By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
If you’ve never experienced Painesville Community Improvement Corp.’s (PCIC) Party in the Park, you’re missing one of Lake County’s signature summer traditions.
For three days, Painesville comes alive with live music, great food, refreshing drinks, local vendors, children’s activities and thousands of people enjoying time with family and friends.
It feels like one giant neighborhood reunion where everyone is welcome.
What many people may not realize is that behind every cold drink served, every smiling volunteer, every children’s activity and every musical performance, is an army of dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to make it all happen.
Over the three-day festival weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 17-19, approximately 175 volunteers work three-hour shifts on the main festival grounds, while another 100 volunteers keep the popular Family Fun Zone running smoothly.
Add in the crews who begin setting up on Wednesday before the festival and those who remain through the following Tuesday for teardown and cleanup, it’s more than 400 committee members and volunteers who contribute their time to help stage what has become Ohio’s largest music festival.
Finding that many volunteers is no small task.
That’s where PCIC’s second vice president and volunteer coordinator Cherri Janos comes in.
Much of her year is spent recruiting volunteers, coordinating schedules, managing last-minute changes and making sure everyone has a positive experience so they’ll return year after year.
This year, PCIC introduced something new to help build that volunteer family.
Quarterly volunteer mixers are now being held at restaurants throughout the five communities PCIC serves: Concord Township, Painesville, Painesville Township, Fairport Harbor and Grand River.
It’s a wonderful way to thank current volunteers, welcome new ones and support local restaurants at the same time.
Two mixers have already been held this year, with three more planned before year’s end.
Of course, Party in the Park is much more than a weekend of entertainment. Hosted by the PCIC, a nonprofit organization founded in 1977, the festival serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser.
Every dollar raised is reinvested into projects and programs that strengthen our communities.
PCIC’s mission is to support the physical, social and economic revitalization of Painesville and the surrounding communities.
One of its most meaningful initiatives is funding the Safety Around Water program, which teaches 2nd graders lifesaving water safety skills, including how to float, tread water and safely exit a pool.
The organization has also helped support the new Jefferson Street skatepark and provides grants and sponsorships to dozens of local nonprofits, schools and community organizations throughout Lake County.
This year’s festival will also include a special presentation honoring legendary Cleveland radio personality John Gorman with PCIC’s Lifetime Achievement Award during Saturday evening’s festivities.
As impressive as Party in the Park is, its greatest accomplishment may be bringing people together, not just for one weekend, but throughout the year.
Whether you attend for the music, the food, the Family Fun Zone or simply to spend time with friends, you’ll also be helping support programs that make our community stronger.
And if you’d like to be part of making the magic happen, PCIC is always looking for new volunteers and new members.
To become a PCIC Party in the Park volunteer, visit painesvilleimprovement.com/party-in-the-park or email Cherri Janos at volunteers.pcic@gmail.com.
Sometimes the best way to enjoy a community celebration isn’t just by attending, it’s by helping create it.
When you see good news, and you will, please send it to cpriceconcord@aol.com. Include your name, phone number, city of residence and email address.
