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Help Keep Big Creek Clean (Saturday, June 1) A collaboration between many environmental organizations for several years, volunteers are needed once again to help clean up one of Parma’s most important watersheds. All individuals and organizations interested are asked to meet at 9:00 am at the Cleveland Metroparks’ Snow Road Picnic Area along Big Creek Parkway.  Bags and gloves will be provided, but it is suggested you wear long pants and boots. The event will go until noon when a light lunch and drinks will be provided. For more information contact Amy Roskilly at the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District at 216-524-6580 (x1005).

Catch a Game at Veterans Memorial and/or Mayor James Day Park (Various Dates/Times)

When was the last time you strolled through State Road Park or Nike Park? Have you seen the beautiful memorials in honor of our veterans, the monument of the Parma Amateur Athletic Federation, the smooth walking/jogging path and the many other amenities these parks have to offer?  Even better, before or after your stroll, catch one of the many exciting baseball or softball games that go on pretty consistently throughout the summer. It’s free!

29th Annual Parma Rib n’ Rock (Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9)

Parma’s premier summer event will take place once again at Cuyahoga Community College’s western campus (CCC-West), 11000 West Pleasant Valley Road. Admission is $3 per person, while children under 12 are free. Check out Facebook or the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce’s website for more information. Full of fun, rides for the kids, live music, great drinks, excellent ribs, and vendors - it is a family favorite! 

Independence Day Parade (Wednesday, July 4)

Parma’s famous July 4 parade always begins near Snow Road and proceeds south on Ridge to The Shoppes at Parma. The parade commences at 10:00 am and hosts several local veterans and fraternal organizations, Parma’s safety forces, local high schools bands, Boy and Girl Scout troops, several elected officials, among many other groups. 

9th Annual Parma Area Run-Walk for Pierogies (Saturday, July 6)

Sponsored by University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and Perla Pierogies at 5380 State Road, the Run-Walk has become a Parma area summer staple. Consistently hosting over 800 runners and walkers, participants are treated with the signature t-shirt, drinks, plenty of surprises and, of course, Perla’s famous pierogies! Cost is $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the event, while children 11 and under are $10. The charity event will take place once again on the campus of CCC-West. For more information check out www.hermescleveland.com or on Facebook. 

87th Annual St. Charles Borromeo Parish Carnival (Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14)

The carnival kicks off on Wednesday with a parade on Ridge Road at 5:30 that proceeds from the famous Parma Circle to the St. Charles campus at 5891 Ridge Road. Attendees can enjoy nightly entertainment, excellent ethnic food, a car raffle, lots of games for kids and adults, air-conditioned bingo, a beer and wine garden and much, much more. Grounds open at 6:30 pm daily. 

Stearns’ Homestead (Saturdays and Sundays)

Come out and enjoy Parma’s only working farm located at 6975 Ridge Road from noon to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from May through mid-October. Take the family back in time and feed the animals, tour the homestead, check out the vendors for fresh eggs, baked goods, locally grown produce and honey, and more at this forty-eight-acre farm. Find out about their many other activities at http://www.stearnshomestead.com/.

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church Summer Festival (Saturday, July 20)

Located at 5913 State Road, St. Vladimir’s is one of Parma’s many beautiful places of worship. My wife and I love this event. Doreen Jogan and her kitchen crew always serve up excellent homemade Ukrainian fare that can be washed down with a fine selection of very good beverages. Great entertainment, tours of the cathedral and interesting vendors will also be a part of the celebration. Stop by noon to 11:00 pm.

Cleveland Metroparks’ West Creek Reservation and Watershed Stewardship Center (Open Daily)

I am still surprised at how many Parma residents still have not visited the newest jewel in our Emerald Necklace right here in Parma on West Ridgewood Drive near Broadview Road. The Watershed Stewardship Center is nationally famous for being the first of its kind to teach park-goers about the importance of being good stewards of our waterways. The many trails, bridges, and overlooks are simply stunning. You have to see it for yourself and I guarantee you will be proud of what we have. To find out more visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com.