA DOWNTOWN MARKET, THE FOUNDRY, AND THE TASTE OF SOUTH

From Mayor Holly Brinda       

 

There is plenty to do in the downtown Elyria area this weekend and I hope you’ll join me.  Start out  

 Saturday between 9am – 1:00pm by visiting the new Pioneer Plaza Market between 320 and 336 Broad Street.  Thanks to collaboration with the City, Invest Elyria, the Elyria Arts Council and the Lorain County Urban League you can buy fresh produce, hand-crafted food and goods, art and more.  With the Elyria Arts Council right next door, visit them to view the talent of local artists and purchase unique items that you just can’t find anywhere else.



Photo courtesy of the Chronicle Telegram

For lunch, visit one of downtown’s great restaurants including Cascade Café, Donna’s Diner, or the new Foundry restaurant.  Downtown’s newest addition, the Foundry, is a classic gastropub featuring local décor that celebrates the strong work ethic in Elyria, Ohio.  I have had a chance to eat at the Foundry twice since its opening last week and the food and beverage has been fantastic!      

Foundry Restaurant Hours are: 

 

Mon.	11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tue.	11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed.	11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thu.	11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri.	11:00 am - 12:00 am
Sat.	11:00 am - 12:00 am
Sun.	10:00 am - 3:00 pm



And before or after lunch this Saturday, don’t forget to visit the Taste of South celebration at South Park – 215 16^th Street.  This annual event features fantastic food and family fun.  The best barbeque in the land, including succulent ribs, mouth-watering chicken, and more are waiting for your dining pleasure.  There is also live entertainment, games, basketball tournament and more.  I hope to see you there! 

Spotlight Elyria - Summer 2016 Edition

The Summer Edition of Spotlight Elyria, including the most recent Community Conversation Meeting and interview with Chronicle Telegram Editor Andy Young as well as footage from our spectacular 2016 Windstream Great American Picnic and Fireworks Show is posted below!

Video & Photos from Superhero Weekend in Elyria

The Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio were an integral part of the Third Annual Elyria Superhero Weekend in May of 2016.  They were kind enough to share their video of some of the event below. 


As usual, the event was a tremendous success and we are always thrilled to have The Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio participate along with our local businesses and groups like Keith's Comics, Atlas Cinemas, the Elyria Comic Book Initiative, Invest Elyria, Beyond the Walls Church, Elyria Elks, The Chronicle Telegram, and the Northeast Ohio Ghostbusters.  Please stay tuned early next year for info on next year's event.  More info on the Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio can be found by clicking here!



As usual, the event was a tremendous success and we are always thrilled to have The Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio participate along with our local businesses and groups like Keith's Comics, Atlas Cinemas, the Elyria Comic Book Initiative, Invest Elyria, Beyond the Walls Church, Elyria Elks, The Chronicle Telegram, and the Northeast Ohio Ghostbusters.

2016 Elyria Fireworks Info, Agenda, and Instructions!

 

Bring the Family and Join Us For

ELYRIA’S 2016 SALUTE TO AMERICA:

THE WINDSTREAM GREAT AMERICAN PICNIC & FIREWORKS SHOW

June 30, 2016 (rain date July 1) 4:00 – 11:00pm at West Park – 1200 Foster Avenue

 

FIREWORKS SCHEDULE & INSTRUCTIONS

 

Agenda

 

4:00pm:  West Park Opens to the Public

4:00pm:  Handicap Parking opens (Central West Park Parking Lot off Foster Avenue)

4:00pm:  Picnic Begins/Food Vendors Open

7:00pm: Elyria Parks & Recreation Staff provide family games

7:15pm:  Live Music on the Windstream Communications Stage begins, featuring performances

                 by Elyria’s own E.T. King and the Determination followed by Headlining Band

                 The Whiskey Kings, fronted by WKYC’s Monica Robbins

Dusk:  Opening Presentations & Fireworks

• Mayor Holly Brinda: Welcome, Introduction of Sponsors 
• Presenting of the Colors – Elyria Veterans Groups
• Pledge of Allegiance – US Army Veteran Terry Stone
• Star Spangled Banner: Tim Deery
• Fireworks begins
• 11:45pm:  Curfew begins

Parking Instructions

Please Carpool:  While the City is working hard to create parking for this event, there will still be a limited number of parking spots available.    

Handicap Parking: Enter the Central West Park Parking Lot via the Foster Avenue entrance.  An official Handicap Parking Identification Tag will be required to gain access for drop-off and parking. 

Parking Prohibited:  For safety purposes, parking on the streets will be limited so please pay attention to posted signage.  Some of the restricted parking Streets are:

 

• Clemens Avenue – Both sides from SR 113 to West Park (Oakwood Avenue)
• Oakwood Avenue – Both sides from Clemens Avenue to Penfield Avenue.
• Penfield Avenue – Both sides from Oakwood Avenue to Lowell Street.
• Lowell Street – Both sides from Lake Avenue to Elyria Corp. (West of the railroad track overpass.)
• Foster Avenue – Both sides from West Park to Woodland Avenue and the west bound side from Woodland Avenue to Lake Avenue.
• Spruce Street – Both sides from Penfield Avenue to Oakwood School.

 

Residential Traffic:  Only residential traffic will be permitted on Rockfern and Seneca avenues. 

 

Adjusted Traffic Patterns:  Please see the city's website for complete traffic pattern adjustments for the fireworks celebration here.

 

Park Rules for the Fireworks

You may bring into the park: blankets and beach towels, tarps, lawn chairs, personal-size umbrellas, cameras, cell phones, binoculars, sealed water bottles, baby strollers, wagons, food, flashlight, bug repellent, coolers.  All items brought into the park are subject to city inspection.  

 

The following items are strictly prohibited: fireworks or sparklers; throwing or batting toys; skateboards or inline skates; bicycles; laser pointers; alcohol; illegal drugs; tents; large golf umbrellas or flags; animals (except service dogs). 

 

Park Etiquette

 

Please, be thoughtful when setting up lawn chairs that you try not to block others’ views; try not to smoke cigarettes in close proximity to others – especially children; be thoughtful while navigating through crowds to insure the safety of those who may be unsteady on their feet or those transporting children in strollers or wagons.       

 

Food Vendors

 

For your dining pleasure, the following food vendors, who will be inspected and approved by the Elyria Health Department, will be providing food:  Hershey’s Ice Cream ‘n More, Marco’s Pizza, By the Slab Catering,  Lorenzo’s Pizzeria, & traditional carnival fare from both Goldstar Food Service and Island Delights.  

 

Curfew

 

For safety and security reasons, the City of Elyria will be enforcing an 11:45pm city-wide curfew to encourage citizens to leave West Park and the neighborhood immediately after the fireworks show. 

 

 

Thank You to These City of Elyria Summer of 2016

 

Community Reinvestment Sponsors

 

(Fireworks, Camps, Concert Supporters: $10,000 - $500)

 

Windstream Communications, Elyria Charities Inc., BASF Corporation, Republic Services, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, 3M Corporation, 3M Gives, Friends of Cascade Park,  Bob's Tire Service, K.E. McCartney & Associates, Inc.,  United Initiators, Ridge Tool, KS Associates,  American Legion Post #12, Northwest Bank,  University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center,  AECOM,  EcoTree Services,  LLC, Dunlap's Garage,  Elyria Rotary, LifeCare Ambulance, Gregory Trucking Inc., Elyria Elks Lodge #465, … and many, many more.