Mayor's Office

The Grindstone Festival is Berea’s signature event. It symbolizes Berea’s origins as the Grindstone City and the sandstone quarries that dominated our industry into the early 20th century. 

This year, the Grindstone Festival runs July 3-4 with a parade on July 3 and the giant fireworks display on July 4. In between there will be rides, games, food vendors and lots of music at Coe Lake Park. 

All this would not be possible without our generous donors. We are most grateful to those businesses, organizations and residents who contribute each year, not only to the Grindstone Festival but to all City events. Your support, whether $5 or thousands of dollars, enables us to offer the Live at the Lake concert series each summer, the Harvest Festival, the Jack Frost Festival and other family-friendly outings. The donations ensure that these events are free. 

Post pandemic, the costs of mounting these entertainments has increased significantly. Bands have increased their fees. Vendors are more expensive. So, the City has looked at creative ways to fund the schedule of events. Thank you to all who have stepped up to the plate to increase their donations, in some cases, or to maintain their level of giving so that we can continue to offer residents fun alternatives year-round. 

These events also are economic drivers. They attract visitors from throughout northeast Ohio, who then spend dollars in our local businesses. During the Father’s Day Classic Car Show, for example, downtown restaurants were open and thriving. There were waiting lines, packed tables and a slew of take-out orders. 

Major sponsors are listed elsewhere in this issue of The Berean. Please patronize them, letting them know how much we all appreciate their support of Berea. 

Have a safe and happy Fourth. I hope to see you at the Grindstone Festival!