Sept. 5 — HERMITAGE — The threat of rain didn’t deter thousands from showing up for the annual Buhl Day festivities.
“We brought umbrellas,” said Sarah Ryser, 31, of Hubbard, Ohio. “We figured we’d stick with it as long as the kids were willing.”
The Rysers, Sarah’s husband Forest, and their two sons, Willow, 3, and Colton, 9 months, were all ready for some Buhl Day fun as they walked to the balloon animals.
This was the family’s first time attending Buhl Day.
“Our neighbor recommended it to us,” Sarah said. “She just said it’s a nice family event.”
Buhl Day, which recognizes industrialist Frank Buhl and his wife, Julia, is celebrated each year on Labor Day. The first Buhl Day, held in 1915, marked the opening of the park.
Park officials traditionally honor honorees who have made contributions to the community. This year’s honorees were former Shenango Valley Urban League CEO Michael Wright, State Representative Mark Longietti and Victoria Rivetti “The Storytelling Lady” Lingner.
The event included food trucks, entertainment and, the biggest attraction, Buhl Park itself.
Karen Emmett, co-chair of the Buhl Day Committee, said several families were out for the Buhl Day Parade and the “biggest picnic in the park” on Labor Day Monday, even with the threat of rain
“I think people will keep coming and coming even if it rains,” Emmett said. “If it really rains, they’ll be here with umbrellas.”
He said the sprinkling of rain didn’t dampen the parade at all.
“The parade route was packed,” Emmett said, estimating several thousand people turned out for Buhl Day. “They’re here to spend the day and enjoy the music. We have a variety of things for the kids to do.”
In addition to the balloon animals, the kids were also excited about the bounce houses.
Nolan Bauer, 8, West Middlesex, went out for the kids’ activities, but also for the food. From gyros to pasta bread bowls, there was something for everyone.
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Nolan got his first gyro and loved it. Her friend, 10-year-old Jillian McAnallen, said she came for the food.
Nolan’s mother, Ashley Bauer, 36, remembers going out on Buhl Day several years as a child.
“I remember walking and eating it,” Ashley said.
Summer Peters, 29, a lifelong area resident who lives in Sharpsville, also remembers coming to Buhl Day as a child. She especially remembers the parade, but her favorite part of Buhl’s day is the food.
As an adult, Summer brought her two children to Buhl Day with her: Lillian Peters, 9, and Patrick Peters, 3.
Lillian was in the parade as Miss Jefferson Township 2022, wearing her crown and a festive red, white and blue dress.
“Lillian loves balloon animals and Penn State ice cream,” Summer said.
The Peters didn’t mind the possible rain either.
“We would have come anyway. We had a backup plan for her to be in the parade,” Summer said, adding that they were carrying umbrellas.
Summer was also glad that a crowd could gather after worrying about the pandemic for the past two years.
“It’s nice to get back to normal a little bit and get together,” Summer said.
Follow Melissa Klaric on Twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
Follow Melissa Klaric on Twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
